Londiwe Makhaye grew up near an industrial zone and this only made her more eager to seek the calm of nature. To this day, she loves jogging so she can connect with the great outdoors and, living in Cape Town, she has no shortage of opportunities. She was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg and after matriculating, enrolled for a Bachelor of Social Science and then an Honours in Geography and Environmental Management.  

She is currently placed with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as a geographic information systems (GIS) technician intern. In this role, Londiwe assists with updating various biodiversity-related indicators for national and international processes, focusing on GIS analysis, data management, capacity building and research assistance. 

We asked her a few questions to find out more about her work, studies and inspirations: 

What are you passionate about? 

I want to help people better understand the environment through a spatial lens, even if they don’t have a technical background, to enable meaningful decision-making that supports sustainable environmental practices. 

What inspired your choice of study? 

Growing up in an urban area next to an industrial zone, I had very little access to natural spaces, which only made me more fascinated by them. Whenever I spent time in nature, I felt a deep sense of peace and calm. That contrast between my everyday surroundings and the tranquility of the natural world sparked a desire to learn more. It inspired me to pursue a degree in Geography and Environmental Management so I could better understand the environment and help protect and manage it for future generations to experience its benefits.

What excites you about your internship? 

An exciting part of this internship is the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of professionals. I’m especially looking forward to working alongside a GIS specialist, as it offers a valuable chance to deepen my technical skills and grow in this field. Completing this internship in a province outside my home is also a unique and rewarding experience because it broadens my perspective and helps me adapt to new environments professionally and personally. 

What are your expectations of this internship? 

I expect to deepen my technical skills in GIS, particularly in data management, spatial analysis and map refinement, while gaining hands-on experience applying these tools to real-world environmental challenges. I look forward to guidance from experienced professionals, contributing to meaningful projects and growing my understanding of how spatial data can drive positive outcomes for both people and nature. 

What contribution do you hope to make towards a future in which people and nature thrive? 

I hope to improve the availability and accessibility of spatial data and information that will inform more accurate and meaningful decision-making for sustainable environmental practices benefiting both people and nature. 

Who inspires you most and why? 

My mother is my biggest inspiration. Her motto is, “Angeke ngihlulwe into engakhulumi,” which means, “I refuse to be defeated by something that can’t even talk.” She refuses to let life’s silent battles like fear, doubt and stress control her. To me, her life shows that you can overcome any challenge with the right mindset.