Zipho Tyoda is a goal-orientated Earth Science professional.
The 28-year-old’s prestigious role as the National Department of Science and Technology’s deputy director includes coordinating the activities of the Earth observations community, contributing to African Earth observation initiatives (AfriGEOSS) and to global initiatives such as the Group on Earth Observations (GEO).
The National Department of Science and Technology team is responsible for organising the 3rd AfriGEOSS symposium in Gabon. The symposium showcases the use of Earth observations in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and development policies at national and regional levels.
Tyoda’s accomplishments include acting as co-chair for the GEO which is an intergovernmental partnership that improves the availability, access and use of Earth observations for a sustainable planet and he also represented AfriGEOSS on a number of global Earth observations platforms.
The Idutywa-born leader’s vision is to contribute towards positioning South Africa as the major player in Earth observations and space sciences. His desire is to see SADC begin to trade freely and for the global community to begin accepting and embracing cultural diversities. Tyoda also believes that African youth should be nurtured into future leaders who will play a central role in addressing Africa’s challenges.
