Thobeka Mvelase

Thobeka Mvelase is a 22-year-old young lady from a small town called Estcourt, just outside Mooi River in the Midlands. She was raised by a single mother, who had to work tirelessly to put her and siblings through school. That experience has moulded Thobeka into being a strong fearless woman.

She matriculated from Estcourt High School in 2013 and enrolled for a bachelor’s degree in Social Science, majoring in Geography and Environmental Management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Thobeka is currently enrolled at UNISA for an honours degree in Environmental Management. She hopes that one day she will be the first PhD graduate in her family.

Thobeka is currently working as a science journalist intern at EZakwa-Zulu community newspaper. “It is an amazing platform for me to research and write about everyday environmental matters and science in general. I am very grateful to SAASTA for granting me this opportunity.” 

Thobeka is looking forward to unpacking and tackling socio-environmental issues. She hopes to educate and inform her community newspaper readers about these issues.