Amanda Nontobeko Buthelezi (she/her) is a marine science researcher and educator from South Africa, with a deep passion for ocean conservation and climate action. She holds a Diploma, Advanced Diploma (passed with cum laude), and Postgraduate Diploma (passed with summa cum laude) in Marine Science from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is currently pursuing her Masters research on using polychaetes as bio-indicators of metal pollution in estuarine ecosystems. Her research, which focuses on the Berg River Estuary; a Ramsar site, is the first of its kind in South Africa and aims to establish crucial baselines for monitoring and conserving the country’s estuarine environments.
One of her most formative experiences was getting hands-on conservation work at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), where she played a crucial role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered seabirds. She later interned at Cape Nature, where she managed the Avian Influenza outbreak at the Berg River Estuary. Here, Amanda worked alongside various South African governmental departments and organizations to monitor estuarine health through water sampling and analysis, reinforcing her commitment to marine health and conservation. In addition to her conservation work, Amanda is deeply involved in marine research. She has participated in significant research expeditions, including cruises aboard the like the SA Agulhas II and the R/V Roger Revelle, conducting oceanographic sampling and contributing to significant research in the Southern, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. These experiences have shaped her understanding of marine ecosystems and strengthened her commitment to protecting them.
In addition to her research, Amanda is an experienced educator and advocate. She has played a significant role in ACCESS’s Habitable Planet Workshop (HPW) program, where she has served as a core lecturer and facilitator, educating students on Earth systems science. Through her work with HPW, Amanda has trained student leaders, hosted the Planeteers podcast focused on informing the public about science news, and recently had the opportunity to teach West African students in Ghana about the importance of ocean circulation and biogeochemical cycles.
Amanda is driven by a strong desire to ensure that scientific research is applied to real-world conservation efforts and is passionate about making ocean science accessible to all. Her work as a tutor and retention officer at CPUT, along with her involvement in community outreach programs like I AM WATER, highlights her commitment to fostering inclusive education and environmental stewardship. Through her role with I AM WATER, she has helped educate underserved communities about ocean conservation, emphasizing inclusivity in environmental stewardship.
Now, as a newly appointed member of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, Amanda hopes to continue her advocacy for ocean conservation and climate action on a global stage. She is excited to represent South Africa and collaborate with fellow Council members. Her vision is to inspire tangible change in ocean stewardship, especially within communities most affected by climate change, and to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect the planet.