Amanda Kalaku joined Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in 2020 as a first-job intern and has since advanced to the role of Catchment Convenor and Rangeland/Waste Management Lead. She holds a Diploma in Tourism Management from the University of South Africa and plans to pursue further studies in the future.

Amanda plays a pivotal role in ERS’s regenerative rangeland work, collaborating closely with Rangeland Facilitators and support staff to fulfill rangeland-related contracts and contribute to the organization’s broader mission of landscape restoration.

Additionally, Amanda provides essential support in ERS’s landscape convening work, particularly as the secretariat for the Umzimvubu Catchment Partnership (UCP). She ensures alignment with member expectations, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), and internal donor commitments.

Furthermore, she leads ERS’s waste management program, which aims to mitigate the negative impacts of poorly managed waste on landscapes and freshwater resources. Her primary focus is on empowering residents with alternative strategies to minimize waste’s effects on their livelihoods and overall well-being.

In her leadership across multiple projects, Amanda works closely with the EcoChamps and provides comprehensive support to technical staff, ensuring effective project delivery and alignment with organizational goals.