Thobekile Gambu | Lead Environmental Scientist
uMngeni-uThukela Water

Thobekile Gambu is a distinguished Environmental Scientist and Sustainability Strategist, currently serving as the Sustainability Lead at uMngeni-uThukela Water. In this role, she drives the integration of sustainability and climate-responsive practices into business strategy, operational planning, and decision-making. Her work focuses on business sustainability, climate risk mitigation, resilience and adaptation planning, innovation, and resource efficiency, with the objective of strengthening water security and enabling long-term institutional sustainability within the water sector. She operates at the intersection of science, policy, and infrastructure, supporting the transition toward climate-resilient and low-carbon water services. Thobekile holds a Master of Science in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, and a postgraduate diploma from the Copenhagen Business School. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with research centred on building energy systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure performance. Beyond her professional role, Thobekile plays an active leadership and advisory role across the water, energy, and sustainability sectors, serving on various boards and committees in an advisory capacity. In these roles, she provides strategic guidance on infrastructure development, energy transition initiatives, and sustainability governance, while contributing to platforms that advance green infrastructure, women’s economic empowerment, and science- and innovation-led approaches within the water and energy landscape. Thobekile Gambu’s multidisciplinary expertise, thought leadership, and commitment to sustainable development position her as a leading voice in shaping Africa’s water and energy future