GCRO researchers participate in the 2026 Gauteng Department of Environment Lekgotla

On 7 October 2026, GCRO researchers Dr Samkelisiwe Khanyile, Dr Samiksha Singh and Akosua Awuah attended the Gauteng Department of Environment (GDEnv) Strategic Planning workshop (Departmental Lekgotla) at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg. The session was attended by the MEC for Environment, Mr Ewan Botha, and senior officials in the office of the MEC, GDEnv, the Office of the Premier, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (GDARD), the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COHWHS) & Dinokeng Projects, and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE).

^{Akosua Awuah, Dr Samkelisiwe Khanyile and Dr Samiksha Singh at the GDEnV strategic planning workshop.}

The first day opened with the purpose and outcomes of the Lekgotla from the facilitator, Pastor Henry Markus, and Acting HoD: Environment, Mr Matthew Sathekge, and a keynote address from the MEC of Environment, the Honourable Mr Ewan Botha. GCRO’s Dr Samkelisiwe Khanyile delivered a presentation titled ‘Statistical Information on the Environmental Outlook ’, which drew from the 2025 Gauteng Province Environment Outlook Report and GCRO’s Quality of Life Survey 7 (2023/24) data and national statistics. The presentation provided a global baseline of demographic drivers and biophysical trends, before narrowing the focus to the Gauteng context. It also highlighted the province’s current environmental state, trends affecting the environmental sector, and opportunities to shift current trajectories toward more sustainable outcomes. The presentation allowed attendees to reflect on how these trends intersect with their strategic plans and ongoing work, while considering how best to anticipate and respond to the challenges Gauteng is projected to face.

^{Dr Samkelisiwe Khanyile is presenting at the GDEnv strategic planning workshop. Photo credit: Dr Samiksha Singh.}

The second day of the Lekgotla included presentations from Corporate Services, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management departments. The presentations initiated discussions on implementation, departmental capacity, infrastructure planning, progress, challenges, and recommendations. The Lekgotla concluded with reflections on the way forward and closing remarks from the MEC before the Lekgotla was adjourned.