Tshedza Matladi

Tshedza Matladi is an emerging voice in climate science and sustainability, blending her expertise in agrometeorology with a passion for research and advocacy. Currently based in Pretoria, South Africa, Tshedza serves as a Research Technician in Agrometeorology at the Agricultural Research Council. Her academic grounding in the environmental sciences is robust, holding a Bachelor of Science in Agrometeorology and currently pursuing a Master of Science in Climate Change at the University of the Free State. She is also a member of the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society, underscoring her commitment to academic excellence and leadership.

Professionally, Tshedza has gathered valuable experience across multiple roles, including internships and assistantships within the University of the Free State's Department of Soil, Crop, and Climate Sciences. Her skill set spans agroecology, qualitative research, climate finance, and high-performance computing—making her a well-rounded scientist equipped to address climate challenges from both practical and theoretical lenses. Her certification in Remote Sensing for Agricultural Water Management from IHE Delft further complements her agrometeorological background, emphasizing her interest in data-driven solutions for climate resilience in agriculture.

In early 2025, Tshedza joined the Climate Change Writers South Africa team as a researcher and writer, where she made a significant impact through her analytical and storytelling capabilities. During her tenure, she was recognized as one of the organization’s Top 3 Performers and celebrated for her role as an exceptional researcher. Her work included authoring articles that contextualized the relationship between extreme weather events and broader climate change trends in South Africa—advocating for resilience, sustainable infrastructure, and policy-driven preparedness in the face of growing environmental threats.

Beyond her research contributions, Tshedza's involvement in community engagement and youth education further exemplifies her dedication to climate literacy. As a judge for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists and a former First-Year Orientation Crew member at the University of the Free State, she has actively participated in nurturing the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards. Tshedza Matladi stands out as a young professional whose commitment to science, advocacy, and community outreach is helping shape a more informed and sustainable future.