CCARDESA Secretariat

Dr Bridget Kakuwa-Kasongamulilo holds a PhD in Communication from the University of South Africa,  Master’s in communication for Development (MCD), Bachelor of Arts in Library & Information Science (BALIS), Diploma in Secondary School Teaching in French & Civic Education and Certificate in Diplomatic Practice, Protocol & Public Relations. Bridget has published on communication strategies used to promote regional integration in Africa, education for sustainable development, WASH, HIV & AIDS, Education, Climate Change and Agriculture.

Ms. Futhi Magagula is a result oriented and dedicated professional with 24-year experience in the field of forestry, agriculture, environment, biodiversity and climate change gained from the public service and intergovernmental organizations. Ms Magagula holds a Master's in Natural Resource Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Science from the The University of Melbourne (Australia), B.Sc in Forestry from Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania) and a Diploma in Forestry from Zimbabwe College of Forestry (Zimbabwe). She joined the CCARDESA Secretariat in March 2015.

Dr. Barthlomew Chataika is a dedicated and result-oriented professional with high esteem for contributing to agricultural research for development (AR4D). He has over 15years of work and consultancy experience in the agricultural sector. Dr. Chataika holds a Ph.D in Agriculture majoring in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Master of Science Degree in Agronomy (Plant Breeding), a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Crop Science), and a Diploma in Agriculture. His Ph.D.

Mrs Botho Monyama has more than 15 years of experience, having worked in both the public (Government of Botswana) and private sectors. She worked as a Secretary for four years in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development under the Ministry Management. After that, she worked for four years as a Secretary at the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security under the Ministry Headquarters. During her tenure in the two ministries, she gained a diverse background in secretarial work, business administration, and management.

Tseliso Makara is a Scholar and holds a Masters of Science in Social Protection Financing as well as several Professional Qualifications in Procurement and Contract Management. He has over 10 years of experience in both private and public Sectors. For the past, ten years, he has been working in the public procurement monitoring and training as well as managing large scale procurements under the support of Development Partners such as World Bank, African Development Bank and European Union. Through this path he has been able to develop strategic long-term partnerships at all levels.

Simbarashe Mutamiri, a Zimbabwean national, is a certified chartered accountant with over 14 years’ experience in financial and performance reporting, financial management, budgeting,  as well as capital and treasury management. He holds an MSc degree in Finance & Investment from the National University of Science & Technology (NUST) in Zimbabwe, and B.Com. Accounting (Hons) degrees from MSU (Zim) and UNISA (RSA).

Dr Majola Mabuza is an Agricultural Economist with a PhD in Agricultural Economics (University of KwaZulu-Natal), an MSc in Agricultural Economics (University of Zimbabwe), Master of Agriculture in Food Security (University of KwaZulu-Natal), a BSc in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Economics and Management, and a Diploma in Agriculture (University of Eswatini).

Management and Leadership: Cliff is the Executive Director of CCARDESA. He is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary expert with specializations in agriculture, biodiversity, forestry, climate change, development finance, environmental law, sustainable development, business administration and business leadership and management (1993-date). Cliff has held several technical and executive leadership positions in Eswatini, Zambia, South Africa and Botswana where he has interacted with the Board, staff, multi-stakeholders, partners and funders.