Mr Nkhumbuleni Nemakonde, a qualified environmental-health practitioner at the Vhembe District Municipality, has become the first person from Africa to be elected honorary secretary of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
This honour was bestowed on him during the World Congress on Environmental Health, which was held in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia from 21 to 25 August this year.
The IFEH is an organisation whose full members are national associations representing the interests of environmental-health professionals throughout the world. Its function is to disseminate knowledge concerning environmental health and promote co-operation between countries where environmental health problems are transboundary.
Nemakonde is expected to be the initial point of contact and official correspondent for the IFEH, and to take decisions on matters that cannot wait for council meetings. He will also have to ensure that the federation continues to exchange information and experience on environmental health issues and hold world congresses and meetings to discuss subjects relevant to environmental health science and administration. Nemakonde will represent the interests of environmental health to state agencies, national governments, and international organisations.
As the secretary, he will furthermore be the main person to liaise with the organisers of the next world congress, which is to be held in Perth, Australia, from 20 to 25 May 2024.
During the congress, Nemakonde presented a paper on Sustainable Development Goals - Smart Village Concept Pilot Project. The project is aimed at reducing the burden on women of collecting firewood and water through the introduction of biomass stoves and solar pumps in rural communities. His presentation won the Best Oral Presentation award at the congress.
Nemakonde could not hide his excitement. "What an honour this is for me! These new responsibilities mean I have to work extra hard to carry the mandate entrusted to me. This is the best thing to have happened to me, and I will not disappoint," he said.