28/04/2005: “The Department
of Environmental Affairs & Tourism has
had the great fortune to attract and retain
exceptional leaders and outstanding public
servants,” said Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister
of Environmental Affairs & Tourism reacting
to the announcement by Cabinet on Thursday
of the new Director General for the Department,
Ms. Pamela Bulelwa Yako.
“Apart from being one of the most driven
and capable managers in the public service
today, Pam Yako has also spent the last three
and a half years working at the coal-face
of our efforts in promoting tourism and protecting
our environment,” said the Minister welcoming
the appointment. “Her tenure as Chief Operating
Officer has seen our Department transformed
into a more efficient, more effective and
more energised vehicle for delivery to all
South African communities. This experience
and insight into the portfolio, combined with
her own extensive skills and knowledge, makes
Pam almost uniquely suited to the position
of Director General,and I have no doubt that
her service in this new position will carry
our Department to new heights.”
Ms. Yako holds a BCom from Rhodes University
, a Diploma in Labour Law from the Graduate
Institute of Management and Technology, and
is completing a Master's Degree in Business
Leadership through UNISA. She was instrumental
in the successful hosting by South Africa
of both the World Parks Congress and the World
Summit on Sustainable Development, having
been seconded as Deputy CEO to the Johannesburg
World Summit Company. Prior to her appointment
as Chief Operating Officer of the Department
in October 2003 she held the post of Deputy
Director General for Biodiversity and Conservation.Before
moving to the Department she was the Municipal
Manager of the Amatole District Municipality
and Chief Executive Officer of the Amatole
District Council. She currently serves on
the boards of both the South African National
Biodiversity Institute and the Rand Water
Foundation.
“The focal areas of our Department are increasingly
moving to the centre of Government's programme
of action,” said the Minister. “With challenges
like climate change, loss of biodiversity,
sustainable development and building responsible,
tourism all gaining new importance, visionary
leadership is essential for guiding and driving
these processes. Pam Yako is the best person
for the job, and I look forward to working
with her.”
