Pretoria – Peter Mbelengwa has been appointed as the new Chief Director/Head of Communications and Advocacy, and Spokesperson for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Announcing the appointment on Wednesday, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy said: We are confident that with his academic qualifications, sound media relations skills and expertise in areas of strategic communication and stakeholder management.”
Minister Barbara Creecy added: “Mr Mbelengwa will seamlessly lead our communications efforts as we endeavor to build a society that lives in harmony with its environment.
In his role, Mbelengwa will play a crucial part in building and sustaining relationships with members of the media, communities as well as local and international stakeholders in the environment sector.
He will also serve as the official spokesperson for the Department and the Ministry, an important responsibility in advocating for sustainable use of our natural resources.
Mbelengwa has an impeccable track record spanning more than 20 years in government communications, having worked in multiple departments including the South African Police Service, City of Tshwane, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Arts and Culture, and the Ministry in the Presidency responsible for Women.
Among many other academic qualifications, Mbelengwa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science from the University of South Africa and recently graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Wits Business School.
Mbelengwa is expected to commence his duties as the new Head of Communications and Advocacy on 1 October 2023.
