Ngogodo saves the planet through justice

GROWING up in South Africa, Sibongakonke Ngogodo saw how environmental harm often affects vulnerable communities the hardest. This motivated her to pursue a career in environmental law to help drive change where it’s needed most.

Today, she is a legal officer in the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Land, Air, Water and Species (LAWS) Unit.

“I’ve always believed that the law can be a powerful tool for protecting both people and the planet.”

Ngogodo’s role involves supporting the organisation’s mission by ensuring compliance with environmental laws, promoting good governance and contributing to legal and policy reform.

“I’m driven by a commitment to justice, accountability, and using legal tools to support conservation and sustainable development.”

One of her proudest moments came when she contributed to a legal submission that challenged a proposed amendment to environmental legislation - one that would have weakened biodiversity protections.

“We compiled legal and scientific arguments to demonstrate the risks the amendment posed to critical habitats and species. Our submission helped delay the proposal and opened the door for broader public consultation. It was a clear reminder that well-informed legal advocacy can shape policy decisions and safeguard ecosystems, especially for communities that depend on them,” Ngogodo said.

She cites weak enforcement of environmental laws as one of the biggest threats to the environment. Despite strong legal frameworks in South Africa, she says poor monitoring and limited capacity often result in illegal activities; this includes pollution, habitat destruction, and non-compliant developments all going unpunished.

Ngogodo says that in environmental law and conservation, women are often underrepresented in decision-making and policy spaces. Gender bias and the dominance of male voices can also make it challenging for women’s expertise to be acknowledged. However, she has managed to work around this challenge.

“I have navigated this by building strong legal expertise, contributing to impactful conservation law reform, and surrounding myself with strong mentorship, especially women in law and conservation,” says Ngogodo.

This legal trailblazer stresses that environmental law and conservation need passionate, informed women who are not afraid to challenge injustice and protect what matters.

“Your voice matters, especially in spaces where it’s often missing. Stay curious, build your knowledge, and don’t underestimate the power of your perspective. There’s space for you at the table - claim it!”