Makano Aphane

Social Impact entrepreneur |BeVisioneers Fellow Sustainability Governance | Founder, Fresh Earth Collective| Climate Policy, Accountability & Institutional Performance in South Africa|Planning, M&E Reporting and Research

Pretoria Metropolitan Area

About

Makano Aphane is a sustainability governance specialist focused on the intersection of climate policy implementation, institutional performance, and accountability in South Africa. His work centres on translating national and global climate commitments into measurable outcomes at the municipal level, with a particular emphasis on governance capacity, inequality, and climate resilience. He is currently developing a sustainability research driven initiative that is designed to track progress on climate and sustainability targets, identify implementation gaps, and generate accessible, policy-relevant insights. He is a beVisioneers Fellow and has contributed to education policy and stakeholder processes through his work with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). He holds an Honours degree in Political Science from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Pretoria, with a background in political analysis, evidence-based research, and programme support across public and civil society institutions.

Experience

  • Fellow at beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Planning, Monitoring Evaluation Reporting and Research at South African Council For Educators
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Intern at South African Council For Educators, South Africa
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    Monitor institutional risk and performance indicators across multiple programmes, identifying implementation gaps, delays, and compliance risks. Conduct structured qualitative and quantitative analysis to assess operational and governance risks. Track incidents, deviations, and performance anomalies, escalating findings in line with internal protocols. Support continuous improvement of reporting frameworks, data accuracy, and internal processes. Develop and implement M&E frameworks, collect and analyze data, and generate reports to inform decision making. Conduct, analyze, and manage research projects.

  • Director/Founder at The fresh Earth Collective
    Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

    Fresh Earth Collective is a youth-led circular innovation and climate governance initiative advancing inclusive green transitions in South Africa. Its flagship projects include the Sustainability Census and Project 2030, which monitor and score urban climate performance, institutional capacity, and environmental justice across major cities, alongside circular economy work that transforms urban plastic waste into sustainable fabrics through human-centred partnerships with waste pickers, youth innovators, and creative enterprisescreating green livelihoods while accelerating equitable, low-carbon development.

  • Storageworx, AFHCO (1 yr 1 mo)
    • Onsite Manager
      Jan 2024 - Jan 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Promote rentals of storage units by competently handling telephone and in-person inquiries and providing Information to customers. Checking locks and cleaning units as needed. Conduct Limited retail sales following proper cash management Procedures. Resolve any customer issues effectively and in a timely manner.

    • Onsite Manager
      Jan 2024 - Jan 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Contact tenants for issues such as past due Accounts, auction notification, concerns with units, etc. Monitor the physical condition of the facility and report Maintenance requirements. Effectively utilize computer System to log all transactions and tenant data / correspondence. Collect funds by phone and in person and post payments. Complete daily walk thru inspections.