Abulele Mafanya is a Hydrogeologist having started at Umvoto in July 2018 through the award-winning internship programme as a learnership (six months experiential learning programme serving as a prerequisite for obtaining an NQF qualification). After obtaining his National Diploma Geology from Tshwane University of Technology, he furthered his Baccalaureus Technologiae (BTech) Geology studies with his project focusing on locating zones of groundwater potential in the Cape Flats, South Africa in 2019. Following his BTech Geology acquisition, he rejoined Umvoto as an Intern in 2020 and was promoted to Junior Hydrogeologist in 2021.
As a Hydrogeologist and a registered Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP), Abulele has been involved in hydrogeological analytics both locally and across Africa which include rotary, core, sonic drilling supervision, core logging, pump testing and packer testing, groundwater and surface water monitoring, groundwater recharge (natural and Managed Aquifer Recharge), mine dewatering (surface and underground), vibrating wire piezometer (VWP) supervision and analysis, hydrocensus for mining licensing, conceptual and leapfrog modelling (mining), contaminated land (phase 2 ESAs), CSMs, groundwater quality and abstraction, data interpretation and drilling analysis, project coordination and management, proposal writing, report writing, subcontractors and client liaison. Abulele is also involved in the Umvoto soccer team and has won three championships.
Outside of work, Abulele enjoys going to the gym, hiking, and farming.
