CER welcomes two new director appointments in Programmes and Head of Operations

• The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) has announced the appointment of Palesa Madi as the Centre’s Deputy Director: Programmes and Majury Chada as the Head of Operations.

Palesa Madi is a seasoned human rights lawyer, having worked in the human rights sector for over 10 years. She previously held the position of Deputy Director at one of the largest and oldest public interest litigation organisations, the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and she currently sits on the Board of Gun Free South Africa. With her leadership, managerial and legal experience, Palesa will be instrumental in driving positive change, advancing CER’s vision and contributing to our institutional strengthening. Her invaluable insights and strategic acumen will greatly enhance our ability to navigate the complex legal landscape and to protect the rights of both people and the environment.

Majury Chada is CER’s new Head of Operations. Image credit: CER

Majury Chada, a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 9 years’ experience brings deep financial expertise and broad business insight to the role of Head of Operations. Her profound understanding of complex financial, technical, and operational concepts will help shape the strategic direction of CER while creating long-term value for the organisation, communities and economies.

Majury joined the CER as the Finance Manager in 2021. She performed this role in a disciplined approach with strong financial and business acumen. Majury has dedicated her career to enabling integrated financial accounting and reporting, risk management, project management and the creation and maintenance of strong financial systems. Her strategic, business, financial intelligence and leadership will continue to deliver value at CER.

In their new positions, Palesa and Majury will play integral roles in shaping the strategic direction of the Centre for Environmental Rights. Their leadership and expertise will be pivotal in spearheading innovative methods to CER’S strategic approach to environmental protection, fostering collaboration with stakeholders, and amplifying the voices of communities most impacted by environmental injustices.

“This milestone marks an important moment for the Centre for Environmental Rights as we reaffirm our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our organisation and the sector. By celebrating the appointment of Palesa Madi and Majury Chada, we recognise and honour the invaluable contributions of Black women leaders in environmental justice and civil society. Their appointments reinforce our belief that diverse perspectives and lived experiences are crucial in addressing the complex environmental challenges of our time”, says Wandisa Phama, Executive Director.

The CER are activist lawyers who defend the right of communities and civil society organisations to an environment not harmful to health or wellbeing for present and future generations. Through litigation, advocacy and activist support and training, we seek to advance our vision of a more equal society, free of fossil fuels, in which environmental and climate justice is realised and all people and the planet flourish.

Author: Bryan Groenendaal