Field of research
- Sustainability transitions
- Cross-sectoral public policy change
- Green economy and climate change mitigation
Profile
Mapula’s research publications and academic conference papers includes on topics such as 1. Fostering sustainability technological innovation transitions: Five lenses to explain transversal policy mixes’ dynamics in South Africa; 2. Overlaps in sustainability transitions and policy change: A South African case of green economy policies; 3. Green growth engines and green jobs; 4. Environmental technology assessment for enhanced green economy transition in South Africa; 5. Mapping the green economy landscape in South Africa; 6. Green economy transitioning of the South African power sector: A system dynamics analysis approach. Mapula is a member of the steering group of sustainability transitions research network(https://transitionsnetwork.org/ ). Her PhD working title is about explaining drivers and dynamics of public policy change towards sustainability. A case of South Africa’s cross-sectoral green economy policies and government institutional changes is investigated over a period of 2002-2020. A valuable insider perspective knowledge contribution is made on real world ongoing sustainability policy transitions.
Being active in transitions research enables Mapula’s science-policy-practice interface as the Director of Climate Change Mitigation Sector Plan Implementation with the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environmental Affairs (DFFE). Her responsibilities include management of private sector greenhouse gas mitigation plan regulations and providing support to Provinces and Local Government on their climate change mitigation strategies and plans implementation. Tshangela was previously Senior Policy Advisor: National Sustainable Development and Director: Cabinet & Cluster Policy Coordination. She managed initiatives including coordination of the National Strategy for Sustainable Development, conceptualization of the National Green Fund, and development of the Environment Sector Research, Development and Evidence (R, D&E) Framework.