The Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) is a Centre of Excellence, attached to the School for Environmental Sciences and Development at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

In 1996, the University established an Environmental Management Unit (EMU) to co-ordinate and formalise its short course programmes in environmental management that had been presented since 1986. The EMU evolved into the current Centre for Environmental Management (CEM), that was initially established to deliver training, capacity building and related consultation services in Environmental Management that are relevant to African conditions.

Training introduction & Philosophy

Training is provided both formally at undergraduate and masters degree levels and by means of informal training programmes. Informal capacity building is provided by means of numerous training programmes that are either presented on a regular basis at our own training centre in Potchefstroom, South Africa, or, on-site, to meet specific needs of clients. Training topics vary from awareness and introductory courses, to structured skills transfer programmes.

The general training philosophy of CEM is to provide high quality and appropriate training in all spheres of environmental management. The three underpinning principles that ensure sustained success of our training programmes are:

Highly qualified teaching staff

Only tutors that are academically highly qualified and that are recognised as experts in their relevant fields, with an established skills base and experience in high level training delivery are used by the CEM to deliver training.

Theoretical and practical teaching

The training strategy adopted by the CEM is to expose trainees to a solid theoretical foundation, that is supported by appropriate practical assignments and exposure to best practise case examples.

Experience has shown that practical exposure to problem situations, are essential to reinforce learning outcomes. In support of the principles of integration and outcomes-based education, practical assignments are conducted in dedicated, small syndicate groups, that report back to plenary. For custom-made training programmes, practical assignments are generated in association with clients to ensure both applicability to local needs and to maximise value created.

In specific courses an examination is taken at the end of the course. In courses where it is appropriate, a site visit to a large production facility will be made.

Detailed Course Information

Social Responsibility

The CEM is serious about rendering community service, and is involved in many non-profit initiatives aimed at professional development of previously disadvantaged individuals into skilled environmental professionals, provision of assistance to local government towards greener governance, and much more. The Centre also delivers environmental management training at the University of the North, a previously disadvantaged university in order to build capacity in environmental management at that institution.