Dr. Otlaadisa Tafila is an accomplished geoscientist with over a decade of multidisciplinary experience spanning academic research, mineral exploration and mining, and Integrated Water Resources Management.
He joined SASSCAL on 1 January 2026, following the successful completion of his PhD in Spatial Science under the SASSCAL Graduate Studies Programme in Integrated Water Resources Management (SGSP–IWRM) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
As a Geospatial Scientist and water resources specialist, Dr. Tafila brings a strong academic foundation in Earth sciences. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science (Geospatial Science), sponsored by SASSCAL, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Geophysics.
Before advancing his academic career, Dr. Tafila gained valuable industry experience in mineral exploration across Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia, where he developed hands-on expertise in geophysical survey techniques, data collection, and analysis. He has worked with multidisciplinary teams on subsurface mapping and groundwater exploration projects for both research and private sector clients, making extensive use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to plan surveys and manage spatial data.
Beyond research, Dr. Tafila has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship, serving as a teaching assistant and laboratory demonstrator at the University of Botswana. His research interests include hydrogeology, hydrology, GIS and remote sensing, water governance and finance, and climate adaptation and mitigation.
SASSCAL wishes him continued success in his new role.
