BIPOC Environmentalists

I hold a BSc Honours in Applied Geology from the University of Western Cape (UWC). My research project majored in Geochemistry and its relationship with Groundwater. I am currently studying a BSc Honours in Environmental Management at UNISA and my research is focused on understanding the impacts of Groundwater geochemistry and the effects it has on humans and agriculture. I am currently working for an Environmental Management consulting company in Stellenbosch where my main duties include environmental auditing and assessment. Ayabulela Manjezi

Nelsiwe Mpapane is a junior scientist with SANParks in the Garden Route section. She holds a B-Tech qualification in Nature Conservation from the Nelson Mandela University, George Campus.  Nelsiwe has a strong interest in human-nature interactions, environmental education and indigenous knowledge that flows within communities. She has been actively involved in spaces that educate about climate change, encourage science careers within the youth and brings awareness about ethical environmental relationships.      Nelsiwe is also currently enrolled in her second year MSc degree, where her study is focused on exploring cultural ecosystem services that flow in Mountain Zebra National Park. Her interest are grounded in qualitative research techniques that allow for self-expression and promote learning and personal development. Her future research aspirations are embedded in broadening the thinking and scope about indigenous people’s relations with nature, she believes that...

If you ever lose me in a building with a garden out, best check the garden, you'll definitely find me amongst the foliage. My near-obsessive curiosity with nature has led me into a world I never imagined being in. Most folk in the ecology/biology space have almost always known they’d be biologists from a tender age – not me. My love of science started in the weirdest way. It was grade 8, I had a natural science test I hadn't prepared for but lucky for me the worst invigilator was on duty. So I whipped out my notebook and had an open book test. The test was over and yet I still had this notebook open during social science, during maths, reading period... It got to a point where I'd just go to school for Life Sciences (History was cool too), the only class I willingly participated in. Fast-forward a few decades, a few NatGeo specials and BAM! Achieved two BSc degrees in Biodiversity and conservation biology with a mini-thesis "Investigating the effects of topography and ...

Zaid Railoun holds an MSc (Cum Laude) in Conservation Ecology from the University of Stellenbosch and a Honours in Environmental Science from the University of the Western Cape. His research focused on nutrient cycling and resorption efficiencies of invasive Acacia (Black Wattle) and co-occurring fynbos plants in riparian areas and the subsequent impacts on macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance. This research was done on a greater Water Research Commision project with his good friend (Kenwin Wiener, seen in the picture).  Zaid has previously worked at Stellenbosch University as a Scientific researcher in the Faculty of Natural Science by writing future proposals for the Department of Animal Science. He's current role is one of a "Research and Development Scientist" at Investment Fund Africa, where he writes and assists in project packaging as well as giving insight into business plans from a Scientific point of view.  Zaid, enjoys ideation and sees himself as a vision...

I am Leila Nefdt, from Cape Town. I have always been drawn to nature, especially the marine environment. My love and curiosity for the deep blue sea has led me to become a marine biologist. I completed my BSc undergraduate and Honours degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape. Following that, I then took a year to complete a DST-NRF Internship through the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), specifically at the Egagasini Node in Cape Town where we worked closely with the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and Iziko Museum. Our work at SAEON, specifically looked at observing and understanding marine offshore systems and this is where my passion for offshore benthic ecosystems came into existence. The internship was a huge steppingstone for me and created a platform for me to learn, network and discover what I am truly passionate about.  I am bo...

Angelo Johnson holds a BSc, BSc (Hons) and MSc in Environmental and Water Science and is a member of the Golden Key International Honours Society. I specialise in Hydrogeology (groundwater) with just over 4 years’ experience in the challenging consulting environment. Exploring the unknown like trying to understand the interaction between water and rocks in the earth’s crust is a passion of mine. I am currently enrolled as a PhD candidate at the University of Western Cape, aiming to improve the prediction of sustainable mine closures in SA, by conducting appropriate hydro-geochemical lab and field investigations. With specific focus on selected mining activities neighbouring our National Parks, hence the research is partly funded by SANParks under the UNDP/GEF5 project. Ultimately to mitigate/prevent mine water impacts on the environment post mine closure. Some of my hobbies are to braai and interact with people while I am attempting to make a positive contribution to science and societ...

Sinovuyo Ndzekeni holds a National Diploma in Environmental Management from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She is currently enrolled for Adv. Diploma in Environmental Management majoring in Water resources management and Environmental Chemistry.  She is an intern at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) and involved in various projects and programmes such as the Berg River Water Quality and Monitoring Programmes, Riparian Zone Rehabilitation and Management. She is also serving as a committee member of the IAIAsa Western Cape student branch that bridges the gap between students and working professionals in the environmental industry.  She is passionate about the response of the rural communities to Climate Change Adaptation and Food security as well as Water Quality and Chemicals Management.  She enjoys taking water samples for monitoring and assessing water quality and partaking in youth development programmes.  S...