Free State & Northern Cape Branch Committee

Free State Branch Chair: Hanlie Stander

Hanlie Stander holds a M.Sc. in Zoology from the University of the Free State. She is a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with more than 14 years’ experience as an environmental consultant. She served on the IAIAsa Free State and Northern Cape Branch Committee from 2013 to 2017 before taking a break and rejoining the Branch Committee in 2023.

Past Branch Chair: Eldalize Kruger

Eldalize Kruger obtained a M.Sc. degree in Environmental Management in 2003 at the NWU. After initially working for a company specializing in mine rehabilitation and contributing to environmental management in the mining environment, she moved to Bloemfontein in 2001 where she joined the staff of the Geography Department of the University of the Free State. She teaches courses in general physical geography (at first year level) as well as environmental management courses (at third year and honours level). Her research interests include environmental management focusing on various aspects of environmental impact assessments; and environmental awareness and -education. She is currently pursuing a PhD.

Secretary: Tshimangadzo Mulaudzi

Tshimangadzo Mulaudzi is a Managing Director at Engedi Minerals and Energy working as an Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP). He has a BSc Mining and Environmental Geology from the University of Venda. He enjoys fishing and swimming as his hobbies.

Treasurer: Mahlatse Moeng

Mahlatse Moeng holds a Masters in Environmental Management degree from the NWU, is a certified project manager with Project Management South Africa (PMSA) and has been a member of IAIAsa since 2016. She has been actively working in the Environmental Management sector for over 14 years primarily in integrated environmental management for infrastructure development projects. She has extensive experience in project managing and leading impact assessments teams, undertaking impact assessments, reviewing reports, conducting training and writing standards, serving on advisory committees as a subject matter expert amongst other things. She is passionate about integration of environmental management principles within development projects and stakeholder engagements.

Free State Representative: Michelle Boshoff

Michelle is a certified Professional Natural Scientist (119286) and registered with Environmental Assessment Practitioner of South Africa (EAPASA) (2020/714), International Impact Assessment Association of South Africa (IAIAsa) (5602) and the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2SA169). Michelle has over 21 years of professional experience in the environmental management sector where she has performed leading roles in government departments, the mining sector and consultancies. Michelle has extensive knowledge and experience in environmental management projects in South Africa and the wider southern African region.

Northern Cape Representative: William Sonnenberg

William Sonnenberg holds an Honors Degree in Environmental Management and is currently working as a Control Environmental Officer at Vedanta Zinc International where he focuses on legal compliance and environmental monitoring. William has a passion for Sustainable Development and is looking forward to pursuing a Masters degree where he will be focusing on the Sustainable Development of the African continent. His areas of impact are GHG Accounting, Double Materiality, and Life Cycle Assessment.

Gauteng Branch Committee

Gauteng Branch Chairperson: Lehlongonolo Mashego

Lehlogonolo Mashego is a Sustainability Manager working at BDO South Africa and a sustainable living activist. Through her professional experience she has served and continues to serve the mining industry, manufacturing, township establishments, energy sector, resettlement and maintenance/rehabilitation related work. Her profession has served to equip her to understand the sensitivities that are faced as a population and the urgent need to present practical solutions. With over eight years of professional experience, Lehlogonolo continues to grow in her field of speciality and driving ESG) excellence

Lehlogonolo completed her MSc in Environmental Science with the University of Witwatersrand. She is a seven-year IAIAsa member and continues to serve the committee with the aim of bringing transformation and overall empowerment. Lehlogonolo’s passion lies in environmental awareness, sustainability, water management and stakeholder engagement. Her professional wish is to make a mark in driving strategic development while bringing sound solutions for implementation.

Her expertise includes developing and implementing ESG frameworks, integrated environmental management, leading stakeholder dialogues, sustainability initiatives, sustainability reporting, materiality, sustainability assurance ((ISAE 3000 (Revised) and AA1000AS (v3) and driving measurable impact through data-driven performance tracking.

Deputy Chair: Lethabo Maebana

Lethabo graduated from the University of the Free State with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Limnology. She is a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner and a Professional Natural Scientist under EAPASA and SACNASP, respectively, adhering to their stringent codes of conduct to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in environmental science.

With extensive experience in environmental consulting and energy generation, Lethabo has established herself as a leader in sustainability. She applies her expertise in environmental legislation and best practices to successfully manage projects across various scales. Her commitment to sustainable development and ecological conservation is evident in her proactive approach to environmental stewardship. Continuously advancing her knowledge in environmental management, Lethabo remains dedicated to making significant contributions towards a greener future.

Gauteng Branch Treasurer and Partnerships: Amy Galvao

Amy Galvao is a Senior Environmental Consultant at SLR Consulting with two years of experience managing and supporting projects in the renewable energy and mining sectors. She specialises in coordinating and overseeing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Basic Assessments (BA), and Water Use Licence (WUL) applications. Her expertise also includes conducting site work, technical assessments, reporting, and auditing. Amy is highly skilled in collaborating with clients, key stakeholders, specialists, and authorities to ensure successful project outcomes.

She holds a Master of Science in Animal, Plant, and Environmental Sciences (with Distinction) from the University of the Witwatersrand (2022), a Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science (with Distinction) from Rhodes University (2018), and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Legal Theory from Rhodes University (2017).

Beyond her professional work, Amy is passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability. She enjoys immersing herself in nature through various outdoor activities, including exploring diverse landscapes and horse riding.

Marketing and Communications: Vernon Siemelink

Vernon Siemelink is a highly skilled Environmental Assessment Professional with over 16 years of experience specialising in economic, social, and environmental feasibility studies, alongside mineral resource development and compliance. His extensive background includes roles as Principal Environmental Assessment Practitioner, overseeing turnkey projects from prospecting right to mining right development, managing compliance throughout the mine’s lifecycle, and handling decommissioning, rehabilitation, and closure activities.

His expertise encompasses feasibility assessments, due diligence evaluations, technical legal opinions, auditing, stakeholder engagement, and specialized technical support in the mining and manufacturing industries. Vernon has provided environmental consulting and auditing services across a wide range of sectors. He is a SGS IRCA Certified EMS Lead Auditor and a SETA accredited assessor, and he has completed CEM auditor conversion training for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 Integrated Management Systems.

Events: Marungwane Ramashapa

Marungwane Ramashapa is a Registered Senior EAP and Professional Natural Scientist who holds a MSc Geography degree from the University of Johannesburg and over 8 years’ experience in the consulting industry.

Her experience ranges, but is not limited to, environmental advisory, undertaking and managing Environmental Application processes, acquisition of Licensing and the stakeholder engagement processes associated. Additionally, she has undertaken post-environmental processes including environmental compliance monitoring, auditing and reporting.

Marungwane’s passion lies in the creation of implementable, sustainable policy, especially within the South Africa landscape. She advocates for environmental sustainability and is intrigued by achieving the balance between economic progression, social inclusion and environmental preservation through the incorporation of green practices into planning and development.

Her passion further extends to empowering local communities and ensuring a tangible change in the lives of those who most need it.

She hopes to gain a broader perspective on global environmental challenges to further expand her skills and capabilities on a global scale as she continues to grow in the field.

Membership: Kirstin Otten

Kirstin Otten has been involved in the environmental field for close to 40 years starting as a youngster in waste management and then as an environmental consultant. Kirstin is a registered EAP, Professional Natural Scientist and a long- standing member of IAIAsa. Kirstin has undertaken numerous roles as a consultant from undertaking legislated application processes (EIA, WML, AEL, WUL) and monitoring implementation of best practices after authorisation of projects. Extensive auditing and IFC assessments are also undertaken.

Kirstin has an inherent love for the natural environment and through practising sustainable practices in her own life, can advise and assist clients from a personal perspective. Her approach to problem solving is thorough, practical and sustainable which has proven successful for many clients in various fields of practice, including petrochemical, industrial, land development and energy.

Young Professionals: Anwen Beukes

Anwen Beukes is a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with a passion for Environmental Impact Assessments and Wetland Ecology. She recently relocated to Pretoria to join AECOM as an Environmental Scientist with over 8 years of experience. As a dedicated member of IAIAsa since 2023, Anwen took on the leadership role in the Western Cape Branch Committee during 2024 responsible for the Young Professionals portfolio. Her passion for mentoring and professional development is evident in her commitment to fostering successful mentorship opportunities within the environmental sector. As a driven and results-oriented professional, Anwen excels in problem-solving and delivering results while maintaining a positive and bubbly personality.

Gauteng Branch Student Support: Kabelo Mathabatha

Kabelo is an experienced Environmental Specialist with over a decade of expertise in impact assessment, environmental compliance and sustainability programs. She is committed to promoting environmental best practices, fostering stakeholder engagement, and enhancing the visibility of IAIAsa initiatives.

With a strong background in integrated environmental management, has successfully led environmental programmes, secured key environmental permits, and provided strategic advisory services for complex environmental challenges. Her professional journey includes roles in the energy sector within various stages of the energy value chain, where she has contributed to sustainability, compliance, environmental risk management, and project development.

Kabelo holds a Masters of Science in Environmental Management and an honours degree in Energy Studies from the University of Johannesburg. She is passionate about knowledge sharing, transitional leadership, and industry collaboration. She continues to engage with thought leaders in the field to drive forward-thinking solutions in environmental and sustainability management.

Kwazulu Natal Branch Committee

KZN Branch Chair: Nazeer Jamal

Nazeer Jamal is Managing Director and Lead Environmental Specialist at Khweza Environmental Consulting. He has a B.Sc. Honours in Environmental Science majored in Economics, Geography & Environmental Management and over 10 years’ experience in all 3 spheres of government including the National DWS, the National DEA, the KZN EDTEA and the eThekwini Municipality. He was an active Environmental Management Inspector for the Green Scorpions for 9 years.

He has been awarded as One of 200 Top Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian in 2011, as Climate Reality Leader by Climate Reality, and serves as Council Member of the KZN Climate Change and Sustainable Development Council. He is Chairman of Penny Appeal South Africa, an international humanitarian aid organisation and is an avid landscape and travel photographer.

KZN Branch Deputy Chair: Thabani Gambu

Thabani is a former teacher who started his environmental career in April 2024. He possesses over 20 years of experience in various environmental management fields including education and awareness, pollution and waste management, environmental compliance monitoring, environmental impact assessment, and climate change management. He holds a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Management from the University of Stellenbosch and various certificates including:

Advanced Project management (UNISA),
Environmental Management Inspection certificates (UNISA),
EIA certificates (NWU and UP),
Mentoring for ESD-Leadership Programme (ESD Expert Net),
Advanced Management Development Programme (University of Fort Hare), and
Introduction to Financial Management and Budgeting (School of Government).

KZN Branch Secretary: Riona Patak-Govender

Riona Patak-Govender holds a B.Sc. Honours Degree in Environmental Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Over the last 11 years, Riona has practiced as an EAP and gained consulting experience through her involvement in environmental processes for a wide range of government and private clients across various sectors (including infrastructure, mining and renewable energy). Riona worked in the Pietermaritzburg area for the first 9 years of her employment and was an active member of IAIAsa KZN branch committee. She then relocated to Gauteng temporarily. Since relocating back to KZN, Riona has been employed as an Associate Environmental Consultant for SLR based in Durban. Riona serves on the IAIAsa KZN committee as branch Secretary.

KZN Branch Marketing & Communication: Bulelwa Doyisa

Bulelwa is an Environmental Professional at Transnet Pipelines where her primary focus is Environmental Permitting and Compliance. Prior to joining Transnet, she worked as an Environmental Trainee with eThekwini Municipality’s Biodiversity Management Department.

She holds a BSc Environmental Science degree from UKZN and a BSc Environmental Management honours degree from UNISA. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science focusing on water quality. Bulelwa is a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with EAPASA and a Certified Natural Scientist with SACNASP.

KZN Branch Partnerships: Divhani Ramovha

Divhani Ramovha is an Environmentalist at eThekwini Municipality and is passionate about environmental protection. Divhani holds an Honours in Environmental Sciences and Eight years’ experience working in the Environmental Management field. He has additional training in Environmental Law and Environmental Management Systems ISO 14001:2015. Coupled with his academic and professional experience, he is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) with EAPASA and a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat) with SACNASP as well as member of the International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa (IAIAsa).

KZN Branch Student Support: Humayra Bassa

Humayrah is a Senior Environmental Scientist with over 13 years experience in environmental consulting. She is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of Southern Africa and a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) in the field of practice of Environmental Science with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.

Humayrah is presently a Principal Environmental Consultant at SLR Consulting. She has a successful track record in environmental permitting processes that meet Good International Industry Practise (GIIP) and is versed in the application of international lender standards including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards, World Bank Equator Principles and the application of the World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) sector-specific guidelines. She has extensive knowledge of environmental governance in Southern Africa and the complex challenges associated with environmental regulatory process including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) / Environmental Management Programmes (EMPrs), Screening Assessments, Water Use Licence Applications (WULAs), Waste Management Licence Applications, Public Participation and GIS mapping.

She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

KZN Branch Treasurer: Theo Wicks

Theo Wicks is an Associate Environmental Consultant at SLR Consulting (South Africa/Africa) (Pty) Ltd with more than 15-years of consulting experience. He holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Geographic and Environmental Science and Masters degree in Environmental Management. Theo is a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with EAPASA. His experience has allowed him to consult on large and small scale projects across sectors (renewable and non-renewable power, infrastructure, mining, and oil and gas) and at different stages of the project life cycle (prefeasibility screening and concept development, permitting, and construction and post construction monitoring).

His experience has taken him across the continent having consulted on projects in southern, central, eastern, and west Africa, supporting these to comply with local regulatory and international finance institution requirements.

Mpumalanga Branch Committee

Mpumalanga Branch Chairperson: Tshepo Shakwane

Tshepo Shakwane has been in the consulting field since 2004 and has over 24 years’ experience in environmental management. He has worked for the three state departments tasked with environmental management, i.e., Department of Water and Sanitation (Gauteng and Mpumalanga Region), Department of Mineral Resources (Mpumalanga Region), and Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (Gauteng Region).

Tshepo is the managing director of Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited, an independent environmental consultancy company working mainly in the coal mining industry. He practices as an EAP and Environmental Scientist on several EIAs.

Mpumulanga Deputy Chairperson: Ninette Barnard

Ninette Barnard is a Safety, Health and Environmental professional, with 24 years’ extensive experience in the mining environment. She holds a B.Sc. Hons degree in Plant Ecology obtained from the University of Pretoria as well as a B Tech in Safety Management from UNISA and is waiting to hear if she has passed her master’s in environmental management at the Northwest University. She is currently the Environmental Manager for Africoal SA in Emalahleni. Ninette is registered with SACNASP.

Ninette is passionate about sharing information and knowledge and hopes that being part of the IAIASA branch committee can assist to ensure members are always aware of the latest and greatest available information.

She has turned into a cat lady but will never love her cats more than wine.

Mpumulanga Branch Secretary: Phangisile Mthimunye

Phangisile Mthimunye is a member of the International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa (IAIAsa). She obtained her Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology from University of Venda. Phangisile Mthimunye has also completed short courses on Project Management and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015). She currently works for Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Ltd as a Senior Environmental consultant. Her responsibilities include but limited to: environmental control officer, conducting surface and groundwater monitoring, compilation of mining permits and prospecting right applications, environmental reports (EMPr, Scoping Reports, BARs and EIRs), Water Use Licence applications, environmental assessment audits and integrated water use licence audits.

Mpumulanga Branch Treasurer: Phethile Mkhonto

Phethile Mkhonto is a member of the International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa (IAIAsa). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of Pretoria. She currently works for Ecoleges Environmental Consultants as a Junior Environmental consultant. Her responsibilities include: Performing Basic Assessments (BA) and/or Scoping & Environmental Impact Assessments (S&EIA) including all related tasks, Undertaking Water Use Authorisation Applications, as well as conducting compliance and/or conformance audits during the development and/or related operational phases of an activity in the capacity of an independent auditor or Environmental Control Officer (ECO).

Phethile is an ambitious, goal driven person whose intelligence, diligence, and work ethic, allows her to overcome challenges and work under time pressures.

Her willingness to learn new things allows her to integrate well into a team environment, while her goal-drivenness allows her to work well on her own to ensure deadlines are met. Phethile’s personality helps to build and maintain good working relationships.

Western Cape Branch Committee

Western Cape Branch Chair: Marélie Botha

Marélie Botha holds a B. Sc. Honours Degree in Geography and Environmental Management from the North West University and is a result-driven, Environmental Assessment Practitioner with a wealth of experience in technical, theoretical, and practical aspects of environmental management, which was gained over the past 14-years. With well over 100 successful reviews and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) under her belt, Marélie has developed a strong expertise in the development of large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities across South Africa. She maintains an impressive 100% approval rate for her EIAs, demonstrating her exceptional competence in the field.

As Director and Project Manager of Blue Crane Environmental, Marélie is responsible for the successful delivery of projects from start to finish, including project management, overseeing the project team’s execution of tasks, budget and timeframe management, and maintaining strong relationships with clients. She has a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and is dedicated to achieving project objectives efficiently and effectively.

Western Cape Branch Secretary: Nicolene Cloete

Nicolene Cloete holds a B.Sc. Honours Degree in Biodiversity and Ecology from Stellenbosch University and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Botanical Science) with SACNASP.

Nicolene possesses extensive knowledge in environmental sciences, particularly in water use license applications. She is well-versed in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes, including Environmental Authorization (EA) and the implementation of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs). Her professional experience also includes serving as an Environmental Control Officer. To date, she has successfully managed and completed over 25 Water Use License Applications.

At Donaway Environmental, Nicolene excels as a consultant, driving projects from inception to completion. Her expertise lies in meticulous project management, achieving project objectives within budget and timeframe constraints. Nicolene prioritizes building strong client and stakeholder relationships, ensuring their needs are met through clear communication and a collaborative approach.

Western Cape Branch Treasurer: Johan Botha

Johan Botha is the Director of Donaway Environmental and is a highly experienced environmental specialist with a strong track record in the renewable energy sector in South Africa, particularly in the assessment of solar PV and wind energy projects. His core expertise lies in evaluating visual and social impacts, and he has completed over 150 Visual Impact Assessments, including Shadow Flicker Impact Assessments, and more than 70 Social Impact Assessments. His work supports environmentally responsible development across a growing range of sectors, including mining, residential developments, and steel manufacturing.

Johan has played a key role in numerous Eskom infrastructure projects, where he has provided environmental management support for substations and transmission lines. He has extensive experience in implementing Environmental Authorisations (EA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP), ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met during the construction and operational phases of projects.

In addition to his work on large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, Johan is skilled in conducting Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) surveys and permit applications. He has contributed to the development of species-specific management plans and has handled a wide range of compliance-related biodiversity tasks critical to sustainable development.

Western Cape Branch Events and Marketing: Zandria Jordaan

Zandria Jordaan is a Candidate Environmental Assessment Practitioner at Doug Jeffrey Environmental Consultants, with a strong academic background including an M.Sc. in Geology from Stellenbosch University and a B.Sc. Honours in Environmental Geology from North-West University. She has over two years of experience working on a wide range of projects across South Africa, including renewable energy developments, pipelines, housing projects, Section 24G applications and ESG audits.

Zandria’s passion lies in Environmental and Project Management, with a keen focus on delivering high-quality work and ensuring compliance with environmental legislation. Her strong organisational skills, attention to detail and collaborative nature have enabled her to contribute meaningfully to multi-disciplinary teams. She is currently a committee member of the Western Cape IAIAsa branch and is committed to furthering environmental best practice and knowledge-sharing within the sector.

Her unique journey includes a research cruise to Antarctica aboard the SA Agulhas II as part of her postgraduate studies and participation in international youth exchange programmes. These experiences, coupled with her involvement in the Voortrekkers where she held various leadership positions, have shaped her into a confident, adaptable, and people-focused professional.

Western Cape Branch Developer Liaison: Matthew Ellero

Matthew Ellero is a Jnr. Environmental Manager with JUWI Renewable Energies. He holds a Masters in Environmental Science, is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner and a Certified Natural Scientist.

In his current role at JUWI, Matthew manages the environmental permitting processes for renewable energy projects. His responsibilities cover the very start to the finalisation of developments, from the initial site screening and selection, to the management of the regulated permitting processes and maintaining of permits.

He has previously worked as an EAP based mainly in renewable energy permitting and has overseen numerous screening, EIA, BA, amendment and registration processes.

He has also had experience as a general specialist based in the mining industry, where he worked within the fields of mine closure, water use applications and reporting, aquatic biodiversity, noise monitoring and air quality modelling.

Matthew is deeply passionate about environmental matters and enjoys the challenges that come with being in the environmental space.

Western Cape Branch DEA&DP Liaison: Janet Ebersohn

Janet Ebersohn is the Managing Director of Eco Route Environmental Consultancy, founded in the year 2000 by Dr. Colleen Ebersohn. Janet has grown Eco Route for the past 8 years, which now operates across the Garden Route and into the Eastern Cape. Janet has completed various Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Programmes, Social Impact Assessment reports, amongst many others. She has worked on the assessment of goods and services that wetlands provide, thereby aiding informed planning and decision making. She has a BSc. Hons in Environmental Management from University of South Africa, and further certificates in Wetland Delineation and Flood Line Determination.

Janet strives to not only expand the knowledge and skills of the Eco Route staff but has a passion for assisting the community. Janet has hosted several workshops which host real estate agents, local farmers, and other agencies working within the environmental sector. The aim of the workshops is to educate the public on matters concerning EIAs and how to better inform their potential clients. The knowledge from these workshops will hopefully lead to the public making informed decisions in terms of development prior to initiating practices which trigger Listed Activities in terms of NEMA (Act no.107 of 1998) and having to undertake a costly and avoidable Section 24G process. In addition, Janet writes and publishes informative articles in the local newspaper which also serves as an avenue to contribute to the public’s knowledge on EIAs and the relevant processes.

Western Cape Branch Student Liaison: Thabile Bhengu

Thabile Bhengu holds a BSc (Hons) in Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MPhil in Inclusive Innovation from the UCT Graduate School of Business. She brings nine years of experience in the mining and metals manufacturing sector, with a strong focus on the steel industry. During this time, she developed specialised expertise in process engineering and development.

Her role required the integration of environmental best practices into industrial processes to ensure long-term sustainability that considers both environmental and community impact. Thabile gained in-depth knowledge and practical experience in implementing ISO 14001 standards—internationally recognised environmental management systems—within operational design and manufacturing practices. She was also instrumental in developing risk management strategies that aligned operational needs for continuous improvement with the goal of minimising environmental impact.

She brings this multi-dimensional approach in her role as an environmental assessment practitioner with Conserve Co., working with clients across diverse sectors, including agriculture, government, and industry. Her vision is to foster enhanced multi-stakeholder engagement in the ongoing development and application of sustainable practices—both environmentally and socio-economically—ensuring that the nuanced needs of each environmental context are addressed.