National Executive Committee

National Executive Committee

The National Executive Committee (NEC) conducts the affairs of the IAIAsa affiliate on behalf of its members by steering the strategic direction of IAIAsa and forming a link to the international body of IAIA.

The NEC shall consist of at least five Office Bearers: the President, the Past President, the President-Elect, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and a number of additional NEC members including a student member representative, each Branch chairperson (elected regionally) and such other ordinary members who may be elected and who may be assigned portfolios by the NEC. The NEC members are elected for two-year terms of office, which start on 1 March to the end of February. The term of office of the President Elect shall be extended to cover such person’s time as President Elect, President and Past President.

The NEC meets at least twice in person annually, within the first months (Strat Plan) of the financial year to elect a new President Elect (i.e. who starts his/her term 12 months later as President) and to plan for the coming year, and then again for mid term traditionally at the time of the IAIAsa National Conference. In addition a NEC teleconference meeting is held every second month to discuss progress of tasks and any other matters requiring attention. The Plan set at the Strategic Planning (StratPlan) meeting is largely implemented at branch level, where most interaction occurs with the IAIAsa members. The current committee members and portfolios are as follows:

National Executive Committee 2024/2025

President: Corné Niemandt

Corné Niemandt is a seasoned botanist and proficient project manager with over eight years of dedicated experience in the field. Having received a BSc Honours in Zoology and a distinguished MSc in Plant Science from the University of Pretoria, Corné brings a robust academic foundation to his work. His professional journey has been marked by a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Over the past four years, Corné has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape, demonstrating his expertise in driving sustainable projects forward. His contributions extend beyond borders, as he has undertaken diverse assignments in Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, and Liberia. Whether conducting terrestrial biodiversity assessments, crafting comprehensive rehabilitation plans, or formulating meticulous environmental management strategies, Corné adheres strictly to international best practices and standards.

Corné’s dedication to his craft is underscored by his registration as a professional scientist specializing in ecological science with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). With a passion for environmental conservation and a wealth of expertise in botany and project management, he strives for positive change within the realm of integrated environmental management.

Past President: Greg Beyers

Greg Beyers has over twenty years of experience as a natural resource manager and environmental consultant and is registered as an Environmental Scientist. He has consulted for mining, industrial, commercial, and eco-tourism companies in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Suriname (South America) and has managed interdisciplinary projects pertaining to environmental assessments and associated social impacts in Southern Africa. Greg currently consults under Greenviro Management investigating opportunities to make a difference in catchment management using sustainability and climate change programs.

President Elect & 2025 Conference Chair: Zama Mhkize

Zama Mkhize is a seasoned Sustainability Professional with a strong background in the utilities, exploration, and mining industries. As the Group Sustainability Manager at Clicks Group, she plays a key role in driving the organization’s environmental and sustainable development initiatives. Zama holds an honours degree in Energy Studies from the University of Johannesburg and is in the final year of her MSc in Industrial Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her ambition is to support the growth and development of young scientists, aiming to cultivate the next generation of inventors and researchers.

Treasurer: Mohamed Vawda

Mohamed Vawda is an Environmental Scientist at Jones & Wagener Engineering and Environmental Consultants. He holds a MSc degree in Environmental Science specialising in GIS and Remote Sensing. Mohamed is registered with both EAPASA and SACNASP.

Secretary: Bathabile Mthembu-Msomi

Bathabile Msomi recently joined Eskom Majuba as an Environmental Officer. She served as the Deputy Branch Chairperson for the IAIAsa KZN Branch Committee for the year 2022/2023. As Secretary of the NEC, Batha aspires to act on the directions of the committee and carefully maintain records and work of the IAIAsa.

Communication & Marketing: Helen Antonopoulos

Helen Antonopoulos holds a MSc degree in Environmental and Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town. She is a junior environmental consultant in the Environmental Management Services group of the CSIR and is interested in using renewable energy to promote sustainable development in South Africa. Helen also has a keen passion for science engagement and youth empowerment. 

CPD and Training: Orlinda Mafika

Orlinda Princess Mafika is a seasoned Senior Environmental Consultant with 6 years of experience in the environmental field. A holder of a BA degree in Management and Development and a BSc. Hons in Environmental Science and Management with Geography. Driven by a passion, she is currently pursuing her MSc in Environmental Management with a specialisation in Waste Management. Orlinda joined the IAIAsa team because she doesn’t believe in the philosophy of gatekeeping. Heading the IAIAsa CPD and Training Portfolio, Orlinda aspires to bridge the gap and encourage a platform for impactful knowledge sharing and beneficial interaction.

Conference Chair 2024: Tshinanne Mutshatshi

Tshinanne Musthatshi is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Environmental Science) with SACNASP. He has more than 18 years of working experience in the environmental field. His experience range from academic, government department, consulting and construction environments. Most of Tshinanne’s career has been in the space of Environmental Impact Management including Risk Management, Compliance and Monitoring as well as Management Systems and compliance audits.

Young Professionals Representative: Austin Sharkey

Austin Sharkey holds a BSS Honours in Geography and Environmental Management from UKZN and is currently completing his M.Sc in Environmental Science and GIS. He currently works as a Candidate EAP at Solis Environmental. He is also involved in research on topics such as GIS and remote sensing, drone technology applications in environmental management, Integrated Environmental Management, EIA, sustainability, natural resource and water management and renewable energy. He has presented at national and international conferences and has published research in international journals.

Student Representative: Tlhoeli Hokinyane

Tlhoeli Hokinyane is pursuing an MA in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Stellenbosch. Tlhoeli’s  research interests are mainly on the EIA process in particular in rural communities. After graduating, Tlhoeli aspires to work further in educating rural communities on their right to participate in EIA processes and developments that will affect their lives.

Branch Chairs

Free State & Northern Cape Branch: Eldalize Kruger

Eldalize Kruger obtained a MSc in Environmental Management degree in 2003 at the NWU. 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.

Gauteng Branch Chair: Lehlongonolo Mashego

Lehlogonolo Mashego works as a Sustainability Manager at BDO South Africa. She has served on the IAIAsa Gauteng Regional Branch since 2017. Her passion lies in impact management, sustainability and awareness. As a member of the NEC, Lehlogonolo aims to merge her passion, professional experience and the objectives set out by IAIAsa.

KZN Branch Chair: Humayrah Bassa

Humayrah Bassa is an Environmental Scientist with over 12 years experience in environmental consulting and research. She holds a MSc in Environmental Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) with EAPASA and she is a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) in the field of practice of Environmental Science with SACNASP. Humayrah is presently an Associate Environmental Consultant at SLR Consulting where she practises as an EAP on a number of local and international EIAs. She has gained extensive experience in environmental consulting with a particular focus on environmental permitting.

Mpumalanga Branch Chair: Tshepo Shakwane

Tshepo Shakwane has been in the consulting field since 2004 and has over 24 years’ experience in environmental management. Tshepo is the managing director of Geovicon Environmental (Pty) Limited, an independent environmental consultancy company working mainly in the coal mining industry.

Western Cape Chair: Nicholas Arnott

Nicholas has served on the IAIAsa Western Cape Branch committee since 2019. He has over 17 years’ experience in environmental consulting and holds a BSc (Honours) in Earth and Geographical Sciences from the University of Cape Town. He is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with EAPASA and a Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) with SACNASP in the field of practice of Environmental Science. Nicholas is presently an Associate Environmental Consultant at SLR Consulting working on EIAs within the oil & gas, renewable energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. In addition to being involved in a number of projects located throughout South Africa (both onshore and offshore), he has worked on projects located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Eastern Cape Branch: Administered by the National Executive Committee

Please get in touch with us should you wish to start the Regional Branch.

North West Branch: Administered by the National Executive Committee

Please get in touch with us should you wish to start the Regional Branch.

Limpopo: Administered by the National Executive

Please get in touch with us should you wish to start the Regional Branch.

Sue

IAIAsa Operations Manager: Sue George
Email: operations@iaiasa.co.za

Sue George is the IAIAsa Operations Manager. holding a BA (UNISA) and a Masters (UFS) in Environmental Management, she is responsible for the daily running of rhe association and for contributing, through the work of the association, to the strategic goals set in the long term and short term strategies of the association and the Integrated Environmental Management sector at large.

Leanne

IAIAsa Secretariat & Bookeeper: Leanne du Plessis
Email: secretariat@iaiasa.co.za

Leanne du Plessis is the cog that makes the IAIAsa membership and event registration wheels turn. Answering email queries at the speed of light, attending to database queries and challenges, invoicing, watching budgets and paying bills her dedication keeps the IAIAsa finances immaculate. When shes not at her IAIAsa desk and even when she is, her dogs are her first love. She also has a husband, two beautiful girls, and a gorgeous little grandson.