National Executive Committee
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.
National Executive Committee 2025/2026
President & Conference Co-Chair 2025: Zama Mkhize
Zama Mkhize is a seasoned sustainability professional with a strong background in the utilities, exploration, and mining industries. As a Senior Manager for Sustainability at Clicks Group, she plays a key role in driving the organisation’s environmental and sustainable development initiatives.
Zama holds an honours degree in Energy Studies from the University of Johannesburg and has completed her MSc in Industrial Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. As the President of IAIAsa and Co-Chair of the 2025 Conference, she is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of young scientists, aiming to cultivate the next generation of inventors and researchers.
President Elect: Tshinanne Mutshatshi
Tshinanne Mutshatshi 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 ranges 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.
Past President & 2025 Conference Co-Chair: Corné Niemandt
Corné Niemandt joined the IAIAsa NEC in 2022 where he has been serving as Treasurer, President-Elect, and President, and currently serving his final term of office as Past-President and Conference 2025 Co-Chair.
Corné is the Director and Founder of Bios Diversitas Consultants, with over nine years of dedicated experience in the integrated environmental management space as a seasoned ecologist and proficient project manager. Having received a BSc Honours in Zoology and a MSc in Plant Science from the University of Pretoria, Corné brings a robust academic foundation to his consultancy work.
He has been involved in several projects across Africa, undertaking diverse assignments in Angola, Liberia, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania, demonstrating his expertise in driving sustainable projects forward. Whether conducting terrestrial biodiversity assessments, drafting comprehensive rehabilitation management plans, or formulating meticulous environmental management strategies, Corné adheres strictly to national and international best practices and standards. Corné’s dedication to his craft is underscored by his registration as a professional scientist specialising in ecological science with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
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 Mthembu is an Environmental Officer at Majuba Power Station and served as Secretary of the IAIAsa NEC for the financial year 2024/2025. Batha is committed to implementing the committee’s directives and ensuring that all initiatives are strategically aligned with IAIAsa’s organisational objectives, ultimately positioning the association as the preferred choice for professionals within the Impact Assessment and Integrated Environmental Management fields.
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 7 years of experience in the environmental field. She holds a BA 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 2025: Dominic Wieners
Dominic Wieners has over 17 years of experience in the environmental sector, with his focus on sustainable development, conservation, and GIS to name a few. His job requires primarily dealing with land use change developments and other threats, outside of formally protected areas. He has served on various forums representing Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Dominic holds a BSc in Agriculture, specialising in Grassland Science, and has also lectured on Grassland Science and land-use planning. His work emphasises adhering to principles and best practice while seeking innovative solutions to conservation challenges in a modern and ever-changing world.
Dominic has been a vocal advocate for protecting ecosystems at risk, highlighting the need for strategies to prioritise the avoidance of impacts on sensitive areas. He has participated in critical discussions on offset frameworks and more recently on conservation banking, advocating for thoughtful and scientifically sound approaches. This includes contributions to refining provincial and national vegetation mapping and promoting Stewardship approaches for conservation.
Young Professionals Representative: Jana Minnaar
Jana Minnaar holds a Masters in Environmental Management focused in Ecological Water Requirements from the North-West University. She is a Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with over 7 years of experience in conducting environmental screening and impact assessments for large-scale developments, with particular focus in the energy and mining sectors.
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: 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.
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.
Kwazulu-Natal 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 organization and is an avid landscape and travel photographer.
Mpumalanga Branch Chair: 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.
Western Cape 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.
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.
IAIAsa Operations Manager: Sue George
Email: operations@iaiasa.co.za
Sue George is the IAIAsa Operations Manager. She holds a Masters in Environmental Management from the University of the Free State. She is responsible for the daily running of the 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.
Administrative Coordinator: Ashleigh Heemro
Ashleigh Heemro is a skilled and creative individual specialising in communications, administration, and event management. With a Higher Certificate in Events Management and a BA in Corporate Communications, she possesses a solid foundation in planning, coordination, and communication. Ashleigh’s role as IAIAsa’s Administrative Coordinator enables her to leverage her organisational skills to ensure seamless membership operations and optimise workflow efficiency. She is dedicated to achieving exceptional results, fostering strong relationships, and continuously refining processes for maximum impact.
Events & Training Coordinator: Fiona Gumbo
Fiona Gumbo is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a passion for behind-the-scenes project management. Holding a BCom in Event Management, she brings extensive experience in event planning, coordination, and execution to her role as IAIAsa’s Events and Training Coordinator. Fiona takes pride in her creative approach and commitment to creating inclusive spaces for everyone. Her strong interpersonal skills enable her to navigate complex situations with flexibility and adaptability. In her role, Fiona ensures seamless communication and understanding within IAIAsa by expertly scheduling events and organising training sessions that drive the Association’s objectives forward.
Financial Coordinator: Liesl Dart
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.
All Rights Reserved.