Student Branches

KwaZulu-Natal Student Branch

KwaZulu-Natal Student Branch Chair: Alaika Seepye

Talia

KwaZulu-Natal Student Branch Marketing/ Media officer: Talia Enoch

Talia Enoch is currently a third year MSc student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Talia’s research is based on the palaeosciences, with her project focusing on late Holocene sea-level reconstruction using fossil pollen. Talia is all ears about anything related to philosophy, geopolitics, and of course – science.

Arlia

KwaZulu-Natal Student Branch Secretary: Arlia Dhevnanan

Arlia Dhevnanan is a BSc Environmental Science Honours student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her interests lie in climate change and conservation, two critical areas that impact the planet’s health and survival. Her passion for these topics is evident in her research, which focuses on exploring species response to climate change. Beyond her research, Arlia is an advocate for active change, promoting sustainable practices to ensure a sustainable future for all. She recognizes the importance of taking action now to address pressing environmental challenges and secure a better future for generations to come.

Snokuthemba

KwaZulu-Natal Student Branch Treasurer: Snokuthemba Mkhize

Snokuthemba Mkhize is currently an Honours student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research is based on invasion ecology particularly modelling the landscape vulnerability to alien invasives using GIS and RS. She is interested in ecological and biodiversity based studies conservation and GIS and RS as well. She is a nature enthusiast and believes in the protection and appreciation of the environment.

Sonto

KwaZulu-Natal Student Branch Social Media officer: Sonto Mbele

Sonto Mbele is a dedicated B.S.S Geography and Environmental Management Honours student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with a passion for Culture and Conservation. Her academic pursuits are complemented by a deep-seated belief in environmental practices that prioritise public participation, particularly in conservation initiatives. Through her studies, Sonto aims to bridge the gap between traditional cultural values and modern conservation practices, seeking innovative and inclusive approaches to environmental management.

Simphiwe

KwaZulu-Natal Student Branch Events Coordinator: Simphiwe Tswane

Simphiwe Tswane is a BSc. Honours in Environmental Sciences student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His research is based on management of alien invasive species using Remote Sensing. His interests lie in finding solutions for environmental problems. Simphiwe believes deeply in Mark Twain’s quote, which states, “The secret of getting ahead Is getting started”

Western Cape Student Branch

Kimeshni

Western Cape Student Branch Chairperson: Kimeshni Manikam

Kimeshni Manikam holds a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Environmental and Geographical Science, Industrial Sociology from the University of Cape Town (UCT). She continued her postgraduate studies with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honors at UCT and is currently completing her Masters in Landscape Architecture at UCT. Her thesis is titled “The rejuvenation of the Black River riverfront through the lens of the hydrosocial cycle”. 

She has previously interned at Our Future Cities NPO which involves contributing to various development projects, conferences such as Africa Rise, and workshops in Cape Town such as District Six Public Realm Strategy etc.

Mosuli

Western Cape Student Branch Vice Chairperson: Mosuli Makasi

Mosuli Makasi is a dedicated environmentalist passionate about conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Environmental Management (Science) at the same institution, majoring in Environmental Chemistry and Safety, Health, and the Environment. 

His honours thesis focuses on the detrimental effects of sewage effluent on the water quality of rivers in Cape Town. Mosuli participated in a learnership program with the Department of Environmental Affairs in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, contributing significantly to the review of Environmental Impact Assessment reports and conducting thorough site inspections for proposed developments.

Zikona

Western Cape Student Branch Secretary: Zikhona Menze

Zikhona Menze holds a bachelor’s degree in Nature Conservation from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Conservation Science at the same institution, with her research thesis titled “Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Selected Metals in the Black and Liesbeek Rivers, Cape Town, South Africa”.

Zikhona has gained valuable experience through various roles, including volunteering at Table Mountain National Park, completing her work integrated learning (WIL) at Bracken Nature Reserve and, interning for BOTSOC at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. She has also held positions as a Retention Officer and Teaching Assistant at Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Baadiyah

Western Cape Student Branch Treasurer: Baadiyah Abrahams

Baadiyah Abrahams is in the final year of her Environmental and Water Sciences Degree at the University of Western Cape. Her aspiration lies in the field of Environmental impact assessment and sustainability. 

Active as a volunteer at the UWC Cape Flats Nature Reserve, she dedicates herself to tasks such as clearing alien and invasive species, maintaining footpaths, and nursery management. She’s embraces a zero-waste lifestyle and advocates for environmental sustainability.

Thato

Western Cape Student Branch Social Media & Marketing Coordinator: Thato Mogashoa

Thato Mogashoa is a passionate nature enthusiast with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Ecology from the University of Mpumalanga, specializing in the Human Dimension of Wildlife and Global Change and Biodiversity Conservation. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape.

 

Thato has gained valuable professional experience in various disciplines including biodiversity surveys, science communication, environmental education, and social media management. She prioritises the cultivation of meaningful relationships within her field and has had the privilege of participating in the prestigious African Ecology and Conservation course offered through the Organisation for Tropical Studies, a highlight of her academic journey.

Marie

Western Cape Student Branch Events Coordinator: Marie Niyodusaba

Marie Niyodusaba, is a graduate of the University of the Western Cape, she holds a BA Degree in Tourism (Development, Marketing, Planning) and Geography. Specializing in Tourism and Geography during her undergraduate studies, Marie is currently enrolled for an Honours degree in the geography stream at the same institution, focusing on Advanced Tourism Development and Environmental Management.

Her research thesis, “The Impact of Tourism Development: A Marxist Case Study Analysis on Developing Coastal Towns,” underscores her commitment to understanding the complexities of tourism’s role in economic growth. Prior to her academic journey, Marie gained practical experience as a waiter at Ignite Company and as a receptionist at a private dental facility.