I have 20 years’ experience across the disciplines of ecological research, protected area and conservation management, as well as parks, garden and visitor services management. I have been project manager for various invasive species management initiatives, including other economic development/community based natural resource management (CBNRM) projects, ensured effective area integrity management, conducted various ecological/cultural heritage monitoring and have been involved in drafting of various management guideline documents and management plans. I have completed a National Diploma in 1998 with CPUT, a Baccalaureus Technologiae in 2003 and Magister Technologiae Degree in Nature Conservation in 2010 with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. I have further ambitions to complete a MSC degree once I have found suitable subject matter.

I have experience in both internal and external liaison/stakeholder engagement. My experience in this field ranges from being secretary for the Attaquaskloof Conservancy, representing the interests of CapeNature on the Herbertsdale Water Users’ Association, being a representative on various forums e.g. Fynbos Forum and World Herpetological Congress, acting Fire Protection Officer for the Rooiberg Fire Protection Association, management of damage causing animals along the Augrabies Falls National Park and Outeniqua Nature Reserve boundaries, chairperson for the Swellendam Protected Areas Forum with the Bontebok National Park Forum, Safety and Security/Nature Conservation Working Group where I was responsible for coordinating projects and arranging meetings. I am currently involved in representing SANBI on the Claremont Police Forum, Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association and Cape Town Tourism Visitor Safety Forum.

I have experience in the management of visitors in protected areas, including liaising with residence associations, neighborhood watch groups (e.g. Fernwood watch and Constantia Watch), visitors, by conducting interpretive walks, Law Enforcement, Visitor Management and liaising with individual neighboring land owners and responsible tourism ventures. These experiences will be valuable in planning for the management of visitors and tourism-related facilities.

I was the recipient of the ‘Ranger of the Year in recognition of excellent service as Section Ranger at Bontebok National Park’ at SANParks Cape Region Annual Kudu Awards in 2010 and recipient of the Chief Executive Award For ‘Excellent Performance in the work place for executing work beyond the call of duty and for dynamic leadership as a Section Ranger at the Bontebok National Park’ 2009/2010. I was successful at motivating for SANBI to become a member of the Environmental Management Inspectorate in 2014 when year’s before, SANBI security staff were conducting security/law enforcement operations without the required powers. I am also currently involved with the Table Mountain Ghost Frog Task Team with the directive of alleviating the species of its ‘critically endangered’ status. Furthermore, in December 2018, when our curator met his unfortunate passing in a cycling incident, the Director of Gardens appointed me to be Acting Curator to take care of Kirstenbosch Management until a permanent curator is appointed. This proves that I am not only in my position for mandatory reasons but that I have a drive to take on challenges that would seem beyond my years.