GreenMatter Fellowship brochure

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Connecting | Catalysing | CultivatingFellowship

© Corbis

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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed

citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing

that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

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Contents

2 The GreenMatter Fellowship

4 What does the GreenMatter Fellowship

respond to?

7 Programme Impact

8 GreenMatter Fellows and Senior Fellows

27 Developing a consortium of support

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The GreenMatter Fellowship

The GreenMatter Fellowship welcomes outstand-

ing graduates, passionate young professionals

and experienced leaders from all walks of life. It

emphasises camaraderie, community and peer learn-

ing, while encouraging individual excellence.

It promotes the view that leadership for biodiversity

can and should be evident across sectors, occupa-

tions, qualifications and positions.

The GreenMatter Fellowship has several unique

characteristics. These include:

The GreenMatter Fellowship connects a

community of outstanding biodiversity

champions and leaders, enabling them to

achieve their potential and serve as true

ambassadors of South Africa’s natural

wealth.

2012 GreenMatter inaugural Fellows

Wider national context

Personal &professionaldevelopment

Networking

Mentoring

Financialsupport

Dynamic community

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• specifically targeting the priority skills needs

of the biodiversity sector, as informed by

research;

• providing a quality, holistic support package,

supplementing financial awards with

mentoring, personal and professional

development support; and

• supporting individuals, but also connecting

them to the wider national context.

GreenMatter Fellowship holistic support

Pictures courtesy of SANParks, MediaClubSouthAfrica.com, Sasol/MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

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What does the GreenMatter Fellowship respond to?

South Africa’s wildlife and natural resources are a

precious source of wealth. In addition to its intrinsic

value, the country’s biodiversity supports income

generation and job creation for communities, and

is fundamental to the ecological infrastructure

needed to sustain and enhance human well-being

and development.

Issues such as climate change, ecosystem degrada-

tion and resource constraints affecting supplies of

food and water have increased society’s desire to

safeguard this vital natural capital.

In order to achieve these goals, we need a steady

flow of the best minds to help sustainably manage

our natural resources for the benefit of all South

Africans, both present and future generations.

Pictures courtesy of Rhodes University, Sasol/MediaClubSouthAfrica.com, SANBI

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Studies have revealed critical skills shortages in the

biodiversity sector. South Africa urgently needs to

develop highly skilled professionals who are able

to play leading roles in conserving, managing and

researching the country’s biodiversity.

The GreenMatter Fellowship is nested in a systemic

programme of aligned initiatives that addresses

the critical skills shortages in the biodiversity sector,

within the context of broad-based, socio-economic

transformation.

Biodiversity is the term given to the variety of life

on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. The bio-

diversity we see today is the fruit of billions of

years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and,

increasingly, by the influence of humans. It forms the

web of life of which we are an integral part and

upon which we so fully depend. – Convention on

Biological Diversity

Picture courtesy of SANParks

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Pictures courtesy of SANParks, Graeme Williams/MediaClubSouthAfrica.com, SANBI

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Programme impact

The GreenMatter Fellowship affords Fellows

and Senior Fellows the opportunity to fully

engage, through a dynamic community, in

tackling biodiversity issues through their

study and career paths alongside peers who

share in that commitment.

Overall goal: to improve the levels of avail-

ability, quality and relevance of biodiversity

professional skills, enabling South Africa to

effectively manage its natural resources to

sustain human well-being and development.

Focus: to increase the number of talented,

particularly black South Africans attracted

to working in the biodiversity sector, provid-

ing them with opportunities to advance their

skills, expand their networks and influence,

thereby opening doors to employment and

leadership opportunities.

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GreenMatter Fellows and Senior Fellows

Meet a selection of the biodiversity champions and leaders sup-

ported by the GreenMatter Fellowship.

Balungile Madikizela

PhD Student – Ethnobotany, University of KwaZulu-Natal

2012 GreenMatter Fellow

“Overharvesting of known medicinal plant species poses a signifi-

cant risk to ensuring an intact diversity of habitats. There is still a

lot that can be done to prevent overharvesting of such threatened

species by working closely with rural communities in South Africa

to promote conservation.”

Growing up in rural South Africa, Balungile understands the

challenges experienced by and opportunities available within

rural communities. She has therefore developed a programme

working with traditional healers and children, helping them

better understand their everyday impact on the environment.

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Dr Leonard Masubelele

Landscape Ecologist, SANParks


“It is important for researchers to be aware of and utilise new and

improved technologies, and have the ability to foster collaborations

to enhance the positive impact on our wealth of biodiversity.”

Leonard has been involved in various outreach projects represent-

ing the Botany Department at University of Cape Town, as well

as SANParks. He has contributed towards career guidance

initiatives and demonstrations. He has led various journal and

seminar discussions in the Plant Conservation Unit at University

of Cape Town and is part of the Land Cover Change Consortium in

South Africa, which involves understanding how climate change

and land use change influences biodiversity.

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Dr Inga JacobsExecutive Manager: Business Development, Marketing

and Communication, The South African Water Research

Commission

2013 GreenMatter Senior Fellow

“Young professionals are playing a vital role in facilitating change in

the water sector. We are dynamic enough to take change in our

stride as WE are faced with the consequences of environmental

threats. More than this, we aim to improve the way things are

done in a fun and positive way, while still maintaining economic

relevance and scientific excellence.”

Dr Inga Jacobs has been awarded the GreenMatter Senior Fellow

award for her commitment to the development of other young

professionals, particularly those in the water sector, and her

personal contribution as a young leader.

Dr Jacobs is a political scientist by training with a focus on regional

and international water governance in Africa, looking at co-

operative governance in shared river basins in the Southern African

and East African regions. This involves an attention to the socio-

political and socio-economic landscapes that shape the way in

which states and non-state actors negotiate rights and access

to a shared water resource.

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Currently, Dr Jacobs is the Executive Manager:

Business Development, Marketing and Com-

munication for the Water Research Commis-

sion, the knowledge dissemination and re-

search uptake arm for the WRC. Here, her role

is to provide strategic monitoring support for

research trends in the water sector, and pro-

vide leadership direction, nationally and

internationally, on the understanding of the

water knowledge cycle in South Africa.

While a highly published and recognised scien-

tist at a young age, she has also dedicated time

to the development of other young scientists

and has played a significant leadership role at

both national and international levels. She is

actively involved in the Young Water Profes-

sionals (YWP) network, having served as its

Global President and a Board member of the

International Water Association. Currently, she

serves as the Southern African YWP President

and sits on the Water Institute for South Africa

(WISA) Board.

Having completed her doctoral studies over-

seas, sometimes holding down three jobs to

pay for this, Dr Jacobs has returned to South

Africa to contribute to the development of

the country and its people. Her approach to

water politics has had a significant impact

locally, making a positive difference to ordi-

nary South Africans.

Post co-founding the Forum for Young Schol-

ars in Trans-boundary Water Governance, she

began to find ways to make young South

Africans aware of the career opportunities

in the water sector, how they can apply their

seemingly unrelated social science skills to

addressing very real problems in South Africa,

and helping to build capacity. She has also

contributed towards leadership discussions

within the biodiversity sector on a voluntary

basis, assisting in conceptual thinking and

practical interventions.

Her other accolades include:

2012: Young Scientist Water Research Award;

2011: Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South

Africans; and

20017-2010: St. Andrews African Scholarship.

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Asiphe Sahule

Master’s Student – Water Resource Management,

Rhodes University


“My studies have enabled me to share the knowledge I have gained

with the rest of my community to create awareness of the effects of

herbicides and insecticides that farmers use on water and aquatic

life in rivers in our communities. It is important for communities to

understand their role and how it impacts on the environment and

adequate supply of quality water resources for future generations.”

Raised and supported by a single parent, Asiphe fully appreciates

the value of higher education. She feels that Water Resource

Management aids the development of strategies that ensure

biodiversity is maintained. This facilitates the provision of eco-

system goods and services to improve the livelihoods of people

dependent on them.

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Letasha Hesqua

Human Resources Officer, NCC Group


“By providing educational support to a range of stakeholders, it

allows the greater community to adopt different approaches

to dealing with the human-wildlife conflict and its effects on

biodiversity.”

Letasha’s professional interest is in training and development.

She is also passionate about making an environmental difference

in the community. She volunteers her time to three scout groups

from disadvantaged communities in the Cape, by offering them

basic environmental education and is planning to start environ-

mental career guidance for students at high schools in the area.

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Dr John Hanks

Independent Consultant


“Countries, especially the very poorest, need to protect the bio-

diversity and ecosystems that support life (clean water and air, soil

nutrients, forests, fisheries and other ecosystems. Environmental

education needs to move beyond simply creating an awareness of

Africa’s extraordinary fauna and flora. It should become intimately

entwined with issues of development, survival, livelihoods, improved

quality of education and quality of life.”

Dr John Hanks has been awarded the GreenMatter Senior Fellow

award for the leadership and dedication shown throughout his

career to the promotion of biodiversity conservation, public

awareness and skills development.

Dr Hanks has extensive experience in biodiversity issues throughout

Southern Africa and internationally having had senior positions at,

amongst others: WWF International (Director of Africa Programme),

WWF-SA (CEO), Peace Parks Foundation (Executive Director), Con-

servation International (Director) and on numerous related advisory

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boards. During his formal career, he was also

active in seeking to foster co-ordination and

collaboration between the leading local conser-

vation organisations.

In addition to his continuing academic activities

he was instrumental in establishing the Southern

African Wildlife College (adjacent to the Kruger

National Park), which has played a transformative

role in providing conservation education, training

and skills development to protected area man-

agers throughout Africa. He is currently Chairman

of the Board of Lapalala Wilderness School, and

is on the Board of Trustees of WWF-SA, the Green

Trust, and Outward Bound South Africa

His other accolades include:

1974: Zimbabwe Award (for outstanding achieve-

ment in service to one’s fellow man);

1981: Dr Edgar Brookes Award (for service to

human freedom and endeavour);

1985: Claude Harris Foundation Community

Service Award (for contribution to conser-

vation in KwaZulu-Natal);

1985: EWT Statesman Award (for services to

conservation and development in south-

ern Africa);

1989: Officer of the Golden Ark – awarded by

HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands

(for work to save African wildlife);

1991: Safari Club International Conservationist

of the Year Award;

1995: Toastmasters’ International Communica-

tion and Leadership Award;

1998: Bob Rutherford Memorial Trust Fund Award

(for services to conservation); and

2007: WWF SA’s Lonmin Conservation Award

(for contribution to conservation of SA’s

environment).

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Thembi Khoza

Legislative Compliance Officer, SANParks


“Scientists need to contribute meaningfully to the legislative

process to ensure that legislation relevant to biodiversity and

the environment is implementable, without compromising its

legality.”

Thembi believes that water and food security challenges

impact significantly on our efforts to eradicate poverty.

Effective legislation needs to support changes to the way

of living and innovating to survive the range of uncertain-

ties our generation and the next will be faced with.

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Katlego Motlhatlego

Master’s Student – Ethnobotany, University of KwaZulu-Natal


“The application of ethno-botanical medicine could potentially be

a reliable approach for discovering potent new compounds to

combat respiratory diseases.”

Katlego’s inclination to work with biodiversity and its impact on

health stems from her childhood. As a sufferer of asthma, Katlego

is determined to make a difference to the quality and availability

of natural solutions for respiratory diseases. Katlego hopes to

advance society by contributing to natural medications that

have less harmful effects and would be able to provide more effi-

cient treatment methods to improve quality of life.

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Prof. Albert Modi

Dean and Head of School: Agriculture, Earth and

Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal


“Being a GreenMatter Senior Fellow affords me the opportunity to

further relevant research, thereby influencing public policy and

biodiversity stewardship through sustainable agriculture and rural

economic development – two critical national issues.”

Prof. Albert Modi has been awarded the GreenMatter Senior Fellow

award for his innovation and leadership in promoting sustainable

agriculture, through both academic excellence and practical

mentorship.

Prof. Modi has successfully led research projects and was pivotal in

the establishment of the Ezemvelo Farmers Organisation, which

focused on the small scale production of amadumbe (taro) for

supply in commercial retail chains such as Pick ‘n Pay and Wool-

worths. This project, the first of its kind in South Africa, has

facilitated a sustainable model for community farming.

His knowledge of traditional/indigenous crops and their man-

agement has led to research that explores opportunities to

Picture courtesy Orange River Cellars/ MediaClubSouthAfrica.com, UKZN, Graeme Williams/MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

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devise new varieties of crops that are drought

tolerant.

In addition, Prof. Modi established and held the

position of Chief Executive Officer of the Provincial

Government Science Institute. He is currently in a

leadership position at The University of KwaZulu-

Natal, responsible for 14 disciplines.

He has published more than 45 peer-reviewed papers

and numerous popular articles.

His other accolades include:

1993: FRD Scholarship (MScAgric), University of Natal;

1996-1999: Fulbright Scholarship (PhD), Ohio State

University, USA;

2008: The New York Academy of Sciences: Member-

ship Award, New York, USA;

2008-1012: Young Affiliate, Third World Academy

of Sciences, Sub-Saharan Region;

2009: Agricultural Writers South Africa: Agricultural

Writer Award (North) – Trophy; and

2011: Fellowship of the South African Society of

Crop Production.

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Mbulelo Dopolo

Programme Manager, SANParks


“The concept of reconciling and/or bridging the fisheries and conser-

vation objectives is a thorny issue in South Africa, especially with a

past that has neglected the livelihoods of previously disadvantaged

communities due to the power relation dynamics that existed.”

Mbulelo grew up in a small town called Fterkstroolin and later

moved to Queenstown to complete his schooling. His passion for

marine protected areas was ignited during his undergraduate

degree at Fort Hare. He feels strongly that our marine protected

areas (MPAs) are perceived as token restricted areas, given that

people continue to disregard a system that did not consult them

as key stakeholders. He is therefore championing the call to review

the spatial management of all those MPAs that were declared

during the apartheid era, especially those in areas that are con-

tested by communities.

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Thuli Jaca

Taxonomist, SANBI


“Invasive alien species pose a significant threat to human liveli-

hoods, economic development and biodiversity. These threats are

likely to be exacerbated by climate change as environments be-

come less hospitable to indigenous species.”

Born in KwaZulu-Natal and growing up in the Eastern Cape,

Thuli’s love for biology was constantly acknowledged by her

teacher, motivating her to pursue her tertiary studies despite

financial difficulties. Through passion and determination she

attained her qualifications and now assists protected area man-

agers in raising awareness on invasive alien plants within nature

reserves, identifying new invasions, management actions as well

as building working relationships between SANBI staff, local

municipalities and private reserve owners. She has also been

instrumental in supporting and hosting interns in partnership

with the Department of Science and Technology/National Research

Foundation’s internship programme to assist unemployed science

graduates and postgraduates to acquire practical work experience.

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Dr Jeanne Nel

Principle Researcher, CSIR


“Conserving freshwater biodiversity is dependent on cooperation

across many sectors that have a history of working separately and

that are mandated by separate policies. It is critical at this point

for role players to keep up the momentum that has already been

achieved and develop a standalone policy on freshwater conserva-

tion in South Africa.”

Dr Jeanne Nel has been awarded the GreenMatter Senior Fellow

award for her substantive contribution to national ecosystem man-

agement practices, through the promotion of trans-disciplinary,

multi-stakeholder approaches and cross-organisational mentoring.

Dr Nel has been one of the most prominent role players in the

emergence of the systematic approach to freshwater conservation

planning. She has featured prominently in international meetings

in this field, serves as the President of the Freshwater Working

Group of the Society for Conservation Biology (an international

body of conservation scientists), and is a Board Member of the

Freshwater Monitoring Working Group of GEOBON (the Group

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on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation

Network).

Dr Nel has co-ordinated a number of large, inter-

disciplinary projects and, through her work, she

has created opportunities for, inspired, and nur-

tured young scientists interested in working in

this field. She has also produced a remarkable

number of contract reports and peer reviewed

papers in high-impact journals.

An outstanding achievement of Dr Nel’s work

to date has been her role as Project Leader and

Principle Scientist on the National Freshwater

Ecosystem Priority Areas project (NFEPA). As

Project Leader, she was responsible not only for

technical developments, but also for managing

a complex client and stakeholder network

including the South African National Biodiversity

Institute (SANBI), the CSIR, the Water Research

Commission (WRC), the World Wide Fund for

Nature South Africa (WWF-SA), the Department

of Water Affairs, the Department of Environmental

Affairs, the South African Institute for Aquatic

Biodiversity (SAIAB), the South African National

Parks (SANParks), and several provincial-level

departments and implementation agencies. The

outcome of this project, the NFEPA Atlas, was

launched by Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi, in

November 2011. It represents cutting-edge sci-

ence and one of the most significant advances

towards enabling the protection of freshwater

ecosystems in South Africa.

Her other accolades include:

2010: CSIR Innovation Award for most innova-

tive project of the year (NFEPA project);

2010: CSIR Best Scientific Publication Award;

2011: Climate Change Leadership Award under

the financial services category (for a project

on risk and resilience for the insurance

industry); and

2012: Environmental Risk Management Award

of the Institute of Risk Management

South Africa (for the above mentioned

project for the insurance industry).

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Gregg Brill

PhD Student – Ecosystem services, University of Cape Town


“At a global scale, the problems of respecting and safeguarding

the environment have been receiving increasing attention due to

the growing consciousness that the time remaining to find effective

solutions to correct management strategies of environmental

services is rapidly running out.”

Gregg is a zealous champion for the environment, in South Africa

and abroad. Following the tsunami disaster that befell Thailand

in 2005, he volunteered with Help Phi Phi, an NGO programme

set up to help rehabilitate the island. Using practical knowledge

gained from his rehabilitation and disturbance ecology course at

Rhodes University, he helped design and implement a revegetation

programme. He has since done similar work in the Seychelles.

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Sonwabo Mazinyo

PhD Student – Environmental Science, University of Fort Hare


“Humans are integral to the environment. Meaningful and environ-

mentally responsible contributions to society by today’s generation

will determine the success of future generations in realising quality

of life in the face of inclement climate change and variability.”

Prior to receiving his GreenMatter Fellowship award, Sonwabo

supported himself and his studies through ad hoc jobs and menial

labour. It is this drive that has led him to study the different ways

through which people, particularly the poor, can mitigate the

impacts of climate change and variability within their cultural,

environmental and socio-economic context. He is hoping that

the findings of his study can contribute towards better aligned

policy frameworks for both the Department of Agriculture and

Environmental Affairs.

Picture courtesy of SANBI

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Developing a consortium of support

This is an ambitious project. Within ten years we

hope to have created a generation of motivated

leaders and change agents in the biodiversity sector,

able and willing to take on the many challenges

facing our country.

We realise that we cannot achieve this vision on

our own and are actively seeking partners who

share our passion for conservation and the develop-

ment of talented young South Africans to join the

programme consortium.

The GreenMatter Fellowship connects a

community of outstanding biodiversity

champions and leaders, enabling them to

achieve their potential and serve as true

ambassadors of South Africa’s natural

wealth.

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The GreenMatter Fellowship is implemented

through GreenMatter, a public-private initia-

tive championing biodiversity skills develop-

ment, with and for the sector.

The three founding partners of the Fellowship

are the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust, the

Lewis Foundation and the South African

National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), three

organisations that share the mission of con-

tributing to the conservation of South Africa’s

natural heritage.

Other supporters of the Fellowship include

the Harry Crossley Foundation, in partnership

with the University of Cape Town and Stellen-

bosch University, and the CATHS SETA, in

partnership with Rhodes University. The

Fellowship funds are administered by Ned-

bank Private Wealth.

The Fellowship is seeking to create a consor-

tium of support that will enable GreenMatter

Fellows to achieve their potential and serve

as true ambassadors of South Africa’s natural

resources.

To learn more about the GreenMatter Fellow-

ship and how you could be involved, please

contact Liz Robson: [email protected]

or +27 (0)11 447 5112.

Please also refer to the GreenMatter website:

www.greenmatter.co.za to view updates

and profiles of GreenMatter Fellows.

Picture courtesy of Rodger Bosch/MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

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Picture courtesy of Mary Alexander/MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

Contact: Liz Robson | Tel: +27 (0)11 447 5112

Email: [email protected] | www.greenmatter.co.za

The GreenMatter Fellowship connects a community of

outstanding biodiversity champions and leaders, enabling

them to achieve their potential and serve as true ambas-

sadors of South Africa’s natural wealth.

Documents

GreenMatter Fellowship brochure