GreenCape has had tremendous growth over the last six months of the year; with additional new team members joining our Green Finance, Water, Energy, Circular Economy and Communications. We are pleased to introduce to our stakeholders our new appointments to our team. Please get to know them better by reading below:
From Green Finance; we are pleased to introduce our Green Finance Analyst, Cuan Solomon:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I’ve had 4 years of experience in banking in the credit department as well as experience as a market research intern at an international Impact investor. I have currently completed my Masters in Development Finance and I believe that the combination of my experience and my education allows me to navigate the landscape of finance as well as to identify opportunities in the Green Finance Sector.
Q: What have been your favourite things about GreenCape so far?
I enjoy being part of a knowledge sharing organisation, one that does not work in silos and has a focus on knowledge sharing. The organisational focus on teamwork and constant support from everybody is a unique offering that only an organisation like GreenCape can offer.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
I have been engaged in the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) programme and the SIDAFF programme.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
Since Graduating from my undergrad degree I’ve always wanted a career that supports my passion for helping people as well as allowing me to constantly learn and find unique ways of solving problems. Undertaking my career at Green-Cape, I see the potential to solve climate related issues and help people in the process. In my role this would entail mobilizing finance for climate solutions to allow these solutions to become market ready and accessible to the general public.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
A part of the impact I would love to drive would be to inform financiers and investors of the risk aspects of climate finance, and get them to divert their investment into climate solutions. This mobilisation of climate finance could induce benefits for everyone at faster rate if more financiers get involved earlier.
Q: What do you get up to on you spare time?
Reading, swimming and listening to Music, Markets, Food
Q: Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- I once broke my leg.
- I’ve never been out the country.
- I love eating avocado pears.
Again, from Green Finance we are pleased to introduce our Project Officer: Grants, Moshadi Mashangoane:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I have BSc Life and Environmental Sciences, and BSc Honours in Botany. Furthermore, I have certificate in Business Finance, Project Management and GIS. My experience as a Project Coordinator at GreenMatter introduced to me finance. I was responsible for sending financial report to the funders , creating requisitions for payment and also record keeping to ensure that everything is saved properly. This experience aligns with my current job role.
Q: What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
The culture has been my favourite thing. It is diverse and inclusive. Everyone is kind and always willing to share knowledge.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
I have worked on multiple projects. My role is to ensure that financial reports to the funders are drafted and submitted. Furthermore, I ensure that all documentation is saved accordingly. This is critical for auditing purposes.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
I am passionate about both organisation and personal finance. I am excited to be a part of the team that ensures GreenCape has clean audits and good financial health.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
The impact would be to ensure that GreenCape remain credible in the Green Economy space. This is achieved through clean audits and producing excellent reports to the funders. Funders and investors are only attracted to what they have confidence in. Therefore, it is critical that our stakeholders have confidence in us.
Q: What do you get up to on you spare time?
Sleep, hike or listen to some podcasts.
Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- I am addicted to chocolate.
- I own a pengenese dog.
- I invest in cryptocurrency and ETFs.
From our Water Sector Desk, we are pleased to introduce our Water Analyst, Nkululeko Mabila:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I am a hydrologist by training having studied BSC degree majoring in hydrology and geography, Honours and MSC degree majoring in hydrology from UKZN. I worked as water quality assurance specialist at Rand Water. I think it relates to GreenCape I will use my water knowledge and experience in the industry to help compile the best knowledge for the stakeholders. I will also assist in analysing water related issues.
Q: What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
So far it has been the environment, people here are very nice and helpful. Especially professionally, they seem to know a lot about the industry. Not only that, but also willingness to share the information.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
I started working in the first week really. I have been working on the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency working on finalising the water MIR (check proper term). I have also been working on an industry brief. The one that I am busy with now is based on repayments for ecological services.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
I just hope that we produce work that provides insights that could change policy at a national scale. Hopefully, that policy will also help in delivering water to the previously disadvantaged.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
I hope that our work can be able to contribute to a bigger change. If I can see people get access to quality water, especially those who do not have water now, I would have achieved a lot.
Q: What do you get up to on you spare time?
I usually watch football. I wish I could work out more; it is not happening as often these days. I like photography. I listen to a lot of music.
Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- I am a middle child.
- I have a third.
- I finished school when I was 15 years-old.
We are pleased to introduce our Programme Manager: Circular Economy, Saloshnee Naidoo:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I have 3 years chemical engineering experience in the speciality chemicals and sustainable technologies industry as well as over 15 years of experience in various roles across the research, development and innovation value chain. A large focus of my work has been the development of alternative sustainable solutions through (bio)polymer research and innovation, and more recently techno-economic and socio-economic assessments.
I have a chemical engineering qualification with further specialisation in polymer materials science and engineering, sustainability transitions and technology and innovation management in my postgraduate studies.
Relation to GC role: I have been in careers that have had a strong focus on alternative sustainable solutions, both at research and industry level. Polymers are also the backbone of much of the materials like plastics, that we focus on in the CE programme.
Q: What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
Knowledge sharing. It is evident that knowledge sharing in well embedded in GreenCape’s culture just by seeing how willing everyone to share information and help each other.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
As programme manager, I will be involved in all CE projects. At the start, I have been exposed to the different projects within the CE programme.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
The planet, all things nature and people are all very important to me. Seeing how the work I do can in some way contribute to taking care of our environment while enhancing the lives of all our people, whether its discovering new technologies, implementing green solutions, creating jobs and growing our economy.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
Sustainability requires a socio-technical change involving transformation in behavioural approaches, and the right policy framework and the stimulation of the new systems and innovations. Having spent a number of years focusing on value chain analysis, I have come to see how critical it is for all actors within the value chain (of the different sectors we work with) to work in collaboration to drive sustainability. The circular economy as an ideal instrument to do just that.
The impact is I want to make is to facilitate this process of the transition that will ultimately bring about change for the better for our people, planet and economy – and where we move away from Circular Economy being merely a “buzzword” of this era, to Circular Economy being the vehicle that drives the shift towards sustainability.
Q: What do you get up to on you spare time?
I enjoy several activities. I love practicing yoga and meditation, running, spending time with family and friends and watching sport. I also love travelling and reading.
Q: Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- My favourite band is Live.
- My favourite meal is Lamb curry.
- I am allergic to bees but love honey.
From our Circular Economy Sector Desk; we are pleased to introduce our Analyst: Circular Economy, Wade De Kock:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I have my PhD in Ocean and Atmospheric Science. My PhD involves an analysis of summer rainfall in the Western Cape and its role in drought mitigation. Working in a direct climate change topic sets me up at GreenCape to ask and resolve issues in a way that involves a systematic and scientific approach.
Q: What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
My favourite thing about GreenCape are the people I have met and learned from. At GreenCape we are very much people before we are employees
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
I worked on the SA Plastics Pact team and we just released our first comparative annual report of which I did the data analysis and contributed to its compilation. We also just had our first in person conference which was exciting and well received.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
I am passionate about environmental issues. Working in the Circular Economy Team just further emphasizes how connected everything is within the system.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
Apart from Climate and Ocean Science, another passion of mine is seeing an impact in my immediate community. Uplifting communities that have previously been disadvantaged is a huge target of mine.
Q: What do you get up to on you spare time?
I enjoy spending time with family, friends, pets with good music, good food and good scenery. I am from the Boland so I also enjoy a good wine tasting now and then. I enjoy reading, coding and debating social issues
Q: Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- I have been to Antarctica twice
- I was bitten by a shark
- I swam with 8m Manta rays
Again, from our Circular Economy Sector Desk; we are pleased to introduce our Expert Analyst: Roan Snyman:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I worked for Pick n Pay as a Sustainability Manager for 7 years, focussing on packaging, food waste, palm oil, carbon, water, sustainable seafood and ESG reporting. I spent a lot of time working with the PnP packaging and commercial teams, which has helped in my engagements with Plastics Pact member companies and it has provided me with the experience to assist in overcoming some of the plastic related challenges they are faced with. My academic background is in the social sciences, with a Masters in Philosophy from Stellenbosch and I’ve recently started working on a PHD in Philosophy.
Q: What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
Green Cape has a great work culture and a wide range of expertise which provides great opportunities for learning from colleagues. Green Cape has awesome energy and the different teams are always willing to work together, support and collaborate.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
My role is primarily centred on the SA Plastics Pact. My work involves working directly with the member companies, to support them and assist them working towards their targets. My role also involves getting additional companies to sign up to the Pact and I’ve also facilitated some of the Pact’s action groups.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
I would like to learn as much as I can, and work collaboratively with my colleagues toward achieving a positive impact and making a difference.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
My goal is to ensure that the SA Plastics Pact is as impactful as it can be, and that we are supporting the systemic change needed for the development of a circular economy for plastic in South Africa. The companies we work with are faced with a wide range of complex challenges, and our role is to provide guidance and support to overcome the barriers toward progress.
Q: What do you get up to on you spare time?
I like nature and landscape photography, and I’m an avid squash player.
Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- Blue Doritos are the best Doritos.
- I listen to murder mysteries to fall asleep at night.
- Pineapple belongs on pizza.
Finally, from our Circular Economy Sector Desk; we are pleased to introduce our Intern: Circular Economy, Kirthi Chetty:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I recently graduated from the University of Cape Town, last year, after completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. I am fairly new to the working world, but have some technical expertise in water and energy. I also have background knowledge in materials which relates to the circular economy and a bit in the waste sector as well. I have also dealt with projects that are focused on systems and processes, applicable to a variety of sectors.
Q: What has been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
I would say, probably how everyone is so welcoming. I was nervous at first thinking that because I am young there would be some sort of alienation, but the complete opposite has been the case. Everyone is very friendly and inclusive, which has made the transition to the working environment and to the sector, very smooth.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
I have been working on the Green Economy Change Champions project, which aims to promote sustainable municipal initiatives and knowledge sharing between municipalities. I have also been working on the Western Cape Industrial Symbiosis Programme (WISP), to facilitate matchmaking of resources and synergies between businesses and industry players.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
I have a strong social conscience and believe that I have a large responsibility as an engineer to use my skills for good. The green economy is a great place to be able to contribute my skills to developing our socio-economic landscape in the Western Cape and beyond.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
The acceleration of the green economy transition, increased job creation, a change in mindset towards more sustainable business practices and reduced environmental impact as an added result. It has been rewarding to be a part of achieving this impact and I look forward to continuing to contribute to increasing it.
Q: What do you get up to in your spare time?
A lot of Capetonian activities…hiking, swimming, going to the beach, visiting markets and so on
Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- My favourite colour is green.
- I have 2 sisters.
- I can speak Portuguese.
From Green Finance; we are pleased to introduce our Senior Analyst: Renewable Energy, Ulrich Terblanche:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I have a MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering, have worked in the energy sector for over 10 years and have a broad background in Renewable Energy through my previous role as chief engineer at the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, where a consulted on a large number of RE projects and lectured short courses on renewable energy.
Q: What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
The enthusiasm of the GreenCape team as well as the diverse expertise within the organisation.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
Mapping of mining rights in Mpumalanga, and provide assistance on the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM). I am also drafting the MIR for Large-scale Renewable Energy systems.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because it needs to be done.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
Grow the renewable energy sector as a viable energy source.
Q: What do you get up to in your spare time?
Engage in hobbies and run my own business.
Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- I never owned a TV.
- I am allergic to snails.
- I am colourblind.
From Communications; we are pleased to introduce our Communications Intern, Tyrese Rooi:
Q: What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?
I am a UCT graduate with a Bachelor of Business degree, specialising in Marketing. Before joining GreenCape, I was a marketing intern at the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies at the University of Cape Town where my primary work was social media management and market research. However, an integral part of my role was events coordination as we hosted online and in-person lectures for participants of the UCT Summer School programme.
Q: What have been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?
Planning and hosting in-person events. For the past two years over the pandemic the essence of human-to-human interactions was lost but now that it is back in full swing, I thoroughly enjoy meeting and hosting guests at events and ensure I involve myself from the planning to implementation of an event.
Q: What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?
From the beginning, I have had the privilege of being on boarded onto multiple projects but the ones I have really been roped into are the SA Climate Change Champs, SA Plastics Pact and Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency. All have been unique and inspiring in their own ways and involved me predominately providing event support and content development such as writing press releases and newsletters.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
With a background in marketing, I enjoy serving people. Grappling with and imaging how to enhance the stakeholders experience or journey at any touchpoint with the brand or organization I represent is what drives me. Doing this allows me to come up with creative concepts and ideas and also generate solutions to solve problems, which are two skills I constantly try and improve on.
Q: What impact do you hope to achieve?
As a short-term goal, the impact I hope to achieve is to add a new edge and dimension to the Communications team with my own, unique perspectives and input. I hope to bring a new approach and angle to the way we undertake the multiple communication activities and marketing and brand-related functions here at GreenCape. Hopefully, my impact will materialise such that I become a dependable and reliable member in the team.
Q: What do you get up to in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy thrifting and watching wildlife documentaries or horror movies.
Q: Two truths. One lie (your guess).
- I have never eaten sushi before.
- I am scared of heights.
- My favourite animal is the cheetah.
