Ms Hilda Bezuidenhout

Principal Environmental Consultant

Ms Hilda Bezuidenhout has extensive experience working in the environmental management field – first as an Environmental Assessment Practitioner (both in the private sector, consulting, and in the public sector, at the then National Department of Environmental Affairs), and in the last number of years focusing on Social Impact Assessments and related studies. She worked as an independent consultant (self-employed) for approximately 10 years before joining CES. She obtained an Honours Degree in Industrial Sociology and a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies (Environment and Society), both from the University of Pretoria. She has worked on a wide range of projects in energy (including renewable energy), mining, mixed-use development, transport infrastructure and recreational facility applications, and has acted as an external peer reviewer on a number of social impact-related projects.

Ms Sinethemba Mchunu

Principal Environmental Consultant

Ms Sinethemba Mchunu is an accredited Soil Scientist with over 9 years Environmental Consulting experience. She holds a Masters Degree in Soil Science, conferred at the University of Stellenbosch, in 2012. She has acquired extensive experience in Soil and Water Contamination Assessments, having managed and executed a vast range of soil and water quality monitoring projects for various Commercial and Industrial operations in the Mining and Oil & Gas Sectors.
She has conducted numerous Soil & Agricultural Land Capability assessments to inform the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). She has also facilitated several wetland projects to conceptually assess the impacts of mining development(s) on wetlands; including delineation, functionality assessment and offsets investigations, as well as hydropedology investigations. She is accredited by the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), and an active member of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) and the Land Rehabilitation Society of Southern Africa (LaRSSA).

Mr Aidan Gouws

Principal Ecologist and Branch Magager Gauteng team

Aidan Gouws obtained his MSc in Environmental Science (Cum laude) from Rhodes University, having conducted research on the spatio-temporal dynamics of Acacia dealbata invasions and broader land-use and cover changes in the northern Eastern Cape, funded through a study bursary awarded by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Prior to this, he obtained his BSc Honours in Geographical and Environmental Sciences (Cum laude) from the University of Pretoria, studying plant ecology and EIA methodology amongst others. Since joining CES in 2018, he has been involved in several projects, including Basic Assessments (BA), Full Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessments (S&EIA), Environmental Amendment Applications, Environmental Audits and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Audits. He works from the Centurion office as a Principal Environmental Consultant and Ecologist. His interests include the general Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, terrestrial and wetland ecology, and database management. Aidan is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as an Environmental Scientist (Pri.Sci.Nat. 121901) and with the International Association for Impact Assessments (IAIA).

Mr Neels Kruger

Principal Environmental Consultant

Mr Neels Kruger is an archaeologist and ASAPA (Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologist) accredited Culture Resources Management (CRM) Practitioner with over 18 years’ experience in the field of heritage resources assessment, conservation and management. He holds a BHCS Hons Archaeology (Cum Laude) degree from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, specializing in the Iron Age Farmer and Colonial Periods of South Africa. He has worked extensively on archaeological and heritage sites representative of the prehistoric and historical time periods and cultural contexts in Southern Africa, both in the commercial and academics spheres. In addition, Neels has worked on archaeological research, heritage management and social consultation projects in a number of African countries including Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Cong and Israel. Neels’ expertise includes integrated heritage resources management applications including Heritage and Archaeological Impact Assessment and Management Plans (Phase 1, 2 & 3), Heritage and Social Spatial Development Frameworks & Strategic Development Area Frameworks, heritage-related social consultation and focus group facilitation, heritage legislation as well as geospacing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) applications in archaeology and CRM.

Ms Nadia Padayachee

Environmental Consultant

Nadia Padayachee has obtained her undergraduate degree in BSc Environmental Science, majoring in Biology, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her main study was on species diversity and water quality deterioration in the KwaZulu-Natal region. She also obtained a BSc Biological Science Honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), with her research focusing on aquaculture, specifically aquaponics, and closing the food gap. Ms. Padayachee has 6 years of experience in the field with her interests in Air Quality monitoring and Environmental Audits. She has also been involved in compiling documentation for the Clean Air Association. She is currently working from the Matola (Mozambique) and Richards Bay offices as an Environmental Consultant.

Mr Alex Ndlovu

Environmental Consultant

Mr Alex Ndlovu, obtained his BSc Honours degree in Geography from University of South Africa, having conducted a research proposal on solid waste problems in the Mamelodi township. Funded by Gauteng Campus Regional Academy (GCRA) throughout his studies as being the top achiever in high school. Prior to this, he obtained his BA in Environmental Management majoring in Geography from University of South Africa. Did an internship at Leapenviro Consulting where he managed to write BAR, EIA, WULA and GA reports. Alex joined CES in May 2021 and is already involved in several projects, including Basic Assessment, General Authorisation and Environmental Audit reports. He works from the Gauteng office and his interests include the general Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) process, Environmental Audits and Public Participation (PPP).

Wendy Maiwashe

Environmental Consultant

Wendy Maiwashe is an experienced ecologist. Her contributions as an ecologist and GIS technician have been significant in four major conservation areas in South Africa, namely Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Drakensberg Nature Valley, Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve and Sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. She has also worked on projects across the SADC region and made contributions in various Transfrontier Conservation areas namely Great Limpopo TFCA (GLTFCA), Lubombo TFCA (LuTFCA), Kavango Zambezi TFCA (KAZA), Malawi-Zambia TFCA (MAZA) and now more recently Lower Zambezi – Mana Pools (LZMP). Moreover, she was part of a 14-month research expedition team to the sub-Antarctic Marion Island where she was a botanist. This is complemented by her Expertise in plant identification, conducting large scale botanical surveys, managing, and analysing large ecological databases, the programming language R, and GIS software. Her M.Sc. Plant sciences focus was on plant distributions and abundances in the sub-Antarctic Islands. With a focus on identifying the drivers of plant distribution and abundance patterns in the sub-Antarctic region and documenting the abundance structure of Polypogon magellanicus on Marion Island.

Mr Brian Green

Field Technician

Brian Green is an Environmental Monitoring Field Technician that has a background in the construction industry and is now focuses on water and ambient dust fall monitoring. His duties include general project management to execute each monitoring run, office administration (capturing and filing of field forms, photos and relevant information) and providing feedback to clients in terms of on-site monitoring locations and conditions.

Mr Mario Lourens

Field Technician

Mario Lourens is an Environmental Monitoring Field Technician that has a background in various fields, including the printing industry, warehouse management, general maintenance and management of buildings and gardens, debt collecting, construction quality control and housing complex management. He now focuses on water and ambient dustfall monitoring. His duties include general project management to execute each monitoring run, office administration (capturing and filing of field forms, photos and relevant information) and providing feedback to clients in terms of on-site monitoring locations and conditions.

Dr Chantel Johnson

Executive Director: Consulting (International)

Dr Chantel Johnson holds MSc and PhD degrees in Botany (estuarine ecology) and a BSc degree in Botany and Geography from NMMU. Chantel has been an Environmental Consultant for approximately 16 years and as such has been focused on environmental management and impact assessment. Chantel is well versed in environmental legislation and has managed a number of environmental impact assessments and management plans for heavy mineral mining in South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar, as well as a number of EIAs for open cast mines (copper, nickel, graphite) in Zambia and Mozambique. These projects have been completed to international standards (IFC and World Bank) and have been granted authorisation by their host countries. Chantel is also well versed in stakeholder engagement and stakeholder processes, all EIAs that has been managed by Chantel has included community consultations and as such Chantel has been used for various forms of community engagement in rural African settings. Chantel has also been extensively involved in the data collection and report writing for land and natural resource use assessments in both Madagascar and Mozambique. The data gathering component involves expensive community meetings in order to establish land use (including agriculture) and natural resource use within the communities and wider regions. Chantel has completed extensive land surveys as part of a Resettlement processes for a heavy minerals mines in Mozambique as well as in-kind compensation surveys in Tanzania. She is currently a principal consultant and Branch Manager of the Port Elizabeth Office as well as the Mozambique Office of CES.

Ms Marina van Zyl

Travel, Training & Website Administrator

Ms Marina van Zyl, Travel, Training & Website Administrator, qualified in HR Management (TUT). She has extensive working experience in travel liaison and coordination as well as training coordination and development. Marina is also qualified as an ETDP (Education Training and Development Practitioner) (UJ).

Mr Luc Strydom

Principal Environmental Consultant

Mr Luc Strydom has over 13 Years of experience and has developed his skills and expertise over the years as he has been involved in a wide spectrum of projects and activities ranging from general environmental assessment work such as Basic Assessments, Full Scoping and EIA reports, ESIAs and EMPrs, environmental permitting (WULAs, trans-relocation permits, waste permits), geo-hydrological sampling, auditing (ECO & Performance Assessments) as well as specialist studies including freshwater impact assessments (wetlands and river assessments), terrestrial biodiversity assessments, vegetation impact assessments, botanical surveys, and related management plans (invasive alien species management plans, biodiversity management plans, rehabilitation plans).

Dr Aldi Nel

Senior Environmental Consultant

Dr Aldi Nel obtained her PhD in Fisheries Science (Aquaculture) from Rhodes University and her MSc in Zoology (Cum laude) from Stellenbosch University. Her background includes aquaculture research and development for ecological restoration and environmental sustainability, data science, and ecological monitoring. She applies biological and statistical theory to assess the impacts of various environmental and anthropogenic drivers on ecosystems. Her interests include animal physiology and habitat use, climate change effects on ecosystems and agriculture, climate change mitigation strategy, and stakeholder engagement in agricultural land use.

Ms Kate Flood

Principal Environmental Consultant

Ms Kate Flood Kate obtained her BSc in Marine Biology from Swansea University of Wales in 2009.
She has over 11 years experience in environmental consulting, waste planning and project management.
Kate has extensive experience in environmental licensing, Basic Assessments (BA) and Full Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessments (S&EIA) and Waste Planning, Integrated Waste Management Plans (IWMP), Waste Feasibility Assessments and Waste Masterplans) and Compliance Auditing, Environmental Control Officer (ECO) Services, ISO 14001 Assessments and Waste Compliance Audits).
Her interests are in Environmental Impact Assessment and Waste Planning Services.
Kate is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner with EAPASA, is registered with SACNASP and is committee member for the Eastern Cape Branch of the IWMSA.

Dr Alan Carter

Executive Director Consulting (South Africa)

Dr Alan Carter, Executive overseeing the East London and Port Elizabeth branches, has gained extensive experience over the past 25 years in both financial accounting and environmental science disciplines with CES and international accounting firms in South Africa and the USA. He holds a PhD in marine ecology and BCom Honours degree in financial accounting and auditing. Alan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (licensed in Texas) and is also a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner and a certified ISO14001 EMS auditor with Exemplar Global. Alan has been responsible for leading and managing numerous and varied consulting projects including in the following disciplines: environmental management, coastal management, waste management, climate change, renewable energy, aquaculture, environmental and financial due diligence, carbon foot-printing, varied infrastructure, etc.

Ms Lynn Smit

Tender Manager & PA to Director

Ms Lynn Smit, Tender Manager to all branches of CES & PA to the Director of East London has more than 33 years of Administrative, Secretarial, Personal Assistant and Reception experience. She has especially extensive experience in bid/tender management within the public sector and SOEs and has broaden her skills to the private sector as well as international bid submissions over the years at CES.

Amy Lindsay

Senior Environmental Consultant

Amy Lindsay is a Senior Environmental Consultant who holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Zoology as well as a B.Sc. Honours in Zoology, both from the University of Johannesburg. Her honours project investigated the role of a tenebrionid beetle in the ecology of Bakwena Cave, Pretoria. Her MSc project, through Stellenbosch University, was a study on the effects of probiotics on the physiological and biochemical development of hatchery raised dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) larvae. Her professional interests and passion lies within coastal and marine ecology dynamics as well as the development of sustainable aquaculture in South Africa. Amy has experience in a wide variety of areas with particular focus on Climate Change assessments, Strategic Environmental Assessments, aquaculture EIAs, coastal development EIAs and EMPs, as well as coastal and estuarine management programmes.
Amy has actively been involved in a number of strategic management and policy-type projects including SEAs for national organisations, State of the Coast Reporting at provincial level, the development of numerous district and local municipal Coastal Management Plans, assisting national departments in determining fee structures for the implementation of regulations as well as reviewing and updating environmental implementation plans for various spheres of government. Amy has a strong understating of environmental legislation, policy and procedures. Amy also has strong skills in project management as well as compliance and quality control.

Jongo Gcina

Environmental Consultant

Jongo Gcina is an Environmental Consultant and an ambitious botanist. Through her studies, she has established a good foundation concerning plant ecology concerning marine and terrestrial systems. She has a deep love and appreciation for the natural environment of South Africa, having worked or been involved in both the marine and terrestrial ecology sectors, such as the Institute of Coastal and Marine Research, Thicket Forum, Fynbos Forums and Botanical Society (BotSoc Algoa Branch). She obtained her MSc in Botany with specializations in plant ecology and postfire regeneration.

Ms Sinazo Nyudwana

Environmental Consultant

Sinazo Nyudwana is currently enrolled for an MSc in Environmental and Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town. Her research investigates the use of climate services among commercial and smallholder farmers to improve the uptake of climate information, funded through a study bursary awarded by the National Research Foundation (NRF). Before this, she obtained her BSc Honours in Environmental and Water Science from the University of the Western Cape, with majors in Environmental Assessment and Management, GIS and Environmental and Sustainability Studies among others. Sinazo has 2 years of experience working as a Development Intern at Mainstream Renewable Power where she role included actively seeking new wind and solar projects and maintaining projects in the pipeline ensuring that they had the relevant permits. She joins CES working from the East London office as an Environmental Consultant. Her interests include the general environmental Assessment (EIA) process, renewable energy, and climate change science. Sinazo is registered with the International Association for Impact Assessments South Africa (IAIAsa).

Mr Brian Reeves

Principal Specialist

Brian Reeves is a Principal Specialist and holds a MSc from Nelson Mandela University. Brian has more than 20 years’ experience in ecological science, including in biodiversity monitoring and research.

Ms Muranda Altichiero

Executive: Office & HR

Ms Muranda Altichiero, Executive: Office & HR, holds a B.Comm degree (NMMU) with experience in the field of retail, human resources and training, office management and marketing

Mrs Bernadette Emslie

Executive:  Finance

Mrs Bernadette Emslie, Executive: Finance, holds a B.Comm (Accounting) degree (Rhodes). Worked for over 7 years for Bethlehem Export cc, who at the time was one of the top exporters in South Africa of fresh asparagus. Was involved in running all aspects of the operations. At the same time she was made a member of the Close Corporation that owned lands with fresh asparagus that was picked, packed or canned for local or export. After starting her family in 2002 & no longer wanting to travel, she started her own accounting business in Grahamstown which managed large payrolls, accounting & tax consulting. In August 2005 she joined CES as the Financial Manager and in August 2010 was promoted to Financial Director

Ms Caroline Evans

Managing Director

Ms Caroline Evans, Managing Director. Caroline holds a BSc with majors in Environmental Science (distinction) and Zoology, as well as a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science (distinction) both from Rhodes University. Her undergraduate degree included both commerce and natural sciences. Caroline's honours dissertation evaluated the economic impacts of degradation of the xeric subtropical thicket through farming practices, focusing on the rehabilitation potential of the affected areas in terms of carbon tax. She has a broad academic background including statistics, economics, management, climate change, wetland ecology, GIS, rehabilitation ecology, ecological modelling and zoology. Caroline has a strong focus on renewable energy and South African policy and legislation related to development.

Ms Louise van Aardt

Executive Assistant

Ms Louise van Aardt, Executive Assistant: CES Grahamstown. Louise has more than 20 years of administrative experience which covers a broad range of areas, including Receptionist, Secretary, Personal assistant; and she has extensive experience in the travel industry as a supervisor for foreign exchange as well as tour consulting.

Ms Marinda van Achterbergh

Billing Administrator

Ms Marinda van Achterbergh, Ms Marinda van Achterbergh, Billing Administrator, started her career in banking, then moved to conveyancing and Barlow Rand Properties thereafter where she gained extensive administration and secretarial experience. Marinda holds an Estate Agents Certificate. She has extensive Management and Hospitality experience having been a Restaurant business owner (De Wijn Huijs & Die Taphuis) as well as managing a family business, Dismantled Motors.

Ms Jennifer Botha

Cleaning assistant and Admin clerk

 

Mr Jonathan Balmer

Senior Ecologist

Mr Jonathan Balmer, Jonathan has recently completed a Master’s degree in ornithology and phylogenetics through Rhodes University in Grahamstown, which he obtained with distinction. His M.Sc followed straight on from his B.Sc(Hons) in Zoology, and B.Sc in Entomology and Ichthyology from the same institution. Jo is an old-school naturalist with a passion for birding, herping and list-keeping, and he has over 10 years of guiding experience around Southern Africa. His other work experience includes contractual EIA surveys (3 years), birding app development (5 years), and junior school sports coaching (3 years). Although his professional focus has usually been ornithological in nature, he is comfortable working with most other animal classes as well, and has published research works and photographic material of mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. He joined CES shortly after completing his Master’s degree in early 2023, and is based in the Grahamstown office.

Dr Kevin Whittington-Jones

Executive Consultant | United Kingdom Office

Dr Kevin Whittington-Jones, holds a PhD in Environmental Biotechnology, has nearly 20 years’ experience in environmental management and provides E & S advisory and auditing services to international clients across a wide range of industry sectors including mining, forestry, commercial agriculture / processing, energy & electrical distribution, ports and finance & banking. Although he remains actively involved in complex Environmental & Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), as either Study Leader or Reviewer, the majority of his recent assignments relate to his specialist knowledge of international E&S safeguards, including the IFC Performance Standards. The combination of his experience of managing E&S risks in emerging economies, attention to detail, effectiveness in the area of capacity building and highly pragmatic approach has resulted in referrals and repeat work from numerous international clients. He has worked extensively with international Development Finance Institutions (DFI) including the DEG, FMO, Proparco, AATIF, Norfund and FINNFUND, has led a large number of E&S due diligence assessments and is currently serving as the Lenders’ E&S Advisor on multiple international projects in Africa and Asia. His contracts for private clients frequently involve technical assistance aimed at compliance with their E&S obligations to Lenders, including implementation of Environmental & Social Management Systems (ESMS). In 2019, Kevin was a recipient of the World Bank’s ENB (Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy) Vice President’s Units Award for his contribution to the Post-conflict Damage and Needs Analysis for Iraq and is currently consulting to the World Bank as E&S Safeguards Specialist for various projects in the Middle East. In addition to work in South Africa, Kevin’s experience also covers projects in 17 other African countries, Bangladesh, the Gulf States and Iraq. Prior to joining CES, Kevin held a number of academic posts at Rhodes University, South Africa. The most recent was the post of Senior Lecturer at the Rhodes Business School where he was responsible for the development, management and delivery of the sustainability modules of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.
Romsey | Hampshire | United Kingdom
+44 (0)1794 651 210
+44 (0)7901 692 324

Ms Lina Buque

Environment Consultant

Ms Lina Buque is a skilled and experienced public facilitator and socio-economic and environmental consultant with over 10 years of experience working in Mozambique. . She has a Master of Environmental Science from the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. Her research area was in Socio-environmental Conservation and Development, focused on environmental policies, including environmental education, analyse rural and urban environments from the point of view of socio-environmental planning and development, environmental impacts and their effects on health as well as environmental management and control. Lina has experience in both environmental and social best practice performance and management. Her expertise includes project management, environmental impact assessments including public engagement and social facilitation, environmental compliance monitoring, ESIA reporting, social impact assessment and resettlement planning. As a senior environmental consultant, she worked on a number of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) projects related to mines, conservation, forestry hydrocarbons and dams, facilitated stakeholder engagement processes for various EIA and SEA projects; qualitative and quantitative socio-economic surveys and monitoring; Social Impact Assessments (SIA), Resettlement Action Plans (as per IFC guidelines) and Economic Impact Assessments. She completed a practical training course in Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Social Sustainability that was presented by the word Bank. She has also gained notable experience in social performance management for mining industry.

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Ms Lina Buqueé consultora ambiental com mais de 10 anos de experiencia em Estudos de Impacto ambiental (EIA) e na conduçåo de processos de facilitacao de consultas publicas e envolvimento das partes interessadas. Ela também ganhou experiência notável em gestáo de performance social para o setor de mineração. Esses EIAs cobriram diferentes regioes do país com as suas diferentes características permitindo adquirir um conhecimento privilegiado do ambiente biofísico do território, das populações e sua cultura. Possui um mestrado em ciências ambientais pela Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Sua área de pesquisa foi em Conservação e Desenvolvimento Socioambiental, com foco em políticas ambientais, incluindo educação ambiental, análise de ambientes rurais e urbanos do ponto de vista do planejamento e desenvolvimento socioambiental, impactos ambientais e seus efeitos na saúde e no meio ambiente, gestão e controle ambiental. Lina tem experiência em desempenho e gerenciamento de melhores práticas ambientais e sociais. Sua especialidade inclui gerenciamento de projetos, avaliações de impacto ambiental, incluindo engajamento público e facilitação social, monitoramento de conformidade ambiental, relatórios de AIAS, avaliação de impacto social e planejamento de reassentamento. Como consultora ambiental sênior, ela trabalhou em vários projetos de Due diligence e monitoramento de conformidade, Gestão de resíduos e infraestruturas, Agricultura comercial, plantações e biocombustíveis; Mineração e Recursos, planos de Ação de Reassentamento e Estudos Socioeconômicos de Base. Completou um curso prático de formação em Aquisição de terras, Reassentamento e Sustentabilidade, que promove a compreensão e o desenvolvimento de habilidades na gestão dos riscos e impactos sociais associados ao desenvolvimento de projetos de investimento público e privado e particularmente questões relacionadas à aquisição de terras e reassentamento. Curso administradoo pelo Banco Mundial. Lina tem.

Prof Roy Lubke

Associate

Prof Roy Lubke, is a retired Associate Professor in the Department of Botany, Rhodes University, and retired Director of Coastal & Environmental Services. He contributed to the preparation of the SA Association of Botanists vegetation map by mapping the vegetation in a large part of the Eastern Cape. Professor Lubke has been involved in numerous EIAs and has extensive experience in ecological and vegetation studies and the identification of indicators for SoERs.

Mr Bill Rowlston

Associate

Mr Bill Rowlston, After working for more than 35 years in the English and South African water sectors, during which he worked extensively on the development of national policies, legislation and implementation strategies for managing water resources, Bill joined CES in 2007. He worked as project manager and water specialist on a number of large environmental and social impact assessments in several southern African countries, mainly for industrial, mining, and hydroelectric power developments, most of which were carried out to international performance standards. Bill undertook environmental and social compliance reviews, due diligence studies and audits for international lenders for a wide range of new and existing projects in South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia. In South Africa he worked on the technical aspects of appeals against decisions by the environmental authorities, mainly for renewable energy projects. Bill retired from EOH CES in December 2016, but remains active as an Associate.