I serve as the Agricultural and Soil Specialist at Eco Elementum (Pty) Ltd, a multidisciplinary environmental and engineering consultancy based in Pretoria. In this role, I am responsible for leading and conducting all agriculture-related specialist studies and soil monitoring projects undertaken by the firm. My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Agric) from North-West University (NWU), where I developed a strong foundation in soil science, crop production, and environmental sustainability. At Eco Elementum, I apply this expertise to assess the suitability of land for agricultural development, evaluate soil health and fertility, and contribute to integrated environmental impact assessments. My work supports the implementation of sustainable land-use practices across various projects, ensuring both regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

www.linkedin.com/in/cobus-van-der-schyff0000

Johan has >20 years of environmental and contamination consulting and project management experience. He has provided key specialists services relating to water (hydrology and geohydrology) and contaminated land management. His duties have included detailed site investigations, remediation design and implementation, water characterisation and management projects, project management of large projects as well as environmental management. He has managed projects ranging from single site to rapid response multi-site projects as well as multi- jurisdictional programmes. Many of these projects have involved him pulling together and managing teams from across different geographies. He has worked in Central, Southern and West Africa, in countries including Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Chad, Lesotho, Liberia, Mozambique, Namibia, South Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

www.gleamhydro.co.za
www.linkedin.com/in/johan-kriek-1b057414/

Mr Lucky Mamanyuha was born on the 14th November 1980 at Mamanyoha Village Bolobedu, Ga-Modjadji, Mopani District, Greater Letaba Municipality, Limpopo Province. He holds an M.Sc. in Agriculture (Soil Science), obtained in 2012 from the University of Limpopo. His Master’s research, titled “Evaluation of three commercial composts used by small-scale farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa,” focused on optimizing organic soil amendments for improved productivity among smallholder farmers. This followed the successful completion of a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Soil Science) in 2004 at the University of Limpopo after matriculating from Makoma Senior Secondary School in 2000. With 20 years of extensive experience in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Lucky Mamanyuha has served in various capacities dedicated to soil fertility and land resource management. Since 2009, he held the position of Production Scientist (Crop Soil and Water) under the Crop Science Research Section at the Department’s Head Office. His earlier roles include Agricultural Scientist (Soil Scientist) in the Vhembe District across Thulamela (2008–2009), Makhado (2007–2008), and the District Office (2005–2007). He began their career in 2005 at the Agricultural Research Council’s Institute for Soil, Climate, and Water (ARC-ISCW) as part of the Professional Development Program. He is currently a PhD candidate in Land rehabilitation at the University of the Free State, Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Mr Mamanyuha Lucky has maintained a strong research presence through oral and poster presentations at numerous scientific and professional conferences.

Makda Mahrai is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry (CMBG) at the University of the Free State (UFS). She is specialising in microclimate dynamics within agrivoltaic systems and their role in degraded land rehabilitation. She holds a Master’s degree in Pasture Science from the University of Pretoria and has obtained her B.Sc. in Animal Sciences from the University of Asmara, which laid the foundation for her interest in enhancing animal performance through improved forage quality before receiving her B.Sc. Hons in crop science from the University of Pretoria. Her academic and research topics of interest centre on mine land rehabilitation, climate change mitigation and forage quality. In her free time, she enjoys sightseeing, hiking, and exploring nature-based activities.

Nyiko Gift Mutileni is a PhD candidate in Land Rehabilitation at the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry, University of the Free State. She is a plant ecologist with an MSc in Botany, specialising in terrestrial biodiversity, environmental compliance, and sustainable land management. Her research focuses on developing a real-time, GIS-based information system for managing invasive alien plant species, integrating ecological data, legal frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.

Nyiko is an Environmental Scientist at ZZ2, where she leads biodiversity initiatives and ensures compliance with GLOBALG.A.P. and SIZA Environmental standards. In her spare time, Nyiko volunteers with the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers, a SANBI-led programme monitoring threatened species, and serves on the committee of Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands, which protects the critically endangered Woodbush Granite Grassland. She also writes environmental awareness articles for Mountain Getaway, a local tourism magazine. Her work bridges science, policy, and community engagement in support of sustainable landscapes.

linkedin.com/in/nyiko-mutileni-912aa5109

Philip Ayres is a registered Professional Natural Scientist and Landscape Ecologist with over 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, research and implementation projects. He currently serves as the Sustainability & Innovation Executive at the Life Green Group, where he leads initiatives in sustainable land management and nature-based solutions. Philip is also the Managing Director of Life AgriScience, an applied environmental and agriculture research services business. His expertise lies in integrating ecological principles with practical solutions to promote sustainable development.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-ayres-4b24a152/

Ouma Ngoepe is the Laboratory Coordinator at the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry, University of the Free State. With a strong background in Geology and Geohydrology, she holds a BSc in Geology, BSc Honours in Geohydrology, and an MSc in Geohydrology. Her research interests include groundwater quality, mineral–microbe interactions, and sustainable land rehabilitation of mining-affected areas. She is skilled in lab management, sample preparation and analysis, and the development of standard operating procedures. Passionate about science communication and mentorship, she is also actively involved in departmental training and outreach programmes.

Thuto Ramosoeu is a PhD candidate in Land Reclamation at the University of The Free State, conducting research under the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry. Her research investigates the impact of azithromycin metabolites on aquatic ecosystems and human health, as well as the role of land rehabilitation strategies in mitigating these risks. With a background in geology and geohydrology as well as a completed Master’s degree investigating the risk of azithromycin on the aquatic ecosystem and human health, Thuto is passionate about addressing pharmaceutical pollution and advancing sustainable management of water resources. Her work aims to provide actionable insights for improving policy and environmental management strategies in Southern Africa.