Dave was born and raised in Durban, where he went onto complete his BSc at the University of Natal, Durban and then his BSc (Hons) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. During his undergraduate years, he was privileged to assist various departmental staff with research projects in game reserves across South Africa where he developed his love for wildlife, the outdoors and game reserve living.
He went on to complete his MSc which focussed on millipede, centipede and scorpion diversity in the Greater Makalali Conservancy where he remained on, for a year, as the Head of Research before moving across the road to Karongwe Private Game Reserve where he worked for Global Vision International undertaking priority species monitoring. Thereafter, he undertook his PhD on the habitat suitability of klipspringer and rock hyrax at Augrabies Falls National Park followed by a short period as a post-doctoral researcher in Kruger National Park determining the effect of elephants on large trees.
Following this, Dave again worked for Global Vision International as their Expedition Manager at Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve followed by a stint as a post-doctoral researcher at Addo Elephant National Park, where his work focussed on the effect of lions and spotted hyaena on the buffalo population. Dave then moved to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), where he held the position of Park Ecologist for a period of 15 years before moving to Welgevonden as the Research Ecologist. While working for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in HiP he also Chaired the KZN Wild Dog Management Group and the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Elephant Management Plan Review Committee and assisted on various national forums.