Like many conservations minded people, growing up in a city like Johannesburg is enough inspiration to move out. A 1995 matriculant from St Davids Marist Brothers, Inanda, followed by a BSc in Zoology and Botany, Neil went on to complete his BSc Hons in Botany, both with the University of Witwatersrand. Spending vacations on research programs at the Wits Rural Facility in Acornhoek, exposed an opinionated young man to what was science and conservation in practice.

Completing a Field Guides Course in his final university years, game ranging was a passion to be embraced. Neil worked as a ranger in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve, and conducted walking trails, and ran an intimate lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park for six years, before moving to the Waterberg to open Marataba Safari Company as General Manager, which he managed for three years until 2008. Having developed an interest in hospitality and tourism business, he moved back to Johannesburg to work for Southern Sun, gaining insight in large luxury hotel management as the Executive Food & Beverage Manager at the Palazzo, Montecasino.

Appointed as General Manager for Gondwana Game Reserve, in the Western Cape for four years until 2015, Neil left the fynbos environment of the Garden Route and moved back to Limpopo to continue his career in luxury Lodge management at Lapalala Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park. Almost eight years on Welgevonden were enjoyed running one of the luxury commercial lodges with his partner from 2016 until early 2024, Neil was rekindled with his passion for the Waterberg environment.

A short stint in the lowveld, early 2024 could not keep him away and he took up the challenge of his new appointment as the COO of Welgevonden Game Reserve in November 2024, embracing a role that would require the experience of a multi-faceted twenty-four-year career in hospitality, business, and conservation. Coming back to Welgevonden was just like coming home.

Megan was born in 1996 and was raised and educated in Johannesburg. Her interest in wildlife and conservation developed, with many trips to various game reserves during school holidays. After matriculating, she completed her FGASA 1 training with EcoTraining. This was then followed by a BSc in Conservation and Ecology at Stellenbosch University. After her BSc, she spent a year gaining practical experience in conservation aspects and Lodge Management. This was followed by another stint with EcoTraining, where she completed a Trails Guiding course, which included Advanced Rifle Handling. These courses re-affirmed her interest in the bush and the ecological importance of land and animal management, resulting in registering for and completing an MSc in Wildlife Health, Ecology and Management at the University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Campus in 2024. During vacation breaks, she spent time doing volunteer work at different lodges and assisting with a study abroad semester progromme with the Organisation for Tropical Studies, Skukuza. She joined the Welgevonden Biomonitoring team in July 2024.

Luhan, hailing from Pretoria with roots in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, is passionately dedicated to conservation due to his upbringing’s strong ties to nature.

His lifelong fascination with the natural world has inspired him to pursue a diploma in Nature Conservation at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and actively engages in the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program at Welgevonden.

His fervent commitment drives him to make meaningful contributions to environmental protection.

Bianca Joubert was born and raised in Paarl , attended primary and high school in her hometown. In 2022, she embarked on her Nature Conservation Diploma journey at Nelson Mandela University in George.

Her enduring love for nature and wildlife fuels her enthusiasm for the next chapter of her life at Welgevonden.

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 focused 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 postdoctoral 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 focused 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.

Alex deep connection to nature, cultivated during childhood moments at Kloofendal Nature Reserve near his grandparents’ house, it has fueled his profound love for the natural world. Alex is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Management at Unisa, his academic journey includes a Bachelor of Technology in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Technology and a National Diploma in Nature Management from Centurion Academy.

Holding a Level 1 Field Guide of South Africa qualification, he showcased his passion for the conservation of southern African ecosystems through collaborative research with SAMBI, WWF, Panthera, and EWT.

As the priority Species Monitor at Welgevonden, he brings hands-on experience to the table, and he is eager to contribute and learn from fellow enthusiasts in the ongoing journey of environmental stewardship.

Born and raised in the city with a heart longing for the bush, Kaylon’s journey began at Welgevonden. After matriculating, he came as a volunteer to see if he had what it takes to live in and work in the bush.

This life changing experience was complete confirmation that he belongs in conservation, so he left his permanent job to study Nature Conservation. During his student years he volunteered as a research assistant and landed up on Somkhanda Community Game Reserve. Here he was exposed to number of conservation activities including reserve maintenance, snare sweeps, wildlife monitoring, wildlife interventions, community work.

He undertook a business course, before finding himself back in the bush working for Wildlife ACT as a Priority Species Monitor at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and Conservation Course facilitator. Here, he gained valuable experience in a broad variety of monitoring and conservation activities including building a vulture recovery center, leopard surveys, camp maintenance, boma maintenance, boma care and feedings of wild dogs, endangered species monitoring, wildlife collarings, lion branding, relocation, introductions and bonding of wild dogs. He also contributed to vulture surveys which included fitting GPS trackers on Lappet-faced Vultures. 2024, he assumed the role of Biomonitoring Officer at Welgevonden.

Kassie was born in 1981 in Pretoria and attended Pretoria Technical High School in Pretoria Gardens. After finishing school in 1999 he joined the Fire Brigade as a reservist. In 2001 he joined a Cash-in-Transit company as a protection officer where he completed various courses in security and protection. In 2006 Kassie qualified in Firearms training and special tactics and became part of an elite training team in 2006.

Kassie joined QUEMIC’s training division in 2008 and moved to Welgevonden in June 2011 later becoming the QUEMIC Security Manager responsible for Welgevonden and all the associated anti-poaching and security. Kassie now manages the company Welgevonden Reaction NPC, responsible for anti-poaching, access/ egress and fence maintenance on the reserve as well as co-managing the Greater Marakele Security Cluster initiative between Welgevonden, Marakele National Park and the surrounding areas.

Kassie manages the company Welgevonden Reaction NPC since 2016 responsible for all security related matters on the reserve, as well as co-managing the Greater Marakele Security Cluster initiative between Welgevonden, Marakele National Park and the surrounding areas. Kassie is a contributing member of various National and Provincial Committees that focus on wildlife crime.

Born in Johannesburg and having matriculated from Blairgowrie High School in 1986 André completed a B.Sc degree in Zoology and Botany, as well as a B.Sc. Honours in Wildlife Management at the University of Pretoria. Thereafter he spent 3 years in the Kruger National Park studying the nutritional ecology of bushbuck and nyala at Pafuri while at the same time being involved in and being exposed to all aspects of wildlife management in the Kruger. A move to the Klaserie Private Game Reserve managing a private property and camp, taking out childrens’ educational groups, guiding and hosting the owner’s guests kept him busy for approximately three years.

In June 1997 André joined Welgevonden as the Conservation Officer later becoming the Conservation Manager for the Reserve. He also stood in as Acting General Manager for 6 months in 2012 and in March 2014 was appointed Chief Operating Officer where he became responsible and/or involved directly or indirectly in the majority of aspects relating to the Reserve’s management. After a full 24 years on Welgevonden André took up the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Born in 1990 in Nelspruit Mdu completed his schooling years at Khutsalani School where he matriculated in 2009. Mdu developed an interest in conservation through his school years and became passionate about nature conservation with a dream of working in the field. This passion led to Mdu being appointed as the first student by the Southern African Wildlife College in Hoedspruit to do conservation guardianship. He graduated as the top student and was given a bursary to further his studies in Tshwane University of Technology. He chose a Diploma in Nature Conservation and completed his experiential training at Welgevonden Game Reserve.

His goal is to make a difference in the conservation industry with the ultimate goal of potentially specializing in water conservation in South Africa. Due to Mdu’s passion and dedication he was appointed Operations Officer after his practical year taking over the running of operations from the retiring Hennie Roets. Mdu is responsible for all road maintenance and water infrastructure and assists with conservation aspects of the reserve management.

Mdu is responsible for all general operations which includes road maintenance, water infrastructure, fuel provision, management of garden and refuse teams as well as assisting with conservation aspects of the reserve management.

Born and raised in Modimolle, Nicole completed her Matric in 2021 at Hoerskool Hans Strijdom in Mookgopong.

With a deep-rooted passion for nature and a love for numbers, Welgevonden provides her with the perfect platform to merge these two interests.

Brittany was born in Cape Town and moved to the Eastern Cape at a young age, where she spent half of her childhood. For the other half, she lived with her family in rural West Africa, growing up amongst wild fauna and flora. Brittany attended international schools in Mali and Senegal and then matriculated in South Africa.

Upon finishing school, she moved to England where she spent a year studying Complementary Therapies. After becoming a qualified Masseuse, Reflexologist, and Aromatherapist, Brittany decided to move back to South Africa, where her heart belongs.  Growing up in remote bushlands instilled in her a love for nature and wildlife, and so she decided to put her passions into action by obtaining an Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation at Nelson Mandela University, George.

She completed her practical year at Kariega Game Reserve, and thereafter spent a year in the hospitality industry working in Lodge Management. Following her love of being in the field, Brittany then decided to move North to experience ‘real wilderness’ at Welgevonden, where she could hone her bush knowledge and skills, as well as actively contribute to conservation through data collection and environmental education. Brittany has a special interest in large mammal ethology and research, and enjoys travelling, baking, reading and general adventuring in her spare time.