Head of Unit
Position: Manager
She completed her BSc (Education) and BSc Honours degree at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and then her MSc in Botany at the University of Stellenbosch. Her dissertation focussed on seasonal photosynthetic temperature responses and changes in 13C under varying temperature regimes in leaf-succulent and drought-deciduous shrubs from the Succulent Karoo. After completing her Honours degree, she lectured Mycology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in 1995. She then lectured Botany to second year students at the UWC in 1996.
After completing her Masters Degree in 1999, she was selected as one of 20 students from third world countries to attend a course on desertification in 1999 sponsored by the Shalom Programme at the Ramon Science Center, Sede Boqer, Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Bengurion University of the Negev, Israel. After successfully completing the one-month course, she worked at the said institution as a research assistant for two months. The research she conducted led to an article that was published in the Journal of Arid Environments in 2004[1].
Minnelise was then appointed as an Environmental Officer at the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP). Her work included assessing and issuing Environmental Decisions on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Basic Assessments (BAs) and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) to ensure that environmental issues are adequately addressed in development applications. At DEA&DP she also worked in the Biodiversity unit to promote the mainstreaming of biodiversity into environmental decision-making, policies and planning.
Before joining the UWC Nature Reserve Unit, Minnelise worked as a senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) in the Environmental Management Services (EMS) Group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Stellenbosch. She managed various large scale EIAs and BAs, with a strong focus on renewable energy projects in South Africa, including wind and solar. At the CSIR Minnelise also managed the Special Needs and Skills Development Programme from 2016-2018, which was funded and undertaken on behalf the national Department of Environmental Affairs. The aim of the programme was to assist people, community members or community groups with special needs by conducting Environmental Assessments to obtain Environmental Authorisation for their small-scale projects (mostly agriculture). Another aim of the programme was to enhance human capital development by appointing, training and mentoring interns who have recently graduated from a university or a Technicon to development the necessary skills and experience in environmental management and assessment as part of the programme. This project received the CSIR Award for best Human Capital Development in 2015.
[1] Bowie, M. (néé Levendal) and Ward, D. (2004). Water status of the mistletoe Plicosepalus acaciae parasitic on isolated Negev Desert populations of Acacia raddiana differing in level of mortality. Journal of Arid Environments 56: 487-508.
In addition to the EIAs and BAs undertaken at the CSIR, Minnelise also worked on other diverse projects including the development of a Biodiversity Management Plan for the African Lion (Panthera leo). She was also part of the project management team who conducted South Africa’s Second National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change in 2010.
Minnelise has attended various courses on Environmental Management, including Environmental Law. She is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist (117078) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
Biography
Minnelise Levendal is currently the manager of the UWC Cape Flats Nature Reserve Unit, which includes the Indigenous Nursery and Environmental Education Centre, since March 2023.She completed her BSc (Education) and BSc Honours degree at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and then her MSc in Botany at the University of Stellenbosch. Her dissertation focussed on seasonal photosynthetic temperature responses and changes in 13C under varying temperature regimes in leaf-succulent and drought-deciduous shrubs from the Succulent Karoo. After completing her Honours degree, she lectured Mycology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in 1995. She then lectured Botany to second year students at the UWC in 1996.
After completing her Masters Degree in 1999, she was selected as one of 20 students from third world countries to attend a course on desertification in 1999 sponsored by the Shalom Programme at the Ramon Science Center, Sede Boqer, Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Bengurion University of the Negev, Israel. After successfully completing the one-month course, she worked at the said institution as a research assistant for two months. The research she conducted led to an article that was published in the Journal of Arid Environments in 2004[1].
Minnelise was then appointed as an Environmental Officer at the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP). Her work included assessing and issuing Environmental Decisions on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Basic Assessments (BAs) and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) to ensure that environmental issues are adequately addressed in development applications. At DEA&DP she also worked in the Biodiversity unit to promote the mainstreaming of biodiversity into environmental decision-making, policies and planning.
Before joining the UWC Nature Reserve Unit, Minnelise worked as a senior Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) in the Environmental Management Services (EMS) Group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Stellenbosch. She managed various large scale EIAs and BAs, with a strong focus on renewable energy projects in South Africa, including wind and solar. At the CSIR Minnelise also managed the Special Needs and Skills Development Programme from 2016-2018, which was funded and undertaken on behalf the national Department of Environmental Affairs. The aim of the programme was to assist people, community members or community groups with special needs by conducting Environmental Assessments to obtain Environmental Authorisation for their small-scale projects (mostly agriculture). Another aim of the programme was to enhance human capital development by appointing, training and mentoring interns who have recently graduated from a university or a Technicon to development the necessary skills and experience in environmental management and assessment as part of the programme. This project received the CSIR Award for best Human Capital Development in 2015.
[1] Bowie, M. (néé Levendal) and Ward, D. (2004). Water status of the mistletoe Plicosepalus acaciae parasitic on isolated Negev Desert populations of Acacia raddiana differing in level of mortality. Journal of Arid Environments 56: 487-508.
In addition to the EIAs and BAs undertaken at the CSIR, Minnelise also worked on other diverse projects including the development of a Biodiversity Management Plan for the African Lion (Panthera leo). She was also part of the project management team who conducted South Africa’s Second National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change in 2010.
Minnelise has attended various courses on Environmental Management, including Environmental Law. She is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist (117078) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
Unit Staff
Qualification: BTech (CPUT)
Position: Nature Conservator
Biography
Short courses qualified and experience in:
Veld Management, Road and Infrastructure Maintenance, Environmental Education, Snake Handling, Fire Fighting and Prevention, Invasive Alien Management, Problem Animal Management, Presentation Skills, First Aid Level 1, Law Enforcement and Compliance, Game Capture, Health & Safety, Chainsaw Operation, Administration, Power Tool Operation and Nursery Operation.Career Background:
I am a qualified nature conservationist, receiving my National Diploma in 2010 and furthered my studies to a Bachelor’s Degree in 2013.I worked as a student at Bracken Nature Reserve during my Work Integrated Learning year which formed part of my studies. Here I gained practical experience in administration, resource management, fauna and flora management and communication.
Next was an internship as an Environmental Education Officer at Tygerberg Nature Reserve where I conducted environmental education programmes for school groups and members of local and international communities. After that I worked as an Environmental Control Officer and was responsible to ensure that media production companies utilizing the natural environment comply with the permits issued to them.
In 2015 I joined the University of the Western Cape as Nature Conservator at the UWC Nature Reserve Unit. I am responsible for the Cape Flats Nature Reserve, oversee contractors and work with volunteers and students. My duties include assistance with horticulture and environmental education.
Qualification: NDip (CPUT)
Position: Nature Reserve staff
My areas of experience and qualification are lifesaving, snake handling, veldfire fighting, pre sea safety and seabird rescue and rehabilitation.
My professional career started at Cambeboo National Park in Graaf-Reinet, Eastern Cape (experienced the Karoo at its hottest and below -0 degrees). This is a dry environment with sparsely spread vegetation. Alien vegetation clearing was the main activity and environmental education with various school groups from different ages.
Thereafter moving back to the Western Cape acquiring knowledge and skills in; Environmental education through interaction with visitors both local and international, Law enforcement and monitoring and protecting the endangered African Penguins at Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon's Town as a Monitor.
My ambitions lead me back to the Eastern Cape in the form of a Marine Field Ranger at Addo Elephant National Park, doing law enforcement which included anti-poaching, mostly abalone. Part of my duties was supervising and assisting PhD students conducting research on penguins.
In 2018 I started my journey at the UWC Nature Reserve Unit as a General assistant in the Cape Flats Nature Reserve where I became accustomed to urban conservation, Fynbos and all the challenges it holds.
I aspire to own and manage a nature reserve one day; one beneficial to communities and the entire country. I am ambitious and hardworking and committed to furthering my education through the knowledge, experience and interactions with others. I am patient, dedicated and can persevere.
“Conservationist at heart is what I am. I am by nature for nature.”
Position: Nature Reserve staff
Biography
I am a passionate, qualified nature conservationist. Completed my National Diploma at CPUT in 2015.My areas of experience and qualification are lifesaving, snake handling, veldfire fighting, pre sea safety and seabird rescue and rehabilitation.
My professional career started at Cambeboo National Park in Graaf-Reinet, Eastern Cape (experienced the Karoo at its hottest and below -0 degrees). This is a dry environment with sparsely spread vegetation. Alien vegetation clearing was the main activity and environmental education with various school groups from different ages.
Thereafter moving back to the Western Cape acquiring knowledge and skills in; Environmental education through interaction with visitors both local and international, Law enforcement and monitoring and protecting the endangered African Penguins at Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon's Town as a Monitor.
My ambitions lead me back to the Eastern Cape in the form of a Marine Field Ranger at Addo Elephant National Park, doing law enforcement which included anti-poaching, mostly abalone. Part of my duties was supervising and assisting PhD students conducting research on penguins.
In 2018 I started my journey at the UWC Nature Reserve Unit as a General assistant in the Cape Flats Nature Reserve where I became accustomed to urban conservation, Fynbos and all the challenges it holds.
I aspire to own and manage a nature reserve one day; one beneficial to communities and the entire country. I am ambitious and hardworking and committed to furthering my education through the knowledge, experience and interactions with others. I am patient, dedicated and can persevere.
“Conservationist at heart is what I am. I am by nature for nature.”
Qualification: BTech (CPUT)
Position: Horticulturalist
I also worked as the Seed Processing Technician for Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) Partnership. Here I gained experience coordinating the seed processing activities, including the processing of all South African seed and voucher collections, managing associated data and support to Garden Conservation Project activities. Valuable experience was gained assisting with the planning of financial requirements and budgets and purchasing as a requestor for MSB on SCM.
I gained experience as a Lab Assistant (Horticulturist) at CPUT for 2 years, maintaining demonstration gardens, campus office indoor plants, display houses and greenhouse. I was responsible for the maintenance and management of physical facilities, including nursery stores and inspecting all physical facilities (greenhouse).
October 2017, I joined UWC Nature Reserve Unit as the Horticulturist managing the Indigenous Nursery. My role extends to Outreach Greening Programmes, raising awareness through Environmental Education by facilitating significant growth of diverse plants in the nursery.
Position: Horticulturalist
Biography
I am a qualified horticulturist with a BTech qualification from Unisa. My Work Integrated Learning (WIL) year was spent at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens (2009) and later at Harold Porter NBG (2010), where I was involved in garden development projects. In 2012, I was back at Kirstenbosch NBG working as a scholar, assisting students with their WIL year while responsible for redeveloping the Water-Wise Demonstration Garden.I also worked as the Seed Processing Technician for Millennium Seed Bank (MSB) Partnership. Here I gained experience coordinating the seed processing activities, including the processing of all South African seed and voucher collections, managing associated data and support to Garden Conservation Project activities. Valuable experience was gained assisting with the planning of financial requirements and budgets and purchasing as a requestor for MSB on SCM.
I gained experience as a Lab Assistant (Horticulturist) at CPUT for 2 years, maintaining demonstration gardens, campus office indoor plants, display houses and greenhouse. I was responsible for the maintenance and management of physical facilities, including nursery stores and inspecting all physical facilities (greenhouse).
October 2017, I joined UWC Nature Reserve Unit as the Horticulturist managing the Indigenous Nursery. My role extends to Outreach Greening Programmes, raising awareness through Environmental Education by facilitating significant growth of diverse plants in the nursery.
Qualification: Btech (CPUT)
Position: Nature Reserve staff
Technology (CPUT) in the year 2017.
I did my work integrated learning (WIL) at CPUT wellington campus (2015), where I was introduced
to garden maintenance, working in the sport field, and working in the nursery. A year later I did my
second WIL at Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden (2016), where I worked on both production
and collection nursery, exposed to the curation of living collections. Participated in garden planning
and development, did field trips for plants collection.
The beginning of the year (2018) I joined company gardens as a graduate intern, I was responsible
for training employees horticultural techniques such as pruning, transplanting and making cuttings.
Assisting the students who were doing their WIL. I was also responsible for maintenance and
management of storeroom tools. Later in 2018 joined Robben Island Museum as horticultural
assistant maintaining garden and public spaces. Part of my duties was assisting with implementation
for special projects i.e g culling, controlled bum and greening.
August 2022, I started my journey with UWC nature reserve unit as a general assistant, part of my
duties entails veld, plants and animal management in a nature reserve and nursery.
Position: Nature Reserve staff
Biography
I am a qualified Horticulturist, obtained my Btech qualification at Cape Peninsula University ofTechnology (CPUT) in the year 2017.
I did my work integrated learning (WIL) at CPUT wellington campus (2015), where I was introduced
to garden maintenance, working in the sport field, and working in the nursery. A year later I did my
second WIL at Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden (2016), where I worked on both production
and collection nursery, exposed to the curation of living collections. Participated in garden planning
and development, did field trips for plants collection.
The beginning of the year (2018) I joined company gardens as a graduate intern, I was responsible
for training employees horticultural techniques such as pruning, transplanting and making cuttings.
Assisting the students who were doing their WIL. I was also responsible for maintenance and
management of storeroom tools. Later in 2018 joined Robben Island Museum as horticultural
assistant maintaining garden and public spaces. Part of my duties was assisting with implementation
for special projects i.e g culling, controlled bum and greening.
August 2022, I started my journey with UWC nature reserve unit as a general assistant, part of my
duties entails veld, plants and animal management in a nature reserve and nursery.
Qualifications: NDip (CPUT)
Position: Education and Research Officer
Environmental Education, Snake Handling, Veld Fire Fighting and Prevention, Problem Animal Management, Law Enforcement, Invasive Alien clearing, Game Capture, Museum curation, First Aid Level 2 and Wilderness First Aid, Mountain self-defence, Presentation Skills, Graphic Design and Web Design, Photography and experience in the tourism industry.
I’ve worked at Tygerberg Nature Reserve gaining Environmental Education and practical conservation experience, then at Clara Anna Fontein, Private Game Reserve where I gained valuable experience in game management and the tourism industry while furthering my experience in Environmental Education and Awareness through nature reserve walks and game drives. I also acted as an ECO (Environmental Control Officer) during film shoots within the game camp.
After that, it was a beneficial experience working as a junior graphic designer assisting on the “Dragonfly Field Guide by Michael Samways” where my interest in dragonflies grew, before moving to UCT’s Animal Demography Unit where I developed a passion for butterflies. Their SABCA (South African Butterfly Conservation Assessment) project sent me travelling throughout South Africa and Africa, data capturing and mapping out species distribution of butterflies and raising awareness through doing events and presentations.
Iziko Museum’s entomology department was next curating Lepidoptera collections until my current position, working at the UWC Nature Reserve Unit as the Environmental Education and Research Support Officer since 2011.
I am still thoroughly enjoying my career choice using the CFNR as a tool to raise environmental awareness at schools/ organizations. I do this through environmental education programmes, guided tours, photo walks, survey events and social media platforms (Facebook, Blog and Instagram). I enjoy using my creativity developing resources like the UWC Green Diary, desktop and digital calendars, maps, marketing and research materials and other green initiatives.
Position: Education and Research Officer
Biography
I am a qualified Nature Conservator from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) since 2006.
Short courses qualified and experienced in:
Environmental Education, Snake Handling, Veld Fire Fighting and Prevention, Problem Animal Management, Law Enforcement, Invasive Alien clearing, Game Capture, Museum curation, First Aid Level 2 and Wilderness First Aid, Mountain self-defence, Presentation Skills, Graphic Design and Web Design, Photography and experience in the tourism industry.
Career background:
I’ve worked at Tygerberg Nature Reserve gaining Environmental Education and practical conservation experience, then at Clara Anna Fontein, Private Game Reserve where I gained valuable experience in game management and the tourism industry while furthering my experience in Environmental Education and Awareness through nature reserve walks and game drives. I also acted as an ECO (Environmental Control Officer) during film shoots within the game camp.After that, it was a beneficial experience working as a junior graphic designer assisting on the “Dragonfly Field Guide by Michael Samways” where my interest in dragonflies grew, before moving to UCT’s Animal Demography Unit where I developed a passion for butterflies. Their SABCA (South African Butterfly Conservation Assessment) project sent me travelling throughout South Africa and Africa, data capturing and mapping out species distribution of butterflies and raising awareness through doing events and presentations.
Iziko Museum’s entomology department was next curating Lepidoptera collections until my current position, working at the UWC Nature Reserve Unit as the Environmental Education and Research Support Officer since 2011.
I am still thoroughly enjoying my career choice using the CFNR as a tool to raise environmental awareness at schools/ organizations. I do this through environmental education programmes, guided tours, photo walks, survey events and social media platforms (Facebook, Blog and Instagram). I enjoy using my creativity developing resources like the UWC Green Diary, desktop and digital calendars, maps, marketing and research materials and other green initiatives.
