CEO, Founder

Bradly has over 20 years’ experience in environmental advisory and geospatial sciences. His purpose includes leading or being part of positive and progressive teams which provide relevant and applicable environmental solutions, contributing to the balance between development, preservation of the planet’s natural resources and social progress. His role includes the executive management responsibilities of Kongiwe, project management of key client projects, client and business development, marketing, quality assurance and corporate compliance. He has experience in conducting ESIA’s and advisory projects on large-scale mining, energy and industrial projects as well as due diligence and environmental liability assessments for listed companies.

COO

Grant is a resolute, values-driven ESG and sustainability manager with a proven 17-year history in ESG Advisory Services across twenty-three countries in Africa and the Middle East. He is enthusiastic about influencing the flow of capital for positive social and environmental outcomes in emerging markets. He has specific experience in applying the IFC Performance Standards within the financial and development sectors and has experience in large-scale power, agricultural, construction, mining, FMCG and industrial projects. He has specific understanding of the finance lifecycle including the integration of ESG aspects into alternative asset classes. Further experience in development and implementation of ESG and Impact Policy, ESMS development, ESDD and ESG management to IFC and EDFI standards. Project experience at pre and bankable-feasibility assessment, ESIA and authorisation processes, construction, operational and closure phases in Africa as well as the Middle East. Grant has spent more than 17 years of ESG consulting experience including directly advising emerging market financial institutions including DFI, Private Equity and Asset Managers.

Non-Executive Director

Gordon is a seasoned professional engineer with 45 years of multi-commodity experience in the mining sector culminating with a 20-year tenure at Anglo American Platinum and Anglo American. He holds a PhD in mineral industry strategy, a Master of Business Administration, an MSc in engineering and a BSc in engineering specialising in mining, all from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He serves as a trustee and director of various companies, honorary adjunct or associate professor since 2014 at the School of Mining Engineering and advisory board member at the University of the Witwatersrand and Council member (previously served as president) of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Gordon has extensive experience in business leadership and management as well as technical aspects of the mining industry. He holds and has held appointments as a director of companies, both private and listed and currently chairs the CSIR Mining Cluster Industry Advisory Panel.

Non-Executive Director

Alexander brings an added international perspective with strong ties to a significant global network in the industry. Alex has over 30 years’ experience in mineral exploration and business development and is a founding Director and President of Mkango Resources Limited, a TSX-V and AIM listed company which is developing new sustainable sources of NdPr oxide, recycled NdFeB and other rare earths products from Malawi, UK, Germany, Poland and the USA.

Alex is a Fellow of the Geological Society, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Member of the Southern African Institute of Mining & Metallurgy.

Non-Executive Director

Norman was instrumental in establishing and growing Southern Mapping Company into the leading aerial survey company in Africa. Norman’s land surveying career spans 40 years starting off at Eskom. In 1996, Norman was a member of the team that developed and commercialised the first combined airborne LiDAR and digital camera system worldwide.

Norman has comprehensive technical and business experience in the aerial survey industry which he has provided to the urban and regional planning, exploration, mining, infrastructure, environmental and other sectors to clients in many African countries.

Norman is both a registered Professional Land Surveyor and a Professional Photogrammetric Surveyor and is also the President of the Association of Air Survey Companies as well as the Alternate Chairperson and the Aerial Survey Representative on the South African Geomatics Council.

Finance Lead

Xhanti is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with over a decade of experience in financial leadership across Africa and Europe. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in International Tax from the University of the Witwatersrand, as well as BCom and BCom Honours degrees in Accounting from Nelson Mandela University. Xhanti’s expertise spans financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, treasury and cash management, tax compliance, and the implementation of robust financial systems and controls. He has held senior finance roles across the technology, engineering, telecommunications, and consulting sectors – including positions at Multichoice Group, EOH, Rockwell Automation and Ernst & Young (UK). A seasoned leader and strategic partner, Xhanti has managed multinational finance functions, led audits, driven cost optimisation, and supported business growth across multiple jurisdictions.

Professional Engineer

Hilton Sparks has a B Sc Eng degree from University of Natal, and a Diploma in Business Management. He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa and a registered Construction Project Manager with the South African Council for Project and Construction Managers, and has a NQF 7 qualification in labour based construction. He has 54 years of experience in the built environment. He worked for 10 years at a Parastatal Water Utility, where he was involved in the design and construction of major water treatment works (600 Ml/d) and reservoirs, the project management of a 800 Ml/d water treatment works, and the design and construction of water pumping and gravity mains varying in size from 450 mm diameter to 3500 mm diameter. He then worked in the consultancy field where his work spanned across the different sectors of the civil engineering industry, i.e. planning, urban and rural community water and sanitation supply, housing developments and township services, and the project management of built environment projects utilising the PMBOK principles.

Principal Environmental Consultant

Umeshree is an Environmental Scientist with 17 years experience leading environmental and social impact processes across South Africa and the wider African region. She has extensive expertise in environmental consulting, project management, and technical advisory services, particularly within the renewable energy, infrastructure, and water sectors.

Her work includes the preparation and management of Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Basic Assessments, Scoping Reports, and Environmental Management Programmes, with a strong track record of aligning projects with International Finance Corporation (IFC) requirements. Umeshree has also served as a Transaction Technical Advisor, supporting both public and private sector clients through complex environmental approvals and compliance processes.

Over the course of her career, she has contributed to high-profile projects such as the Mokolo and Crocodile River (West) Water Augmentation Project, multiple large-scale solar energy facilities, and infrastructure developments across South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Lesotho. Her experience includes managing multidisciplinary teams, overseeing stakeholder engagement processes, and representing clients at steering committee meetings.

Umeshree holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Environmental Monitoring and Modelling from the University of South Africa. She is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with SACNASP and an Environmental Assessment Practitioner with EAPASA.

Principal Social and Resettlement Consultant

Andrew is a seasoned social scientist and environmental specialist with over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience. For the past seven years, he has focused on social performance reporting, social impact assessments (SIAs) and resettlement and livelihood restoration planning, all aligned with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards. His recent work includes socio-economic assessments, resettlement action planning, remedial livelihood restoration and compliance reporting across various African countries.

Prior to this, Andrew spent 15 years in Australia working across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including catchment management planning, urban planning, sustainable agriculture, farm forestry and social impact analysis. His diverse background enables him to integrate social and environmental considerations into infrastructure and development projects across a range of sectors.

Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s degree in Forest Sciences from Stellenbosch University. Andrew brings a strong technical skill set in stakeholder consultation, data analysis, GIS mapping and high-quality reporting.

Principal Stakeholder Engagement Consultant

Vanessa Viljoen has over 25 years’ experience in process management/project co-ordination of Public Participation Projects / Stakeholder Engagement Processes. Her expertise involves the design, planning and the execution of the public participation processes for Environmental Impact Assessment projects and other applications. As a Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, some of her duties include identifying and consulting with Interested and Affected Parties, liaising with government departments, and compilation and dissemination of project information to stakeholders to obtain their comments. Development and management of stakeholder databases through networking and referral is also a key focus area. Her duties also include co-ordination of logistics for group meetings such as public meetings, focus group meetings, landowner meetings, open days, multi-stakeholder workshops and other events, including meetings in remote rural areas. She has worked both locally in South Africa and internationally in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Swaziland.

Senior Environmental Consultant

Phumla is a determined Environmental Consultant and holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science and Geography from the University of Pretoria. Her professional experience in mining and construction projects has equipped her with invaluable insights into project processes, spanning from the pre-feasibility phase to implementation and execution. Her versatility shines as she adeptly navigates various contexts and tasks, ensuring optimal outcomes to meet client needs. Her responsibilities include environmental impact reporting and authorisations, water use licensing, environmental compliance and auditing, project management, authority liaison and stakeholder engagement. Driven by a passion for environmental stewardship, Phumla is committed to delivering excellence in every project she undertakes.

Marketing Manager

Janine has championed the Brand since its inception in 2017. With a background in Project Management and Public Relations, she officially joined Kongiwe as Marketing Manager in 2024. She has worked with many large international brands, from B2B and B2C mapping and technology brands, manufacturing software, e-commerce software to financial institutions. Her key role is to grow the Kongiwe Brand further through marketing and communications strategies

Water Use Licence Consultant

Mokgadi is an experienced water and environmental professional with a 10-year career spanning both regulatory and consulting environments. She brings deep expertise in water use compliance, environmental auditing, and process control, and is currently supporting Kongiwe’s clients in navigating complex water-related regulatory requirements. She holds a Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources and is registered with SACNASP as a Certificated Natural Scientist.

For seven years, Mokgadi worked in the public sector, where she specialised in reviewing and processing Water Use Licence Applications (WULAs), conducting pollution investigations, supporting enforcement inspections, and leading stakeholder engagements. Prior to that, she gained valuable technical experience in wastewater treatment operations, including monitoring, optimisation, and reporting for regulatory compliance.

Her strength lies in combining practical, on-the-ground insight with a strong understanding of water legislation and integrated water resource management. At Kongiwe, Mokgadi is a trusted advisor on WULAs, IWWMPs, compliance audits, and risk assessments, with a focus on delivering technically sound and legally compliant outcomes.

Environmental Assessment Practitioner

Ripfumelo hails from Venda and holds a BSc Honours in Environmental Management. He has 7 years’ work experience ranging from environmental education to communities, the development and management of environmental plans, creation of GIS maps, WULA and environmental compliance monitoring and auditing. He’s proficient in five languages and holds two professional registrations from the South African Council for Natural Science Professionals (SACNASP) and the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA).

Environmental Consultant

Anela holds a Master of Science degree (NQF 9) in Geography and Environmental Studies coupled with more than 4 years of experience in the environmental management field. Knowledge of relevant environmental management legislation, policies, procedures, processes, and regulatory framework. An accomplished, versatile and results-driven professional with a proven track record in Environmental and Biodiversity protection and Nature conservation field. Knowledge of EIA processes and experience in Environmental Health and Safety compliance, Environmental law enforcement, Environmental education, and awareness. Extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management. Knowledge of Local, Provincial, National Government processes and relevant Legislation and policies.

Candidate Engineer

Geospatial Consultant

Chelsea is a Junior Geospatial Consultant and holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science, having specialised in GIS. Her professional experience in agricultural data analysis has equipped her with a strong analytical mindset that allows her to approach complex issues creatively and strategically. She is dedicated to continuously improving her knowledge and skills which has prompted her to pursue an additional degree in Computer Science.

Environmental Consultant

Phathutshedzo is a qualified Environmental Assessment Practitioner and registered with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) as well as the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management from UNISA and brings over three years of experience across various sectors, including mining, waste management, and infrastructure development. His expertise includes conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), public participation processes, environmental compliance audits, and compiling key regulatory documents such as BARs, EMPrs, Scoping Reports, and EIRs. Phathutshedzo has also applied for environmental permits including WULAs, Waste Management Licences, and Atmospheric Emission Licences. Formerly a Safety Officer in the mining industry, he brings a strong grounding in risk assessment and legal compliance.

Environmental Consultant

Benjamin holds a Masters degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Witwatersrand, with a focus on climate change adaptations by commercial maize farmers in Sannieshof, North West Province. In his Masters year he was awarded the Golden Key Honour Society membership for academic excellence, and also earned a Postgraduate Merit Award for his outstanding performance in his Honours year.

In his first year of professional experience, Benjamin has gained valuable exposure to environmental research, student liaison, and project management. He has also worked in roles involving operations management, market research, and stock administration, further enhancing his organisational and analytical skills. Passionate about sustainable development and environmental science, Benjamin is motivated by the opportunity to apply his knowledge to real-world challenges and contribute to climate change solutions.

Environmental Consultant

Iviwe is near to completing a Master’s degree in Geography, specialising in GIS and Remote Sensing, from the University of Johannesburg and registered candidate with the EAPASA. During her time at university, she served as a Cartography Practical Demonstrator, where she supported students with practical assignments, marked assessments, and mentored peers to help strengthen their academic performance. In her first year of professional experience, she has gained exposure to LiDAR processing, spatial data analysis, satellite imagery interpretation, and geodatabase management. Iviwe is passionate about using geospatial technologies to support informed decision-making and sustainable development. Iviwe is proficient in multiple GIS platforms including ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, and MicroStation, and is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, GISSA, and the Society of South African Geographers.

Environmental Consultant

Lubabalo is an Honours graduate in Environment and Water Science from the University of the Western Cape and a registered Candidate Natural Scientist with SACNASP. Passionate about geospatial data, water systems, and sustainable resource management, he brings experience in groundwater monitoring, environmental assessment, and spatial data validation. His academic work explored crop mapping using machine learning and remote sensing. Lubabalo is fluent in English, isiXhosa, and isiZulu, and is driven by a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a commitment to making meaningful contributions in the environmental sector.

Project Co-ordinator

Jean-Mari is Kongiwe’s invaluable Project Co-ordinator and an operations specialist, ensuring the smooth running of administrative functions across multiple projects. She brings organisation, structure, and dedicated support to the team, enabling efficient project delivery.

With over 10 years of experience managing administrative operations in various sectors, Jean-Mari has developed a strong track record of streamlining processes and supporting high-performing teams. She holds a Final High Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences from UNISA.