PATRON EMERITUS

Russell Collins

Russell is an well-known and well-respected South African businessman. His family business, The Collins Group, is a multi-faceted business, with interests across Southern Africa.

The Ken Collins Charity Trust have provided the initial seed funding for the ECOStudy project.

The vision, drive and ongoing support of Russell Collins and the Ken Collins Charity Trust have helped bring the project to fruition.

FOUNDING TRUSTEE AND CEO

SUSAN PYNE-JAMES

With over twenty years of experience in environmental education, Susan has dedicated her career to fostering a deep connection between young people and the natural world.

In 2004, she founded the Kids in Kruger programme, which brought children from schools near the Kruger National Park on day visits to experience the Park firsthand. She also played a key role in establishing the Phabeni Environmental Education Centre, through which more than 85,000 learners have participated in the Kids in Kruger programme.

In 2010, Susan launched S’fundimvelo, an environmental education initiative for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, which reached communities around 23 parks in KwaZulu-Natal. This programme has engaged over 50,000 learners and educators, inspiring greater environmental stewardship.

As the founder of ECOStudy, Susan oversees the management and strategic direction of the project, continuing her commitment to enriching environmental education.

FOUNDING PATRON

Dr Andrew Muir

Andrew is the CEO of Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA), an organisation founded by Dr Ian Player and Magqubu Ntombela.

Andrew is a specialist in protected area expansion and management; sustainable and eco-tourism; advocacy and environmental policy and youth and community development.

He is a recipient of the Rolex Award for Enterprise Laurette and is a Fellow of the Schwan Foundation (World Economic Forum).

Andrew’s vast experience within the conservation world has helped to guide the development of ECOStudy.

TRUSTEES

Mark Chasey

Mark is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with a career in financial services spanning several decades. After qualifying in South Africa, he became a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1984. In 1997, he relocated to the Channel Islands, where he founded the Oak Group, an international firm specialising in private client, corporate services, and fund administration, headquartered in Guernsey.

A passionate conservationist, Mark spends much of his time in the African bush.

Cherryl Curry

Cherryl is the CEO of the Wilderness Leadership School, a position she has held since 2015. Cherryl is well respected within the conservation community both nationally and internationally.

Dr. GCINA MHLOPE

Gcina is an author, playwright, performer and brilliant story-teller. She has made a significant impact in the literary and entertainment industries in South Africa. Her creative work spans across multiple genres, including children’s literature, poetry, plays, and short stories. She is internationally renowned and the recipient of many awards.

Gcina has done performances across South Africa raising awareness about endangered animals. She brings a deep understanding of indigenous knowledge that can be imparted to the ECOStudy children.

Dr. Sihle Ndlovu

Sihle is an entrepreneur with a strong track record of starting successful businesses and leading existing businesses to achieve greater success.

He is a Chartered Accountant with an MBA, a doctorate in Business Administration and several corporate directorships.

Prof PJ Schwikkard

PJ has been a Professor of Public Law at the University of Cape Town since 2001 and was the Dean of the Faculty of Law for 7 years.

PJ’s primary research interests lie in the intersection of human rights, evidence, criminal law and procedure. She has written numerous articles and book chapters in this area.

Dr Jim Taylor

Jim is an authority in the field of Education for Sustainable Development.

He has worked actively in education and social change in South Africa, with his influence reaching across the globe.

Jim worked for WESSA for 35 years, and for 20 of those he served as Director of Environmental Education.

He has presented papers and advised governments, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNEP and other organisations worldwide.

Jim’s passion is in research with a key interest in Citizen Science, Water Management, Digital and Just Transitions, Indigenous Knowledge Practices, biodiversity and sustainable lifestyle choices. Jim has also authored numerous books and papers on these topics.