Dean Ferreira is the Managing Director of NCC Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd, he specialises in the development of Integrated Wildfire and Environmental Management Plans and the compilation of Environmental Policies and related documentation for National, Provincial and Local Government institutions, corporate bodies and individual landowners. As a passionate firefighter you will often find him alongside his colleagues putting out wildland fires.

“I have a passion for the next generation of environmentalists/conservators. I believe that they need to take the baton from the current group of passionate people and to enhance the effort these individuals have made, by forging their own path in ensuring real growth for people, planet and business.

I see GFF making a positive contribution in increasing the competence of environmental and conservation leadership. Allowing individuals to learn from others (their mistakes too) so that they can go forth and try new things so that their efforts are best for the environment, people and business.”

Kirsten Gerber

Kirsten Gerber, a producer at Fell and Company has a love for design, dealing with people and creative expression. She now manages a team of creatives and clients that focus on storytelling content – specifically, on developing and producing content with purpose. Her involvement with the Juliet Crew started in early 2020 when she co-directed and produced a short film titled ‘Her Way’, celebrating strong female stories.

“I see GFF producing future leaders who have a strong enough foundation that they become a catalyst for change in their own right.”

Christa von la Chevallerie

Christa von la Chevallerie grows some of the best and most sought-after Chenin Blanc in the Swartland. Owner and winemaker of Huis van Chevallerie, situated in the picturesque foothills of the Paardeberg Mountain.

“Like the young vines that need training and pruning, new conservation leaders can realize their best potential if given an environment where they can thrive in, a place where they can find mentorship and guidance. I hope to see organisations who have a passion in developing leaders in conservation, to join GFF in our vision for a greener future.”

Augustine Morkel is a conservation professional with a 24 year career working as leader in SANParks, SANBI and WWF. Augustine has BTech degree in Nature Conservation, an MBA degree (Milpark Business School) and is currently busy with his PHD (UCT GSB) focused on the question: What does success look like for NPOs?   

“I am excited at the possibilities for GFF to revolutionise leadership development and leadership capacity in all organisations, private, public and non-profit, who work to have a significant impact in South Africa’s regenerative future. Only good leaders can change the world. GFF is positioning to groom great leaders.”

Don Tooth

Don Tooth retired as Managing Director of Anglo American Farms (AAF) in January 2021 after spending twenty-one years at the helm of this diversified agri-food business. Under his Leadership Vergelegen completed the largest private environmental project in South Africa and in partnership with Cape Nature have declared two thirds of the estate a Private Nature Reserve with the same level of protection as the Kruger National Park.

“I see GFF becoming acknowledged, by recognised Conservation bodies – both locally and internationally – as THE conservation model for the creation and development of South Africa’s future generation of leaders in the conservation field.”