Marie-Tinka Uys

Executive Coordinator & Chief Operating Officer

Marie-Tinka was born and bred in Musina,  where she completed her Matric. She obtained her BA (Hons) from Rhodes University and her Master’s Degree from the University of Witwatersrand.

After marrying Dr Wynand Uys, the couple moved permanently to the Hoedspruit Area in 1987.

Over the years, she has played a role in the conservation and sustainable development interface in the landscape, where she championed the declaration of the Kruger to Canyons UNESCO Biosphere Region in 2001.

Her work experience includes the coordination of the Rural Foundation’s Community Development Programme, a Short Course Coordinator at the Southern African Wildlife College, the Coordinator for the Tourism and Conservation Training Authority’s Skills Development Programme in the Region and a stint as a lodge manager (Ottersden River Lodge).

In 2012 she was appointed as the Executive Coordinator of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, a position that she currently holds.

Vusi Tshabalala

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Manager

Vusi is a bubbly, energetic young leader involved in variety of programmes. He has been with K2C since 2013 when he started as an Environmental Monitor. He completed his National Diploma in Nature conservation with Tshwane University of Technology in 2010. He has gained skills and experience working in various kinds of jobs including zoo keeping, game capture, snake wrangling, Environmental Educator and international volunteer programme coordinator, to name a few. The different skills set was a perfect fit for the K2C Environmental Monitors (EMs) programme where he is currently the project manager. Vusi oversees the 5 EM managers, partnering with 31 different environmental projects and 74 communities in the K2C landscape. He is also currently working on a Human Wildlife Conflict project through WWF-Khetha to assist local communities in developing a communication & response protocol for the community leaders, aligned to the relevant provincial authorities. He is passionate about youth & community development where he represents the landscape and the country in other international programmes such as Man And Biosphere (MaB) International Youth Programme and Global Youth Biodiversity Network.

Romy Antrobus-Wuth

Conservation Science and Data Manager

Romy joined the K2C team in the beginning of 2019. She has an honours degree in Environment, Ecology & Conservation (WITS) and a Masters in Geography and Environmental Studies (WITS), where she conducted her research on the Makuleke Wetlands (Ramsar site) in the Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park. She has worked for many years in the environmental consulting industry and has a strong GIS and Remote Sensing background. 

Romy joined the K2C as the stewardship ecologist for the SANBI GEF 5 Biodiversity Stewardship and Land Under better Management Project. Through a secondment to The Nature Conservancy, Romy currently supports work on formalising protected areas & other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), monitoring and tracking environmental elements in the landscape and improving land management practices for improved biodiversity and water conservation in the K2C region. Romy is also the “go-to” person for all K2C’s branding, marketing & communication materials.

Rešoketšwe ‘Shoki’ Mafogo

Programme Manager: Pro-Nature Livelihoods

Born and bred in the Kruger to Canyons landscape, Shoki has been part of the K2C team since 2014, growing into a strong advocate for community-based environmental stewardship. With a background in Humanities, she brings a deep appreciation for the human factor in every circumstance, blending this perspective with a passion for development to drive meaningful impact across the landscape.

Over the past 11 years, Shoki has gained extensive experience in governance, gender equity, and pro-nature livelihoods, which she regards as fundamental pillars for building resilient landscapes and empowered communities. As Programme Manager for Pro-Nature Livelihoods, she has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of inclusive leadership and the value of indigenous knowledge, particularly when women and youth are meaningfully engaged in shaping the future of their land and livelihoods.

Her vision is rooted in the belief that change, empowerment, and development are the catalysts of resilient ecosystems and thriving communities. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she continues to challenge patriarchal norms, champion gender equity, and bring diverse voices together to co-create solutions for people and nature.

Dimakatso Nonyane

Project Manager: Lower Blyde Restoration Project

Dimakatso “Dima” Nonyane is a dedicated and passionate conservationist who has been part of the Kruger to Canyons (K2C) Biosphere Region team since 2013. She began her journey through the EPWP Environmental Monitors Programme, implemented by BSP SANParks and advanced to become an Environmental Monitors Manager in 2016.

Dima holds a National Diploma in Nature Conservation and has grown into leadership roles within K2C, serving as Project Manager for both the Resilient Waters Project and AFR100 project. Currently, she is the Restoration Project Manager in the Lower Blyde Catchment, where she works closely with teams, traditional authorities and local communities to restore ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

With a strong background in Alien Invasive Plant clearing operations, biodiversity restoration and community engagement, Dima is passionate about restoring landscapes, transferring skills and building the capacity of community members. Over the years, she has played an active role in initiatives that balance environmental protection with the socioeconomic upliftment of local communities through natural resource stewardship and conservation-based livelihoods.

Simon Attwood

Project Manager: Upper Blyde Restoration Project

Simon Attwood is the Project Manager of the Upper Blyde Restoration Project at the Kruger to Canyons (K2C) Biosphere Region, a role he took on in early 2025. He leads efforts to restore degraded grasslands in the Blyde River Canyon by removing invasive alien plants and protecting critical water catchments. Simon is also the founder of Hack and Hike, a volunteer-driven initiative that has cleared over 3,000 pine trees from remote mountain areas since early 2024. With a strong background in plant conservation, he is an Honorary Research Associate at the Wits CE Moss Herbarium and a member of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Plant Specialist Group, supporting the discovery and documentation of new plant species. His conservation work extends to snare removal, camera trap research, and permaculture initiatives. Simon holds a fine arts degree and completed his honours thesis on Khoe-San rock art, continuing to work with the Rock Art Research Institute to survey and conserve heritage sites across Mpumalanga and Eswatini.

Johan Coetzer

Restoration Manager: Upper Letaba Restoration Project

Johan Coetzer is the restoration manager for Kruger to Canyons (K2C)’s northern project, focusing primarily on the Upper Letaba Restoration Project. In this role, Johan oversees the clearing of invasive alien plants (IAPs) to restore water resources and reconnect fragmented endangered Woodbush Granite Grasslands. With a diverse background in environmental compliance and management, carbon consulting, permaculture development, lecturing, and experience as a qualified field guide, Johan aspires to contribute to sustainable land management and conservation efforts within the K2C biosphere region.

Keneilwe Mmushi

Catchment Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Born and raised within the Kruger to Canyons landscape, Keneilwe Mmushi is a committed conservation professional with experience spanning environmental monitoring and data management. With a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geography from the University of the Witwatersrand, she brings a strong scientific foundation to her role as Catchment Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region.

Over the past seven years, Keneilwe has developed extensive experience in environmental monitoring, data management and community engagement. Her work with citizen scientists strengthens local capacity to monitor freshwater systems, fostering a culture of stewardship across the Biosphere. Prior to her current role, she served as a Data Capturer at K2C and as a TASC Community Support Practitioner, where she facilitated household surveys, coordinated with traditional authorities and participated in carbon monitoring initiatives.

Keneilwe is deeply passionate about youth leadership and inclusivity in conservation. As Finance Officer for both the Kruger to Canyons and South African MaB Youth Networks, she actively actively contributes to the next generation of environmental leaders. Guided by a belief in collaboration and empowerment, Keneilwe to bridges the gap between hard data and community, making science accessible and relatable to the public in pursuit of a sustainable future for people and nature.

Mokgale Maentje

Freshwater Technician

Mokgale Maentje is an environmental professional in the K2C Catchment Team. Since joining K2C in 2021 as an Environmental Monitor, he has coordinated freshwater monitoring plans across multiple catchments, working closely with citizen scientists to collect and analyse data that informs conservation decisions.

Mokgale holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science and an Honours in Ecology and Resource Management from the University of Venda, complemented by a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). His research, including his Honours thesis on heavy metal enrichment in subtropical rivers, underpins his expertise in freshwater ecology.

With a focus on freshwater ecology, citizen science and environmental monitoring, Mokgale contributes to the sustainable management and protection of freshwater ecosystems within the K2C Biosphere Region. Mokgale inspires those he engages with through his work and day-to-day life with his dedication to environmental stewardship andthe importance of protecting our natural resources into the future.

Dumisa Khoza

Pro-Nature Livelihoods Project Coordinator

Dumisa Khoza joined the K2C Biosphere in 2019 in the DWS Project, based in his home-town of Phiring. Dumisa holds a Higher Certificate in Life and Environmental Sciences from the University of South Africa and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management. His background includes a NQF Level 5 qualification in Responsible Resource Use Management and Level 2 training in Nature and Cultural Guiding, which gives him a deep understanding of, and ability to convey the connection between people and the environment.

Dumisa is currently serving as Project Coordinator in the Pro-Nature Livelihoods team. He also chairs the K2C MaB Youth Network and leads the South African National MaB Youth Network, fostering youth engagement in environmental and cultural initiatives.

With expertise in project coordination, leadership and community engagement, Dumisa makes a critical contribution to advancing youth-focused environmental initiatives and sustainable resource management within the K2C Biosphere Region. Outside of his K2C Biosphere role, Dumisa has harnessed his creative eye though photography and has founded a media business.

Conny Timbane

Pro-Nature Livelihoods Rangeland Coordinator and Trainer

Conny Timbane works closely with farmers and communities to promote sustainable land management, ecosystem health and improved livelihoods. Conny has five years experience in in rangeland ecology, sustainable livestock production and community engagement. Through her training and capacity-building work, Conny empowers individuals and groups to adopt best practices in rangeland management, fostering stewardship and resilience in both people and landscapes.

Passionate about fostering stewardship and resilience, Conny believes that effective rangeland management and active community participation are key to thriving landscapes and sustainable livelihoods.

Mpho Mativandlela

Eco-Savings and Credit Group Coordinator

Mpho Mativandlela is the Eco-Savings and Credit Group Coordinator within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, driving one of the landscape’s key pillars of economic inclusion. She holds a BA Honours in Environmental Management and has built a strong foundation in conservation education, community engagement, and data management.

Mpho joined K2C in January 2024 as a Groen Sebenza Intern under the Education for Sustainability component, where she educated youth in communities neighbouring protected areas on conservation and Human-Elephant Coexistence in partnership with Elephants Alive. Currently, She works under the Pro-Nature Livelihoods Programme, leading the coordination of Eco-Savings and Credit Groups, focusing on training, mentoring, financial literacy facilitation and data management, while also serving as the K2C MaB Youth Secretary.

Guided by her personal motto, “Green savings, bright future,” Mpho emphasizes empowerment through savings, connecting sustainable practices with positive community outcomes and bridging the gap between environmental conservation and economic empowerment across the K2C landscape.