Jessica Babich holds various roles, including Chair of Waterberg Research Support Centre, a Director on the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve board, SA Liaison for Waterberg Rhino UK (a UK based charity), COO of The Rhisotope Project and Vice-chair of the Waterberg Nature Conservancy. Jess has a degree in Anthropology and is passionate about wildlife and people.  Her speciality is environmental anthropology. 

As an independent sector consultant, her vision is to work with as many like-minded groups, organisations, people and projects as possible – bringing various aspects of society, research and philanthropy together to create a hub of excellence.  She has extensive knowledge and experience in project research, planning and implementation. She is skilled in working with all sector dynamics, from grassroots & local entities through to provincial, national and international collectives.

Lesiba Masibe is a respected community leader, development practitioner, and passionate advocate for the Waterberg region, where he was born and raised in Mokopane. With a strong foundation in education, public service, and regional development, he holds a Secondary Teacher’s Diploma and a BA degree from the University of South Africa, beginning his career as an educator before transitioning into leadership roles in local and provincial government.

Over the past two decades, Lesiba has contributed significantly to planning, governance, and community development, serving as Director for Planning and Development at Lephalale Local Municipality and later as a Senior Manager in the Limpopo Provincial Government. His longstanding commitment to social cohesion and sustainable regional development is reflected in his role as Chairperson of The Peace Foundation Trust since 2005, as well as his leadership of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere from 2018 to 2024, where he championed collaborative stewardship and sustainable development across the Waterberg landscape

Mark Godfrey is a lifelong educator, community leader, and passionate advocate for youth development and the Waterberg region. With more than four decades of experience in education, he served in multiple leadership roles, including teacher, Head of Department, Deputy Principal, and Principal across schools in South Africa and Eswatini, culminating in seven years as Headmaster of Waterberg Academy.

A dedicated sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, he has combined his passion for people, sport, and conservation through initiatives such as developing a small school mountain bike event in Eswatini into a 500-participant race traversing three game reserves, and currently serving on the race committee for the Lindani Top of the Waterberg races. Now based in the Melkrivier area with his wife Wendy, he remains actively involved in the community through educational and church leadership, while proudly serving on the board of the Waterberg Research Support Centre NPC since its inception, bringing wisdom, leadership, and a deep commitment to the future of the Waterberg.

Marilize Greyling is the Founder and Executive Director of the Waterberg Research Support Centre NPC. Driven by a passion for coaching, systems thinking, and knowledge integration, she identified the need for a coordinated approach to research in the Waterberg in 2021. Since then, she has successfully led significant efforts to coordinate, facilitate, and implement impactful environmental and social research across the region. 

An ecologist, environmental consultant, and project manager, Marilize is deeply committed to advancing research-driven conservation in the Waterberg. Having lived and worked in the region since 2013, she combines scientific expertise with a broad interdisciplinary perspective, integrating biodiversity research, ecological management, stakeholder collaboration, and project implementation.

With hands-on experience in ecological monitoring, biodiversity conservation, environmental consulting, data systems, and multi-institutional project management—including collaborations with leading international universities—Marilize is uniquely positioned to bridge science, conservation practice, and local partnerships. Her leadership is grounded in a profound understanding of the Waterberg’s ecological and social landscape, enabling the organisation to deliver research that drives meaningful impact.

Margerie Aucamp is a passionate conservationist and field specialist whose career has been shaped by a lifelong dedication to wildlife, people, and the natural environment. After obtaining her Diploma in Nature Management, she began her career at the renowned Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre before spending several years guiding at a luxury lodge in Pilanesberg National Park, where she developed a strong passion for wildlife and scenic photography.

Her transition to Biomonitoring Officer at Welgevonden Game Reserve ignited her interest in ecological research and biodiversity monitoring, paving the way for a new chapter in conservation science. Since joining the Waterberg Research Support Centre NPC in October 2023 as Head Field Technician, Margerie has brought together her field expertise, people-centred approach, and passion for the natural world—making her an invaluable part of the team driving research with impact in the Waterberg.