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 was born and raised in the Waterberg District, Mokopane Town. Obtained a Secondary Teacher’s Diploma (STD) at Setotolwane College of Education and a BA Degree with the University of South Africa.
Worked as a Teacher for 7 years before he joined Lephalale Municipality as a Director for Planning and Development. Lesiba worked for 9 years as a Senior Manager in Limpopo Provincial government while serving as Chairperson of The Peace Foundation Trust since 2005 until present.
Lesiba also served as the Chairperson of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere since 2018 until 2024.
Born and raised in Durban.
Attended St Henry’s Marist College. BA and HDE at Natal University.
Taught for 30 years at St Henry’s: 8 years as teacher, 10 years as HOD, and 12 years deputy principal.
In addition, 5 years as principal of Victory Christian Academy in Durban, 4 years as principal of Thembelisha Preparatory School in Simunye, Swaziland, and finally 7 years as headmaster of Waterberg Academy in Vaalwater, retiring at age 66.
An avid sportsman, played rugby and water polo, did 12 years of surf lifesaving, surfed at every opportunity until age 65, and currently enjoying mountain biking in the Waterberg. While in Eswatini, adopted a small school mountain bike race and grew it to 500 entrants, the maximum, and routed it through 3 game reserves in the area. Currently on the race committee of Lindani’s Top of the Waterberg races.
Serves as a trustee on the Waterberg Academy Educational Trust and also on The St John’s Church leadership.
Presently living on a small property in the Melkrivier area, with wife Wendy, 2 dogs, 50 layer hens and a vegetable tunnel.
Proud to be on the board of the Waterberg Research Support Council since its inception.
Marilize describes herself as a generalist, having a passion for project management, mentorship, identifying interconnectedness between different fields and pulling together information and concepts, and most importantly to preserve existing knowledge and build upon it.
Marilize has been living in the Waterberg since 2013 and has ever since harbored a great love for the area. She soon realized that the Waterberg is like no other, leading to pursue a MSc in Herbivore Ecology, to understand the adaptive ecology of impala in the Waterberg. Trying to find relevant research on a common animal such as impala in the Waterberg, it became apparent that the Waterberg was understudied compared to other important catchment and biodiversity areas. This is where the idea of a dedicated research approach to the Waterberg started formulating.
During the next couple of years, she strived to get a better understanding of the Waterberg and gain experience in multiple fields and projects to diversify her knowledge base. She started mentoring & assisting Nature Management and M.Sc. students in the Waterberg, both from local and international universities. During 2017 she co-found the Waterberg Environmental Education Forum and joined the Waterberg Nature Conservancy EXCO.
The Waterberg doesn’t just harbor amazing biodiversity but also amazing people that strive to conserve this gem. It is through these mentors and dedicated individuals that she was able to gain insight, experience and wisdom to finally establish Waterberg Research Support Centre NPC during September 2021, to collate, coordinate, facilitate and implement research and importantly to provide support to researchers and landowners in the Waterberg Bio-Region. She looks forward to building WRSC with this amazing team, continue to build and nurture strong relationships and collaborations, making sure that through relevant and applied research, we can conserve and sustainably manage this beautiful place we call home.
Margerie Aucamp was born on the 19th of March 1990 in Pretoria. Driven by her passion for wildlife, she obtained a Diploma in Nature Management and later kick-started her career at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre. Hereafter, she guided at Pilanesberg Game Reserve for three years at a 5* Lodge and realised her passion for scenic and wildlife photography. After 3 years, she went on to work as a Biomonitoring Officer at Welgevonden Game Reserve where the door to research opened for her.
Her background and passion for nature & people made her a perfect fit for Waterberg Research Support Centre and joined the team Oct 2023 as a Coordinator and Head Field Technician. This is a step in a new direction for her and she looks forward to what the future might hold.
