Sustainable Development and Collective Responsibility

| History

The Green Connection was founded on the principle that achieving truly sustainable development requires empowering people to actively participate in environmental decision-making. To recognise the finite nature of our natural resources, which have been entrusted to us for careful stewardship on behalf of future generations, rather than for reckless exploitation.

The Green Connection regards sustainable development as a collective responsibility rather than a personal choice – one that seeks to enable social equity, economic development, within ecological limits of the planet, within a participatory democracy framework.

The Green Connection aims to offer constructive engagement to the government, non-governmental, and civil society sectors to ensure that all voices are included in shaping a future where people and the planet can coexist in harmony.

Since its inception in 2000, the small Green Connection team has grown from a modest initiative into a formidable organisation. It has evolved from running small community projects; such as educating rural communities on how to manage the impacts of climate change, to building the capacity of young people as environmental campaigners who can carry forward the organisation’s legacy.

| Principles

At The Green Connection, we believe in putting people and the planet first. We believe that sustainable development is only possible when communities are empowered to shape the decisions made about their environment. Our natural resources are limited, and we work to protect them for future generations while supporting inclusive economic development, improved livelihoods, and the protection of our oceans and land.

| How We Work

Promoting Eco-Justice:

We advocate for the addressing of social and ecological injustices and fight for a more just and equitable society.

Defending Human Rights:

We use advocacy as a tool to promote and protect human rights, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Raising Awareness:

We raise public awareness about important issues, such as discrimination, poverty, and environmental degradation.

Engaging with Policy Decision-Makers:

We use our advocacy to educate decision makers about impacts of policies on people and the planet.

Community Mobilization:

We work to bring people together and empower communities to take action on issues that affect them.

Challenging Stereotypes:

We challenge harmful stereotypes and stigma, and promote a more inclusive and accepting society

| Meet The Team

Liziwe McDaid - Board Member | Strategic Lead

"...is a qualified scientist, teacher, and adult educator, with a Master’s..."

Penny Hlakula - Board Member

"...is passionate about youth development and the empowerment of women and girls ..."

Yachika Reddy - Chairperson of the Board

"...employed at Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) as .."

Abdul-Basier Dramat - Board Member | Financial Director

"...work with The Green Connection involves multiple facets, from.."

Gus Pichard - Board Member | Secretary

"...has worked as a community facilitator and trainer since 1994. He is experienced in research..."

Jaclyn Smith - Board Member

"..has worked in the green sector for 15 years focusing particularly in conservation of urban..."

Lwando-Mtsulwana - Management | Adminstration Programme Head

Lwando Mtsulwana has been specialising in supply chain management and project management within the environmental sector. Focusing on ensuring efficient resource flow, financial sustainability while providing overall team leadership, support and direction.

Nandipha Masango - Management | Media & Communiations Head

Quote that motivates her work: “Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for someone else.” Maya Angelou Nandipha Masango has a background in environmental management, environmental education and digital marketing.

Lisa Makaula - Management | Advocacy Programme Head

Quote that motivates her work: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi Lisa Makaula has worked within the ecojustice space, from a media and advocacy perspective. She prides herself in working towards good governance and sustainable development.

Neville Van Rooy - Management | Outreach Programme Head

Quote that motivates his work: “I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.” Kwame Nkrumah. Neville van Rooy has a background in Theology, nature conservation, community engagement & tourism. He has worked with environmental justice platforms with the purpose to protect communities and the environment. Neville also works with Support Centre for Land Change on environmental justice programmes that resists fracking & promotes renewable energy.

Khetha Buthelezi - Management | Economics Officer

Khetha Buthelezi is an experienced economics and development specialist with over a decade of expertise in project management, economic development consulting, accounting, stakeholder engagement, and research. As the lead of the Koeksister Project, she is committed to integrating Doughnut Economics principles into West Coast communities, driving inclusive economic transformation through strategic partnerships, sustainable business models, and policy advocacy.

Christopher Scholtz - Core Team | Parliamentary Officer

Christopher Scholtz has a decade of in-depth knowledge of the institution of parliament. He has worked on analysing policy documents and legislation, covering parliamentary monitoring and participation. Along with engagement with Members of Parliament.

Natalie Van Wyk - Core Team | Saldanha Koeksister Coordinator

Quote that motivates her work: “We need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it because they do.” Sylvia Earle Natalie Van Wyk has a background in environmental activism and community engagement. Advocating for the rights of fishing communities to contribute to sustainable livelihoods.

Maria Raedani - Core Team | Administrator

Quote that motivates her work: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou Maria Raedani has a strong foundation in organizational management and event coordination. Contributing to the organisation's operations from an admin and logistics perspective.

Vuyiseka Mani - Core Team | Legacy Programme Mentor

Quote that motivates her work: “A mentor must always guide, never push. It was my job to listen to them, offer my perspective, and encourage them to pursue the ideals they believed to be true.” John Wooden Vuyiseka Mani has been working in advocating for environmental justice. Along with efforts to stop gender based violence & femicide.

Lelethu Masangwana - Core Team | Digital Campaigner

Quote that motivates her work: “Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.” Nelson Mandela Lelethu M is a social justice activist with a background in journalism and communications. She has a strong interest in good governance and the right to adequate resources and land for marginalised people.

Feziwe Mapete - Core Team | Financial Administrator

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou Feziwe Mapete has a background in internal auditing and bookkeeping within the financial sector.

Warren Blouw - Core Team | Mobilisation Officer

Warren Blouw has a background in environmental activism and community engagement. Advocating against fracking and offshore oil and gas, through emphasising the need to invest in renewable energy sources.

Shahil Singh - Core Team | Legal Advisor

Quote that motivates his work: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." – Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Shahil Singh is an attorney focusing on environmental, energy, constitutional, and public interest law. His work includes drafting legal submissions to challenge oil and gas projects, legislation, and acting in the interests of coastal and fishing communities. Shahil’s commitment to justice extends beyond legal analysis and includes community empowerment and advocacy.

Bathandwa Xhallie - Core Team | Bridges Programme Coordinator

Bathandwa Xhallie is an admitted attorney with a background in public interest law, civic education, and legislative engagement. Her work has focused on land rights, environmental justice, and building legal literacy in historically marginalised communities. Bathandwa currently serves as the Bridges Programme Coordinator, where she works to strengthen civic engagement with Parliament and promote equitable participation in oversight processes.

Gillian Hamilton - Supporting Team | Economics Research Expert

Quote that motivates her work: “The climate movement made an enormous mistake. We focused all our attention on fossil fuels, when we should have been pointing to something much deeper: the basic logic of our economic operating system.” Jason Hickel Gillian Hamilton is a Researcher who is passionately committed to the principles of sustainable development, with a specific interest in alternative economic models, the Just Transition and climate finance.

Sean Brown - Supporting Team | Funding & Reporting Support

Sean Brown has a background in economics development studies and philosophy in critical issues in the study of HIV & AIDS and Society. His practical work experience includes youth empowerment work in West and Southern Africa, HIV and AIDS information and education, and programme support for women living with HIV. More recently, Sean has worked as the Acting Executive Director and Operations Director of Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI).

Natasha Adonis - Supporting Team | Communications Specialist

Quote that motivates her work: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” – William Ernest Henley Natasha Adonis is a Communications & Public Relations Specialist & Events Manager. Who has more than a decade of experience, gained in the public & corporate sectors. She has produced various types of written materials, such as; proposals, internal communications and many strategically-considered press releases, media/event invites & alerts.

Adrian Pole - Supporting Team | Senior Legal Advisor

Adrian Pole is an Attorney assisting The Green Connection in various matters relating to ocean economies and the extractive fossil fuel industry. His previous work has included providing legal support, assistance and representation to NGOs and CBOs in various environmental decision-making and appeal processes. He was also the Attorney of record in the ‘nuclear case’ that successfully set aside former President Zuma’s plan to build a fleet of nuclear reactors.

Linda Arkert - Supporting Team | Social Research Expert

Quote that motivates her work: “We are fighting for soil, land, food, trees, water, birds. We are fighting for life.” Gregoris Mirabal Linda Arkert has a background in psychology & social work within the eco-justice space. Her community, group & case work at a community care centre assisted people living with & affected by HIV & AIDS. Her work is driven by her growing awareness of the issues of environmental degradation & climate change, & the impact in particular on the poor and marginalized.

Lisakhanya Mapisa

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