Leadership Team

John brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of parks, recreation, conservation, and wildlife management. He served as the head of parks, recreation, and conservation in a local authority in the Free State for nearly two decades. With professional qualifications as a Horticulturist, Landscape designer, and Parks and Recreation manager, John has dedicated his career to these areas. Notably, he holds the status of Fellow of the Institute of Parks and Recreation Administration (FIPRA) and has significant experience as a regional and senior manager with Wildlife Society of South Africa (WESSA). 

Beyond his professional career, John is a multifaceted talent, excelling as a nature photographer, artist, and writer. He is also an experienced trails and adventures leader and a lecturer in birding, gardening, and photography. With over 45 years of birding experience, he has served as an honorary conservation officer for Free State conservation for about two decades. His diverse skill set includes security training, wildlife, bird, and photographic safaris guiding, as well as recognised fellowships such as the Fellowship of the Photographic Society of SA (FPSSA).

He is a professional member of the Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) and a longstanding Rotarian with a Paul Harris PH+8 recipient status. His commitment to environmental causes is demonstrated through his leadership as Chairman of various organisations, including WESSA, Birdlife Harties, Magaliesberg Protection Association, National Association of Conservancies of SA, and as the manager, editor, picture editor, and writer for the African Wildlife & Environment magazine. John also held positions as Chairman of WESSA Goldfields and established several bird clubs during his four-decade-long involvement. His photography skills extend to his role as a director of the Photographic Society of South Africa, and he is actively engaged in citizen science, with a record of over 450 full protocol cards submitted and as a SAFRING registered bird ringer.