North West Committee

This page is managed by the North West Branch of YWP-ZA.

Please contact the North West Committee if you have any questions or would like to get more involved. We would love to hear from you!

Chair: Roelof Coertze

Roelof has always been fascinated by the workings of the world, the natural order of things. Since a young age he has aspired toward becoming a biologist, thus following in his father’s footsteps. Never would he have realised that by pursuing his goals, the universe would only allow one to glimpse at the mysteries that conform to manifest in our reality. This humbling realisation became the ultimate thrill; to study something that cannot be fully understood, make discoveries which have already been discovered by nature and ask questions to which the answers lead to more puzzling questions. One can only hope that the contributions made toward understanding the natural world will make the world a better place, and if we are lucky, someone might remember your name.

Roelof is currently a doctoral candidate at the North-West University in the fields of Molecular Microbiology and Bioinformatics. His research is focused on the prevalence and diversity of AmpC beta-lactamase antibiotic resistance genes in environmental aquatic systems. Thus far, his greatest accomplishments in this field was to construct a global model in which all historical accounts of environmental AmpC detection were mapped. This was the basis for the argument that there is a massive gap in research in the detection and monitoring of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment, something that will greatly impact human health in the near future. His research has been published and internationally presented at conferences.

Roelof is very excited about the roll he aspires to fill in the coming years as chair of the North West YWP. With some great ideas and a fantastic team, it will surely be an experience to remember.

Outgoing Chair: Guzéne O'Reilly

Guzéne is a student at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. She has completed a B.Sc degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry, B.Sc Hons and M.Sc degree in Environmental Sciences and is currently busy with her Ph.D in Environmental Sciences. Guzéne's research has always been in the water sector with the focus being water treatment. It is an area which she is very passionate about.

Guzéne is a founding member of the YWP-ZA North West Chapter and was the first Chair of this committee. She is very excited to be part of the YWP network and hopes to contribute to the water sector and make people more aware of the importance of water. As Leonardo da Vinci said, "Water is the driving force of all nature."

In her spare time Guzéne enjoys mountain biking, playing golf, squash or hockey, or just relaxing with friends and family.

Vice-Chair: Lesego Molale-Tom

Secretary: Suranie Horn

Suranie enrolled at the North-West University in 2008 to study biological sciences with Microbiology and Biochemistry as major subjects. She completed a Master’s degree about the effects of bacteria from drinking water on a human intestinal celline. From there on she set her mind to be a researcher in water quality - one of the crucial needs of South Africa. She is currently a PhD student in eco-toxicology which entails determining endocrine disrupting effects of environmental chemicals. Suranie is a proud founding member of the YWP-ZA North West Chapter.

For the duration of her PhD she is combining her studies with work and other commitments, training of students and visitors, and consultation work. Her greatest achievement will be to make a meaningful difference not only in her specific research field, but especially those people around her and other South Africans.

Suranie enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.

Treasurer: Mariska Fourie

Mariska Fourie is a dynamic 24 year old that loves making a difference. She obtained her BSc degree in Environmental and Biological Sciences, majoring in Microbiology and Physiology, at the North West University Potchefstroom Campus. She is currently enrolled at UNISA, doing her Honours in Environmental Management part time. Her daytime employment consists of working at Envirocare Laboratory, analysis of water, foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals on a daily basis. The laboratory is a testing laboratory that is ISO: 17025 accredited.

Committee Member: Louisa de Wet

Louisa is currently working on her B.Sc. Hons in Aquatic Ecosystem Health. Her project forms part of the Water Research Group (WRC) as well as the Microbiology research group. Her research is about microbial changes in an eutrophic pond after rehabilitation.

Louisa would like to have a part in the solution to all water pollution, but for now she is focusing on completing her degree to the best of her ability. After that... the future will tell. She has a passion for the water sector because all life forms are dependent on water. The importance of this sector is often underrated, but making a small difference in this sector, in turn makes a difference in every aspect of life.

Committee Member: Ramon Joubert

Ramon grew up in Potchefstroom where he attended primary school at Mooi Rivier and attended high school at Hoër Volkskool. He developed a love for adrenaline-filled sports directly out of high school. He started with his glider-licence in 2016 which was followed by mountaineering from 2018.

Ramon worked in the restaurant industry from 2015 – 2016 and has been in the irrigation industry from 2017-current. He recently started his studies in the field of project management and he is considering perusing Microbiology as a secondary field. He has a love for science and wants to contribute towards improving humanity.

Ramon is in a position where he can educate numerous people of the importance of using water in the most efficient way. His main target group of clients are farmers, the mining sector and the occasional residential irrigator.

Committee Member: Estefan Pieterse

Estefan is currently pursuing his Honnours degree in aquatic ecosystem health. He is part of the Microbiology research group and his project is focused on microplastics. Estefan is aspiring to become a Professor and an active researcher in environmental matters. He wants to make a change and maybe even win a Nobel prize as a bonus. He is passionate about the water sector because water is life and without water the environment will crumble. Being part of this sector allows him to make a change one drop at a time.

Committee Member: Lohan Bredenhann

Lohan is currently an M.Sc. student at the North-West University, Potchefstroom campus. He acquired his B.Sc. degree in Geology and Microbiology in 2016 and his Honours degree in Environmental Sciences in 2017 in Hydrology and Geohydrology. His current study focuses on representing the physico-chemical and microbiological data on a geospatial scale.

At a young age, Lohan understood the shortages and need for water and currently strives to further the knowledge of water to secure water as a sustainable source. In Lohan's spare time, he enjoys composing music for both voice and guitar, socialising with friends and appreciating the beauty of nature and capturing special moments through photography. Lohan believes that if that you don't succeed through talent, then do so through discipline.

Committee Member: Chané de Bruyn

Chané started the water journey in 2014 when she enrolled for a B.Sc. in Geology and Botany at the North-West University. She chose this particular study field because of an RSG radio broadcast emphasizing the crisis of water shortages in a water scarce South Africa. She went on doing her Honours degree in Hydrology and Geohydrology at the Center for Water Sciences and Management (NWU). Her honours project was centered around the influence that a proposed mining site had on the quantity and quality of water available to the surrounding community and the downstream effects of dewatering an open cast mine. Chané is currently emerging into the world of programming and machine learning and researching the applications and advantages of using machine learning to monitor and predict future water levels in boreholes.

Chané has a nature filled past as she, from a very young age, underwent numerous bundu-bashing camping trips in all of Southern Africa. This led her to a deeper appreciation of nature and the role it plays in the survival of human beings. She enjoys hiking, game drives, animal interaction, and sitting beside the campfire listening to stories. In her spare time, she does photography, watches documentaries and learns the ways of our Creator through nature.