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: 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 is currently 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: Ruan Gerber

Dr Ruan Gerber is new a post-doctoral research fellow with the Water Research Group at the North-West University, Potchefstroom campus He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Zoology at the University of Johannesburg. Dr Gerber's Ph.D focus was the use of Tigerfish, as indicator of metal and organic contaminant exposure in the Kruger National Park.

He was awarded the HJ Schoonbee medal for his thesis. Broadly Dr Gerber's interests include studying the ecotoxicology of aquatic ecosystems with a focus on how humans are affecting aquatic biota from the cellular to the ecosystem level. Currently, his research is focused on how freshwater systems found within South Africa’s premier conservation are impacted by human activities and the management of these systems.

Suranie Horn: Secretary

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.

Lucia Marais: Treasurer

Lucia has been an employee at Midvaal Water Company since 2011. With majors in Botany and Microbiology, she is currently completing her Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, focusing on the Mooi River water quality. She hopes to use the YWP platform to interact with other water fanatics.

Lucia strives towards an active lifestyle, and has a passion for nature and animals, especially dogs.

Social & Media: Roelof Coertze

Roelof is currently a M.Sc. student at the North-West University, Potchefstroom campus. He acquired his B.Sc. degree in Microbiology and Biochemistry in 2014 and his Honours degree in Environmental Sciences in 2015. His current research is focused on the prevalence and diversity of β-lactamases from aquatic systems. Roelof’s passion for water and water related activities started at a young age when he was introduced to the ocean and all its wonders. By investing his future career in water research he is trying to give back to water and all it represents to make up for what was given to him. Water is the fuel of life, one gift we have to protect.

In Roelof’s spare time he enjoys reading and thinking up new ideas to improve current research methodologies and testing them. When he is not too busy thinking, usually he is out socialising with friends and spending time outdoors. Whether it is spent on fly fishing, diving, surfing, rock climbing, hiking or photography, one thing is for sure, there is never a dull moment.

Alewyn Carstens: Committee Member

Alewyn started his student career in 2005 at the North-West University, Pochefstroom campus, completing his studies in 2016. His love for water research, that was instilled to him by his study leader, was the reason this long stint. After finishing his undergrad studies, he was accepted for a Honors degree, and this was where he started to focus on water related concerns. During his Honors degree he began work on groundwater sources in the North West province. During this time he also joined the Harts River catchment forum where his research was shared with water governing bodies, also part of the forum. After completion, he decided to do his Ph.D following his Masters, focusing on nothing other than water!

Alewyn is currently a technical manager at the United National Breweries, working in his hobby field, which is brewing beer. During his time at University, especially during his postgraduate work, water has moved into his heart where it made itself home. For this reason, he decided to help establish (together with his more than capable colleagues) the North West chapter of the YWP-ZA. Through this platform he can still contribute to the water sector of South Africa and hopefully make a difference.