The Team

Guillaume Nel is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (2020/2649-(EAPASA)) who obtained a Masters Degree (MSc in Geography & Environmental Management) at Potchefstroom University as well as a B Hons in Geography & Environmental Management at Stellenbosch University and a BA Geography at Stellenbosch University. Guillaume has more than 21 years of experience and is also a registered Environmental Auditor. (SAATCA)

Email: guillaume@gnec.co.za

Divan Opperman holds a BA degree in Development & Environment from Stellenbosch University as well as a PGD in Environmental Management. Divan joined GNEC in 2014 fulfilling the role of WULA (Water Use Licenses) consultant and Environmental Control Officer.

Email: divan@gnec.co.za

Euonell Visagie (Environmental Manager) graduated from Stellenbosch University after completing a BA Environment and Development studies. She completed her MPhil in Environmental Management in 2013. She joined GNEC in 2014 and has gained experience in working as an Environmental Assessment Practitioner on various residential, commercial and infrastructure projects in the Western and Northern Cape.

Email: eg@gnec.co.za

Carina Becker holds a BA degree in Development and Environment from Stellenbosch University; as well as a PGD in Environmental Management.  Carina joined GNEC in 2016; facilitating Environmental Impact Assessments for various projects in the Western Cape.  Carina also has experience in facilitating various mining applications in the Western Cape and Northern Cape.

Email: carina@gnec.co.za

Willene Cordier is a registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner (2020/1428 (EAPASA)) who obtained a B.Sc Geography degree majoring in Geomorphology, GIS, Statistics and Geography. She continued her studies and obtained a B.Sc Hons. Zoology degree majoring in Conservation Ecology. She went on to obtain a M.Sc. in Environmental Management all from the University of the Free State.

Email: willene@gnec.co.za

Christoff Dippenaar is a qualified Horticulturist with 13 years experience. He studied at Cape Peninsula University of Techonolgy and furthered his studies with a BA Degree in Environmental Management through Unisa. Christoff is also involved with the compilation of Basic Assessment Reports, Rehabilitation Plans, Vegetation Surveys and is involve with various Environmental Control Officer work.

Email: christoff@gnec.co.za

Heloïse Groenewald holds a BA degree in Development and Environment from Stellenbosch University; as well as a PGD in Environmental Management. She also holds a certificate in Project Management from USB. Heloïse joined GNEC in 2018; and asssists in facilitating Environmental Impact Assessments for various projects in the Western Cape.

Email: hdp@gnec.co.za

Rika Pienaar deals with the company’s financial matters, administration and is also the office manager. Rika has experience within this field for more than 20 years. She is an important part of the company since 2022.

Email: admin@gnec.co.za

Nica Kotze is a qualified Horticulturist and Environmental Control Officer with 5 years’ experience. Nica studied at North West University and has her BSc degree in Botany and Geography. Nica joined GNEC in 2019 fulfilling the role of Rehabilitation Specialist, Horticulturist and Environmental Control Officer in Paarl.

Email: nica@gnec.co.za

Hetlie Liebenberg holds a BA degree in Development and Environment from Stellenbosch University, as well as a PGD in Environmental Management. Hetlie joined GNEC in 2020; fulfilling the role as a Junior Environmental Manager  and is assisting with various EIA applications  as well as mining applications in the Western Cape.

Email: hl@gnec.co.za

Renus Pieterse holds a BSc degree in Environmental Science (Geography and Geology), obtained from the North West University.

He joined GNEC in 2022 as WULA (Water Use License) Consultant and is assisting with Water Use Licenses all over South Africa.

Email: renus@gnec.co.za

André-Pierre Gouws (Environmental Assessment Practitioner), holds a BA degree in Development and Environment from Stellenbosch University, as well as a PGD in Geography and Environmental Studies. André-Pierre joined GNEC in 2021, fulfilling the role as an Environmental Assessment Practitioner.

Email: a.p@gnec.co.za

Bronwyn Bailey holds a BA degree in Geography, Environmental Studies and Sustainability from the University of the Western Cape and is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Environmental Management. Bronwyn joined GNEC in 2024 as a Water Use License (WULA) Consultant assisting in various applications

Email: bronwyn@gnec.co.za

Carlè Heyns holds a BA degree in Development and Environment, as well as an Honours degree (post-graduate) in BCom Public and Development Management, both obtained from Stellenbosch University. Carlè interned at GNEC in 2023 and permanently joined the company in 2024 as a Junior Environmental Manager and assists in various EIA applications in the Western Cape

Email: carle@gnec.co.za

Steve September holds a BA degree in Development and Environment Studies, as well as an Honours degree (post-graduate) in BCom Public and Development Management, both obtained from Stellenbosch University. Steve joined GNEC in 2023 as a Junior Environmental Manager and assists in various EIA applications

Email: steve@gnec.co.za

Carla Burger, holds a BSc Agric Conservation Ecology degree from Stellenbosch University. Carla joined GNEC in 2024, fulfilling the role as Junior Environmental Manager.

Email: carla@gnec.co.za

Jan Scheepers , holds a BSc Agric(Hons) in Agricultural Economics and Agronomy from University of Free State. Jan joined GNEC in 2024, fulfilling the role as the Rehabilitation Specialist and managing the Landscaping teams.

Email: jan@gnec.co.za

Jimmy George has a passion for plants and has joined GNEC in 2015, Jimmy is a vital part in the nursery’s growth and has been part of all Rehabilitation and Alien Clearing teams.