CapeNature welcomes new CEO
CapeNature, a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape, appointed Dr Ashley Naidoo as its new CEO as of January 1 following an extensive recruitment process conducted by its Board.
Naidoo joins the entity after most recently serving as the Chief Director for Oceans and Coasts Research at the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
Naidoo succeeds Dr Razeena Omar, who retired at the end of last year after serving in the role for the past decade.
In his previous role, Naidoo managed comprehensive ocean science programmes encompassing biology, physics, and chemistry, with a focus on the South African coastal and deep-sea ecosystems. He also previously served on the Board of the South African National Space Agency, focusing on Earth observation applications for the ocean environment.
Naidoo's vision for CapeNature is deeply rooted in his belief of the essential transition from environmental science to policy and implementation. With a keen focus on governance, he acknowledges CapeNature's exemplary procedures, stakeholders, and the connection the entity has with the people of the Western Cape.
“I see CapeNature as the ideal place for the transformation of science into policy and, most importantly, into implementation,” remarked Dr Naidoo. “The entity’s stellar governance, engaging outreach, and commitment to conservation make it a prime platform for bridging the space between science and policy implementation.”
Naidoo envisions enhancing CapeNature’s relevance to the Western Cape community. He aspires to position the protected areas managed by the entity as more than just a holiday destination but a continuous conservation, educational and scientific resource, emphasising its potential to contribute significantly to climate change studies.
"One of the attractive features of CapeNature is its integrated approach. Conservation, tourism, education, and science are interconnected, creating important feedback loops. I look forward to strengthening these connections, fostering a highly skilled team, and building strong ties with the education sector," he said.
New Air Botswana GM seeks to turn around the airline
By Gaongalelwe Dinale
Air Botswana has welcomed new General Manager, Lulu Rasebotsa. Committed to steering the airline towards profitability and dedicated to enhancing the customer experience through timely and efficient flights, Rasebotsa brings a wealth of transformative leadership to the organisation.
Known for fostering innovation and cultivating high-performing teams, she has a proven track record of achieving remarkable results throughout her career, according to Air Botswana.
With a background that spans both domestic and international companies, including notable roles at Debswana, Liberty Life, Botswana Life, Marsh, and Bidvest South Africa, Rasebotsa served as Managing Director of Liberty Life for a decade and as CEO of Bidvest Life for a year.
She holds a BSc Honours in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom.
In accepting her new role, she expressed great enthusiasm and a profound sense of responsibility. She looks forward to the exciting journey ahead, embracing both the opportunities and challenges that come with leading in a dynamic business landscape.
Rasebotsa encourages open communication and feedback, emphasising that collaboration with key stakeholders will empower the airline to navigate challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.
New Head Chef at Future Found Sanctuary
Future Found Sanctuary by Newmark in Hout Bay recently appointed new Head Chef Milda Deale.
Deale stayed at Zorgvliet Wine Estate in Stellenbosch for two years before opening a new restaurant in Tulbagh called Digger’s Home. She later opened the Botanicum Restaurant at Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate in Somerset West. During COVID she gained experience as a private chef after earning a reputation for hosting small private dinner parties at her home in Hof Street in Oranjezicht, Cape Town.
“I’m really looking forward to developing the food philosophy further here. One of my first tasks will be to take the property’s signature fragrances – Arise, Realign, Reflect and Rest – and incorporate these scents, flavours, and the intentions that they invoke, into Future Found Sanctuary’s menu to create more curated sensory experiences for guests at different times of the day,” said Deale.
