In order to maintain independent and unbiased judging of the Eco-Logic Awards, The Enviropaedia appoints a panel of 13 independent, highly respected, environmentally conscious executives from a diverse range of occupations and professions to judge the Eco-Logic Award entries using 7 criteria that are the ‘V.I.R.T.U.E.S’ of Eco-Logic.
In 2026, the Judging panel consisted of:
Cindy-Lee Cloete
Cindy-Lee Cloete is the CEO of WESSA, The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, with over 15 years of experience in environmental education and community development. Raised in Steinkopf, a close-knit town in Namaqualand, her early life was steeped in communal values and a deep connection to nature. Her grandfather's teachings on land stewardship and livestock care ignited a lifelong passion for conservation.
Cloete’s career has been marked by initiatives that bridge environmental education with social justice. She has led initiatives like the Eco-Schools Programme, Learning About Ecosystems and Forests, and Young Reporters for the Environment, reaching schools and communities across all nine provinces. Her work emphasises participatory, community-centred teaching and learning methods, challenging traditional pedagogies and making environmental education more accessible and relevant.
With academic credentials including a National Diploma in Nature Conservation (Cape Peninsula University of Technology), a Master's in Environmental Education (Rhodes University), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation (Wits University), where she graduated top of her class, Cloete combines academic rigour with grassroots insight. Her leadership at WESSA focuses on integrating social and environmental objectives, enabling communities to take charge of their environmental stewardship.
Under her guidance, WESSA aims to expand its influence both nationally and into Southern Africa, fostering a movement of environmental champions. Her strategies include developing youth programmes that link economic opportunities with conservation, ensuring communities can sustainably manage their natural resources.
As a queer woman of colour from a marginalised community, Cloete is committed to challenging stereotypes and showcasing the potential within underrepresented groups. Her leadership style is characterised by compassion and inclusivity, aiming to create pathways for young people, especially women, to engage actively in conservation and leadership roles.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cloete is known for her love of storytelling, often sharing anecdotes from her upbringing in Namaqualand. She believes in the power of narratives to inspire change and connect people to the environment.
Devon Bowen
Devon Bowen is Marketing Manager and a member of the executive leadership team at the Two Oceans Aquarium and Foundation, where he shapes how conservation is communicated and experienced. With a background in earth science and science communication, he brings more than a decade of experience across conservation, ecotourism and hospitality at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.
His work has included helping establish and implement Marine Protected Areas Day, and expanding public access to information about sea turtle strandings in South Africa.
A former Scouts South Africa regional leader, keen hiker and scuba diver, Devon believes environmental appreciation should not be a privilege - and that education and compelling storytelling can help more South Africans connect with and protect nature.
Julie Wells
Julie Wells is a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in operations management and strategic communication. She has been involved in driving the green industry agenda since 2012, as the communication and business support manager at the National Cleaner Production Centre, NCPC.
In this role, Julie has developed deep understanding of sustainability, participating in international projects focused on climate change mitigation and promoting a just transition.
In her role in the NCPC’s leadership team, Julie works with national and international partners to support industry to transition to a green, circular and low carbon economy. Julie holds a Masters of Operations Management degree focusing on the potential impact of sustainable operations management and environmental sustainability monitoring in industry.
KEITH ANDERSON
Keith Anderson’s journey from Damelin College graduate in 1969 to one of Africa’s most respected thought leaders in sustainability, e-waste management, and ICT transformation reads like a masterclass in impact-driven leadership.
A pioneer in environmental sustainability, Keith’s influence on South Africa’s regulatory and operational landscape is profound. In 2006, he founded the EPR Waste Association of South Africa (eWASA), catalyzing national conversations around Extended Producer Responsibility. His authorship of South Africa’s first e-waste Industry Waste Management Plan (IWMP), submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs in 2010, positioned him as a cornerstone of the country’s green transition.
Keith's legacy extends beyond corporate boardrooms and into the arena of national policy. A former President of the Information Technology Association of South Africa (ITA) and a four-year Board Member of the ISETT SETA, he has chaired Remuneration, Finance, and Investment Committees with precision and foresight.
An unwavering advocate for inclusive progress, Keith co-founded Qhubeka—a non-profit transforming lives through bicycle mobility in underserved communities. His work in corporate social responsibility earned him the ICT Social Responsibility Award in 2016, and in 2012 he was named a finalist for ICT Personality of the Year.
In 2023, Keith expanded his vision continent-wide with the launch of the Africa WEEE Forum, a pan-African initiative aimed at harmonizing e-waste management standards to unlock green economic growth and cross-border sustainability.
A frequent keynote speaker at global summits on the circular economy, Keith is recognized internationally for his expertise and influence in sustainable development. Beyond the podium and the boardroom, he’s a passionate open-water swimmer, motorsport enthusiast, and certified scuba diving instructor.
Keith Anderson is not just shaping policy—he’s shaping the future.
Deputy Director-General Maesela Kekana
Mr Maesela John Kekana is the Deputy Director-General for Climate Change and Air Quality Management at the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Mr Kekana also serves as South Africa’s Chief Climate Negotiator in multilateral environmental agreements, leading the country’s international climate change engagements and representing South Africa in global negotiations.
A trained scientist, Mr Kekana previously worked as a Research Officer in the Restoration and Conservation Biology Group at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences. In this role, Mr Kekana coordinated research activities and worked closely with community nurseries on an AngloGold Ashanti–Wits University rehabilitation project across Welkom, Thaba Nchu, and Orange Farm, focusing on tree planting, ecological restoration, and the rehabilitation of mine tailings (slime dams).
In 2006, Mr Kekana joined the Department of Trade and Industry as an Assistant Director, where responsibilities included promoting the green economy agenda and implementing environmental and technical standards within industry.
In 2009, Mr Kekana joined the then Department of Environmental Affairs as a Policy Analyst, conducting research and preparing policy and discussion papers to support South Africa’s positions in international climate change negotiations. Through demonstrated expertise and leadership, Mr Kekana advanced through the roles of Director, Chief Director, and ultimately Deputy Director-General. During this progression, Mr Kekana led South Africa’s international climate change relations and negotiations, served as the country’s focal point to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and oversaw key aspects of South Africa’s international climate policy and negotiation strategy.
In the current role, Mr Kekana provides strategic leadership on domestic and international climate policy, coordinates South Africa’s participation in multilateral environmental processes, and manages the integration of climate change priorities across related international environmental agreements and partnerships.
Mr Kekana brings extensive experience in climate diplomacy, international environmental governance, climate policy development, and multilateral negotiations, and is widely recognised as one of South Africa’s leading experts in international climate change affairs.
Misha Teasdale
Misha Teasdale is a South African-born environmental and social change activist. He is the co-founder and director of the Greenpop Foundation. Misha has carved a creative and innovative path to making an impact, from navigating extensive community mapping projects with NGOs across Africa to founding Sunshine Cinema, which uses rural media and broadcasting to activate youth as changemakers.
Engaged in both local and international environmental work, Misha was named one of the Top 200 Young South Africans by the Mail & Guardian, nominated by the Mail & Guardian and the Department of Environmental Affairs as one of South Africa's top climate change leaders. He is also a Yali Africa Fellow and has represented South Africa at prominent international summits, including the Club of Rome, UN Forum on Forests, and Climate Reality.
NEPTAL Khoza
Neptal Khoza holds the position of Head of Market Development at Santam, where he is instrumental in shaping the stakeholder relations strategy for Santam and its subsidiaries. His leadership extends to advancing Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and promoting Consumer Financial Education (CFE), reflecting his commitment to fostering positive community impact and financial literacy. Additionally, Neptal leads Santam's flagship initiative, the Partnership for Risk and Resilience (P4RR). This forward-thinking programme collaborates with municipalities to develop solutions for disaster hazards like floods, fires, and droughts, showcasing Santam's dedication to proactive community engagement and resilience building.
Before his tenure at Santam, Neptal served as the Head of Corporate Social Investment at Capitec, where he played a crucial role in establishing the Capitec Foundation. This independent entity continues to advance Capitec's flagship education programmes, highlighting Neptal's expertise in strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and relationship building.
Neptal is adept at designing and implementing strategies that strengthen brand connections across diverse stakeholders, emphasizing shared value and aligning the aspirations of consumers, employees, and the organization. His work not only drives transformation but also fosters collaboration and mutual growth.
Beyond his professional duties, Neptal contributes significantly to the community and the broader short-term insurance industry as a board member of Accelerate Cape Town (ACT) and Supporting Fire Services SA (SFS-SA), underscoring his dedication to societal advancement.
SteFFEN Schröder
Steffen Schröder is the Managing Director of Reclite SA, a multi-award-winning waste electrical and electronic recycling business with national collection and treatment infrastructure.
He is passionate about waste treatment and the application of circular economy principles, and has developed several waste-to-product solutions. Steffen is driven to create sustainable waste treatment and product solutions for Africa, in Africa, with a particular focus on the renewable energy industry.
His experience and collaboration with international technology and solution partners enable him to apply sustainable and holistic waste management innovations within the local context. Some of these innovations include:
-Solar PV module recycling plants
-Li-ion battery recycling plants and preparation for the manufacture of anode and cathode materials
-Recycling of industrial glass products into new products with a circular lifecycle
Stephan le Roux
Stephan le Roux is a cross-media communication specialist with a focus on ideation, positioning and design of creative content offerings. With a special focus on the positioning, content strategy and launching of TV channels. Notable achievements include the Oscar Pistorius “Pop-up” channel, Via, Moja love and the Boksquad 2023 content platform for the Springboks.
But his real passion lies with the People's Planet channel that he co-owns on Openview Channel 115. People's Planet is the definitive destination for nature, adventure, eco sport, wildlife, science and sustainability enthusiasts. The channel's tagline "We're on it" embodies a commitment to actively engaging in preserving and celebrating the outdoors.
Wardah Safi
Wardah is a sustainability professional with nearly a decade of experience in the green building industry. She currently sWardah is a sustainability professional with nearly a decade of experience in the green building industry. She currently serves as Technical Manager at the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA), bringing extensive experience in green building certification, sustainability consulting, quality assurance and organisational processes. Passionate about creating positive environmental and social impact, she combines technical expertise with a strong interest in innovation, continuous improvement and people development. Wardah is also a creative entrepreneur, with a passion for beauty, fashion and empowering women through skills and community. She is known for her analytical approach, collaborative leadership style, and ability to turn complex challenges into practical, effective solutions.
Yolan Friedmann
Yolan Friedmann is the CEO of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), one of southern Africa’s largest conservation NGOs, employing around 110 staff across 70 projects. She served on the Board of South African National Parks (SANParks) until 2025, chairs its Conservation and Socio-Economic Transformation Committee, and sits on the Tourism and Land Claims Committees. In 2024, she was appointed to the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund (UK Government) Advisory Group.
Yolan holds qualifications in Veterinary Nursing (Onderstepoort, UP), a BA in English and Communications, an MSc in Environmental Studies (WITS), and an MDP from GIBS (UP). She is a Certified Director (IoDSA) and a member of the Golden Key Honour Society. Her awards include the SAB Nick Steele Environmentalist of the Year (2011), Most Influential Woman in Business and Environment (2012), Green Globe Award (2012), WESSA Lifetime Achiever Award (2016), and the Eco Intelligence Award (2021).
She has held multiple leadership roles within the IUCN, including Chair of the South African National Members’ Committee and Regional Councillor—the first South African to do so—and co-chaired the global Constituency Committee. She also serves on the Advisory Boards of the Ford Wildlife Foundation and the Wits Global Change Institute, and has been a long-term judge for the Eco-Logic Awards.
Yolan is passionate about leadership and strategy development, participating in programmes such as the GIBS Nexus Development Programme, Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship (2007), and the GreenMatter Fellowship (2014). She also took part in the Crans Montana Forum (2015) and the Leadership for Conservation in Africa initiative.
Outside of conservation, Yolan is a keen long-distance runner and competes with her dogs in agility and horses in dressage.
Yolan Friedmann
Zandile Ndhlovu is a South African ocean conservationist, social activist, filmmaker, and the first Black female freediving instructor in South Africa. Affectionately known as the "Black Mermaid," she is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship, dedicating her career to reshaping narratives about Black people and their relationship with the ocean.
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You are invited to enter your organisation, project or product if you believe it has been making contribution towards creating an eco-logical society and environment.
