Nova_team

Below a short description of each core member of the Nova Team is depicted. Although the Team consists of self motivated individuals, regular team meetings are held to define roles, improve communication and to establish synergy.

DR ATTIE VAN NIEKERK

Managing Director

In 1994 dr Attie van Niekerk became a founding member and managing director of the Nova Institute.

Under his leadership, researchers from a diversity of backgrounds, together with a number of low-income families, are engaged in processes to design, and evaluate in practice, household products and processes that are effective, sustainable, affordable for low-income households, desirable, replicable and socially beneficial.

He is the author of numerous academic articles, holds a DD degree from the University of Pretoria and teaches part time at the Faculty of Theology of the same university. He was a minister of the (black) Dutch Reformed Church in Africa in Venda from 1978 to 1984, and professor for the church's theological training at the University of the North from 1984 to 1993.

MR KLAAS MOROPYANE

Fieldwork Manager

Mr Klaas Maloke Moropyane has coordinated and been a team leader on numerous research projects for Nova since 1997.

Born in Jane Furse on 8 January 1971, he matriculated in 1994 at Matsebong Secondary School with exemption specialising in commercial subjects. In 1996 he earned a basic diploma in bookkeeping at Bameleng (with distinction). In 1998 he received training in qualitative and quantitative field work techniques.

His involvement in combating air pollution from domestic coal use started in 1998 when he worked as a research fieldworker in the first phase of the MAQ project in eMbalenhle. In 1999 he became centre coordinator for the Sizanane Community Centre, a position he still holds today, where he coordinated the research fieldwork and implementation of the first Basa Magogo project. By the end of 2003 the project had been so successful that the ambient air pollution in eMbalenhle had been reduced by 40%.

He has also been involved in transferring his knowledge about the implementation of Basa Magogo to other projects. This includes training in Zamdela for another project for Sasol as well as training in Orange Farm for a DME-sponsored project. He has conducted research and training on a number of projects relating to BM and has overseen implementation of BM demonstrations in a number of towns. Mr. Moropyane has also been involved in socio-economic research with personnel and students form the University of Pretoria.

DR MONTAGU MURRAY

Director: Programme Management

Dr Montagu Murray holds the following five degrees from the University of Pretoria, all with distinction: BA, BA Honours, BD, MDiv and DD. His academic studies included pre-graduate studies in Wabasha, Minnesota in the USA and post graduate research at the Universities of Utrecht and Leiden in the Netherlands.

Since 1999 he has been involved in research projects for the Centre for the Study for AIDS, ISWEN at the University of Pretoria, the Nova Institute, the Dutch Reformed Church and the Witness Forum of Mamelodi / Lusaka. He has published several articles in peer reviewed journals, lectured at the University of Pretoria and he has presented his research on various occasions on a national and international level. He is a core member of the Functional Household Programme Team who won the THRIP EXCELLENCE AWARD from the South African minister of Trade and Industry in 2005 in the category Social Development. Dr Murray is currently Programme Manager for the Nova Institute.

DR CHRISTIAAN PAUW

Director: Project Development

Dr Christiaan Pauw has been involved since 1998 in various research projects for the Nova Institute, including qualitative and quantitative research in the field of urban farming, sustainable agriculture in rural areas, energy efficient housing and household energy consumption patterns.

He played a key part in the development of the Nova Insitute's QOLA and PIQOLA instruments, which are used to analyse quality of life in low-income households.

During 1998 he worked on the eMbalenhle Air Quality Project coordinating research and field activities. The Basa Magogo technique of ignition was pioneered by this project. He played a pivotal role in the development of Nova's methodology for quantification of greenhouse gas emission reductions stemming from the implementation of the Basa Magogo project.

He holds a DD degree from the University of Pretoria and teaches part time at the Faculty of Theology of the same university. He has an active interest in music, especially the work of J S Bach.

TERTIUS MURRAY

Marketing Manager

In June 2007 Tertius joined the Nova Institute and added his skills in marketing and finance to the growing Nova team.

He is also actively involved in the implementation and verification of Nova's Basa Magogo project which aim is to reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of low-income households in South Africa.

He holds a B.Com Honours degree in Marketing- and Communication Management from the University of Pretoria. Previous work experience include contract research for investment opportunities in the Nelson Mandela Metro for Garnett-Adams, a business consultancy firm, as well as holding the position of Marketing Manager for LEFI, a non-profit organisation focusing on care takers in the community.

His dream is to help with the upliftment of low-income households and he believes that it is the possibility of a dream coming true that makes life interesting. His interests include swimming, fly-fishing, birding, touch-rugby and reading.

SUZETTE LATEGAN

Office Manager

Suzette Boshoff was born on 17 February 1983. She grew up on a farm with her family near Bloemfontein in the Free State Province of South Africa. She is one of three children with an older brother and a younger sister. She graduated at Sand du Plessis High School.

After High School, Suzette completed a Diploma Course in Fashion Design at Bloemfontein Fashion Academy with Pattern Design, Garment Construction, Creative Art, History, Marketing and Sketching as some of the most important subjects.

Suzette started working at Anneke Designs after she completed her Diploma Course. During this period some of the highlights were: The Bloem Vision Bridal Show 2004 and 2005, a well known event attended by some of the best Fashion Designers in South Africa. The Matric Farewell Dress Competition in 2005 hosted by Mimosa Mall in Bloemfontein (finalist).

Suzette and her husband, Charl Lategan, moved to Pretoria in 2006 where she commenced work at an attorney’s office as receptionist and conveyance typist. In May 2008 Suzette joined the Nova team as Office Manager.

HENDRIK SNYMAN

Project Officer

Hendrik Snyman has been working with the Nova Institute since late 2007. His studies – which included Nature Conservation, Pshychology and Theology – were partly funded by construction work, the experience of which comes in handy with his position as project officer on various Nova projects, including projects in the Living Environment focus area.

He is currently busy with a Masters degree in Theology, with Missional Deacony as theme. This theme in Missiology deals with the practical involvement in societal problems and those in need in the world.

RIAAN INGRAM

Research Specialist

Riaan Ingram has been educated in theology and philosophy. He is mainly occupied with practice research and is especially interested in the economical development of low income households through enterprise development and the promotion of efficient management of household resourses.

LINDIWE MASHIANE

Office Assistant

Lindiwe Mashiane was born on 10 May 1974. She grew up in Pretoria and graduated at Bonginsimbi High School.

After High School, Lindiwe did a Diploma Course in Marketing at the Technicon of Pretoria with Marketing, Communication in English, Economics, Consumer Behaviour, Accounting for Marketers, Personal Selling, End User Computer, Law for Marketers and Quantitative Techniques as some of the most important subjects.

She started working at Mohwiti Technologies after the Diploma Course. Lindiwe got married to Conwoy Mokhwelepa in 2005 and has two children.

In July 2008 Lindiwe started working as contractor at the Nova Institute as Data Capturer. In November 2008 she joined the Nova team as Office Assistant.