IRDNC Board
IRDNC is governed by a board of trustees who are appointed for a two year period, and re-appointed every two years. IRDNC’s board of trustees comprise:
Dr Malan Lindeque serves as Chairperson for the IRDNC Board of Trustees. He joined the IRDNC Board of Trustees in January 2019 following his retirement as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry on Environment and Tourism. Dr Lindeque has a strong interest in the management of national parks and the conservation and management of wildlife as well as community-based natural resource management. He was the Permanent Secretary of Trade and Industry until 2015 and oversaw the reform of Namibia’s investment legislation, industrial development strategy and related instruments during his tenure. Dr Lindeque was also the lead negotiator for Namibia for the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Southern African Development Community. He is also the Chairperson of Namibia’s Sustainable Development Advisory Council, a statutory body created in terms of Namibia’s Environmental Management Act as well as the Nature Conservation Board, established under the Nature Conservation Ordinance.
Honourable Clara Bohitile was a member of the National Assembly from 1995-2005 and again from 2007 – 2010. She also served as the Deputy Minister of Basic Education and Culture from 1995-2005. She is known in parliament for her contributions to rural development, adult education and basic education for the marginalized communities. Ms Bohitile is a member of the SWAPO Central Committee. She is also an aspiring commercial farmer, and was named as the Emerging Farmer of the Year for 2006 by the Namibian Agricultural Union. In September 2010, she made history when she was the first woman ever elected to chair the board of the Namibian Meat Corporation.
Honourable Beaven Munali is originally from Zambezi Region of Namibia, where he lives and was the Councillor of the Judea Lyabboloma Constituency and served as the Chairperson for the Zambezi Regional Council until his retirement in 2020. Whilst working for the Regional Council under the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development between 2015 and 2020, he focused on programmes that improve rural people’s standard of living, through creation of jobs, capital projects and creating enabling political and legal environments in Zambezi Region where over two thirds of the population are below the World Bank’s poverty line. He also worked as the Natural Resource Management Field Coordinator for IRDNC, between1991 and 2007, heading a team of field officers who provided technical and logistical support to the staff of Zambezi’s fifteen registered communal conservancies and one association. Prior to joining the national government, Honorable Munali served IRDNC as the regional Assistant Director between 2007 and 2015, and returned in 2017 to serve as a Board Member to date.
Ms Olga Katjiuongua joined the IRDNC Board of Trustees at the end of 2021. She is passionate about rural/community development and unlocking the potential of rural areas to create and sustain decent jobs. She has a growing passion in social protection as a human right. Olga has years of experience in community-based tourism and tourism development in general. She is presently working for the Namibian Social Security Commission leading the Development Fund which deals with employment creation and skills development initiatives aimed at transitioning unemployed persons into the labour market, especially those at grassroots level. Olga holds qualifications in Education, Accounting and Finance, as well as Social Security/Social Protection. She was a founding member of the Board of the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) and the Water Regulator of Namibia, and currently serves on the technical advisory panel of the EIF. In her leisure time, she initiates and executes rural development programmes.
Mrs Hilma N. Angula joined the IRDNC Board in 2021. She is passionate about Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, and fostering partnerships to unlock the value of wildlife for enhancing people’s livelihoods. She coordinates Government and Institutional Development support to community conservancies at NACSO. She holds a Master’s in Conservation Leadership from the University of Cambridge, a Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Nelson Mandela and a Diploma in the same field from the Namibian University of Science and Technology. Throughout her 10-year working experience in the CBNRM sector, Hilma gained skills in community outreach, stakeholder engagement, youth mobilisation, women empowerment and wildlife monitoring. She has volunteered as a Grants Advisor under the Next Generation Climate Board of Global Green-grants Fund, securing small grants to support youth groups addressing climate change in southern Africa. She also serves as a board member of the Namibian Chamber of Environment.
Mr Asser Kaverua Ujaha joined IRDNC 15 years ago as an Enterprise Development and Holistic Rangeland Facilitator to Kunene community conservancies. In this position, one of his key performance areas has been to provide strategic guidance to conservancy communities in both tourism related enterprises and rangeland management. He played a key role in assisting conservancies in the north-west with joint venture agreements with private operators; a process which successfully reached 20 conservancies in Kunene having secured reputable business partners. Mr Ujaha currently serves the IRDNC Board of Trustees where he continues to share his wealth of experience in rural development in Kunene Region and across the country. He is currently works as a Manager at Roadside Lodge and Campsite at Hobatere in the Kunene Region.
John K. Kasaona, IRDNC Executive Director is an ex officio board member.
IRNDC Directors
John Kasaona
Executive DirectorJohn has worked for IRDNC since 1993. He holds a National Diploma in Nature Conservation and is currently pursuing his MBA. John has worked in all aspects of the field programme, i.e. tourism, NRM, Conservancy Support. He is skilled in advocacy, conflict resolution, negotiations, representing IRDNC and the wider CBNRM programme internationally. Jointly, with the Board of Trustees and Programme Director, sets strategic direction, supports fundraising activities, ensures plans are implemented and deliver IRDNC goals sustainably.
Kunene Senior Team
Kenamurire (Lucky) Kasaona
Assistant DirectorRepresented Community-based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) internationally, particularly in the USA. He has been the lead person on the important/ground-breaking Ombonde People’s Park initiative in Kunene Region. He has excellent community and stakeholder engagement skills and has facilitated numerous institutional events.
Lina Kaisuma
Giraffe Cluster CoordinatorLina previously headed the Institutional Support team and has worked for IRDNC since 1999. Similar to other coordinators, Lina supports a number of conservancies in the north-west Namibia. She is a strong trainer and translator, and has also developed her management capabilities over the years.
Oiva Hamunyela
Financial AdministratorOiva holds an Honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Namibia University (UNAM). He worked for the public sector in the Accounting and Finance department for years. He joined IRDNC in 2018 and is responsible for managing the IRDNC Kunene Project funds, providing accounting services, ensuring financial efficiency, and manages the Administration Unit.
Rudolph Tjaveondja
Bwabwata National Park Cluster CoordinatorRudolph is one of the IRDNC staff members listed under the IRDNC Honor Roll having worked for IRDNC in the late ’90s as a facilitator lending administration an personnel support to conservancies. Rudolph re-joined IRDNC in 2020 as Cluster Coordinator for the Bwabwata National Park Cluster. He supports Kyaramacan Association in building their capacity in financial management, governance, business and enterprise development, and natural resource management. As a diploma-level graduate Rudolph has strong technical skills and experience that enabled him to support communities for the past 19 years in the areas of institutional support and governance, income-generating programs, volunteer management through the Homestay-based approach, disaster management, risk reduction, project administration, Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, and training in health and wellness for the mining and fishing sectors.
Augustinus Ucham
Kunene Peoples Park Senior CoordinatorAugustinus joined IRDNC in April 2022 as a Senior Coordinator. He is an accomplished executive with 34 years’ experience in public service, community base natural resource management and administration and respected as an exponent of development, empowerment and accountability. He offers expertise with advanced skills in decisive team leadership, operations management, strategic planning, risk mitigation, community liaison, personnel and regional development, training and education as well as addressing economic growth/land development issues.
Basilia Shivute
Operations ManagerBasilia was born and raised in a small village North of Etosha National Park, Namibia, where her upbringing instilled a strong sense of community, while practicing subsistence agriculture. She holds an MSc in Biodiversity Management and Research from University of Namibia and is an alumni of the African Conservation Leadership Network. She has more than 17 years of experience in sustainable tourism, environmental consulting and community-based conservation practice. She joined IRDNC in 2013 as the Operations Manager for IRDNC Kunene. Basilia is responsible for management, project proposals, implementation and outcomes reporting for IRDNC’s work in the Kunene Region. She is currently working towards an MBA with the African Leadership University in Rwanda.
Russell Vingevoldt
HELP Rhino Cluster CoordinatorRussell has been with IRDNC since 2012. He has more than 22 years of conservation experience, including 12 years with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and a further 12 years in tourism, including an eco-friendly operation fully owned by conservancies. Russell has extensive management experience and strong track record in community-based conservation and tourism. He is a human-wildlife conflict specialist and has consulted on the North West Human Lion Conflict Management Plan and the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Policy. His good leadership skills promote excellent community relationship and continuously mentor’s young talent. Russell is based at Wereldsend, IRDNC’s Environmental Education Centre and operates in the Kunene Region, home to the iconic
desert adapted lions, elephants and rhino.
Jauire Uararavi (Albertus)
Trainee Cluster CoordinatorAllu has worked in CBNRM since 2002. He joined the lion rangers programme for Puros Conservancy in 2007 and later joined IRDNC in 2007. He is currently a cluster coordinator for the Human-Wildlife Support Unit (Elephant and Lion) and has specialist knowledge in supporting communities in the sustainable harvesting of Indigenous Natural Products (INP) and benefiting from it.
Uhangatenua Kapi
Sinkhole Trainee Cluster Support CoordinatorUhangatenua has experience working with various community organizations such as IRDNC, GOPA, Conservation Agriculture Namibia (C.A.N.), and Zakumuka Producers Cooperative since 2006. He is willing and committed to Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). He supports the most remote conservancies in Kunene, building their management capacity in the fields of rangeland, governance, enterprise development, and natural resources. He also builds and maintains good strategic relationships with stakeholders and partners when working with them on specialist projects such as NILALEG.
Zambezi Senior Team
Janet Matota
Assistant DirectorJanet joined IRDNC in 1994. She was originally recruited as a Community Resource Monitor and was promoted in 2008 to lead the Zambezi team. She has received significant awards for her work on Women’s Development and HIV/AIDS. She is well regarded by local communities and maintains positive relationships with other stakeholders and staff. Janet is committed to the programme and is an excellent ambassador for IRDNC.
John Kamwi
Trans-Boundary CoordinatorJohn has worked for IRDNC since 2001. His Diploma in Theology stood him in good stead, as he showed immense integrity and commitment His passion and ability to work with complex community governance issues led to his promotion from the position of facilitator to lead IRDNC’s transboundary conservation work in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, where he has been responsible for the successful establishment of several Trans-Boundary Natural Resource Management Forums between Namibia, Angola, Botswana and Zambia, to facilitate collaboration between countries in the management of natural resources.
Caleb Mwitumwa
Wildlife Corridor CoordinatorCaleb holds a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Tourism Management majoring in Geography from the University of Namibia. He started at IRDNC in 2011 during the June and December holidays with an internship under the Enterprise Development team and later as consultant in 2013. In March 2018, he was called back to IRDNC as consultant under the TBNRM team, and in September of the same year, permanently appointed as facilitator, a position he held until June 2021 when he was promoted to the position of Wildlife Corridors Coordinator.
Julia Nchindo
Office AdministratorJulia joined IRDNC in the year 2000 and got on-the-job training with IRDNC in project management For 4 years, Julia was mentored by an HR specialist and then by an experienced project administrator. She is now responsible for supporting the Zambezi team with financial and administrative services.
Dominic Muemma
Operations ManagerDominic holds a BSC in Wildlife Management and has worked in Thailand, Kenya and other parts of Namibia on natural resource management. He joined the team in 2009 and is now the Operations Manager for Zambezi. Dominic is responsible for staff management, project proposals, implementation, and reporting in the region, and contributes to senior decision-making processes. He has considerable experience in training/mentoring community people and IRDNC staff and building healthy stakeholder
relationships.
Reuben Mafati
Chobe West Cluster CoordinatorReuben has been a part of IRDNC since August 2001. He holds a Diploma in Environmental Management and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Marketing. After being responsible for the Enterprise Development team, he was promoted to the position of Cluster Coordinator in 2017.
Eben Tjiteere
Mudumu South Cluster CoordinatorEben has held a number of roles since he joined IRDNC which has served to
broaden his experience and abilities. He is currently a Cluster Coordinator, and he supports several conservancies to build their management capacity. Eben has a BTech in Nature Conservation and a National Diploma in Natural Resource Management. Eben has been with IRDNC since 2009.
Chunga Mukaya
Mudumu North Cluster CoordinatorChunga joined IRDNC in April 2022 as a Cluster Coordinator. He has a bachelor’s degree in Land Administration, under the Faculty of Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences. He has experience in engaging with communities to facilitate the development of capital projects that improve their livelihoods.
Windhoek Senior Team
Kristof Amukoshi
Senior AccountantKristof Holds a BTech in Accounting and Finance from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST); an Advanced Diploma in Accounting Science from the University of Cape Town; Bachelor of Business Management Honours (NUST). Currently, he is pursuing an MBA-Finance (NBS, UNAM). Before joining IRDNC, Kristof had been an Accountant in Public Service for 4 years. He Joined IRDNC in 2018 as a Bookkeeper Consultant, thereafter an Accountant. Kristof is responsible for managing, overseeing the accounting and administrative support functions for IRNDC, i.e., Accounting, risk governance & compliance, financial efficiency & reporting, etc. on all IRDNC Finances and Accounts.
Hilma Henok
AccountantHilma holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Namibia University of Science & Technology. She has an ample experience from her prior job in the hospitality industry. She recently joined IRDNC as an Accountant responsible for financial reporting; accounting processing and financial efficiency performance.
Winette Jansen
HR & Admin OfficerWinette has worked for IRDNC since 2011. She previously ran a private book-keeping business. Her current responsibilities include Human Resources, payroll functions, office and staff management.
Phillemon Mwaala
Grants Finance ManagerPhillemon holds a Commerce Honours (Postgraduate) from Regent Business School and a Bachelor of Technology in Accounting and Finance from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). He has over 13 years of experience in a financial environment comprised of various industries such as Hospitality, Retail, Pharmaceutical, and NGOs. His key role is to manage and oversee the accounting and reporting functions of all Grant Funds and to ensure good financial governance and efficient use of grant funds for IRDNC.
Belinda !Gaes
AccountantBelinda holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting with specialization in internal audit. She has over 6 years’ experience working with Non-Governmental Organizations. Her current responsibilities include processing and recording of transactions, purchasing of supplies and assets, governance, risk and compliance and monitoring and reporting on expenditures.
Other Staff
Kunene
Fares Kangombe, Facilitator
Muatjindika Kapika, Facilitator
Pehii Kozohura, Cluster Support Facilitator
Muhaamberua Virere, Cluster Support Facilitator
Zikamisee Patrick Kasupi, Cluster Support Facilitator
Ben Karipandjarere Muzuma, Facilitator
Paulus Kenare, Team leader
Alfeus Ouseb, Field Officer
John Steenkamp, Field Officer
Wandi Tsanes, Field Officer
Kauroorua Tjavara, Field Officer
Fillimon Nuab, Field Officer
Katipo Ngunaihe, Field Officer
Kavare Kasaona, Trainee Facilitator
Exploria Gawusas, Trainee Projects Coordinator
Pelachia Kandjiriomuini, Receptionist / Clerk
Juliety Mainga, Cleaner/Clerk
Sabrinah Chibahwile, Cleaner/Clerk
Charles Mwangu, Caretaker
Patricia Nchindo, Receptionist/Clerk
Alfred Tchadau, Senior facilitator
Obicious Siyanga, Cluster Support Facilitator
Benson Kupinga, Cluster Support Facilitator
Sinvula Mwananawa, Cluster Support Facilitator
Phellem Simone Nawa, TBNRM Facilitator
Evens Sikumba, Caretaker
IRDNC Honor Roll
Our achievements today are only possible thanks to the hard work of many staff members over the years who will always remain a part of the IRDNC family.
Kavangere Kasaona
Kavenako Kavenako Tjavara
Petra Compion
Ester Kutazo
Nadja le Roux
Lameck Limbo
Jones Lubinda
Ronnie Mahindi
Mary Makutela
Jose Manuel
Henry Mapanka
Cedric Mapanka
John Marembo
Simon Masene
Shebby Mate
Simon Mayes
Pamela McGrath
Mbeutjiua Muhuka
Linus Mukwata
Michael Mumbalu
Lucas Munembo
Carol Murphy
Markfaren Mushabati
Rena Mushavanga
Mavis Musole
Lister Mutabelezi
Maurice Muyatwa
Antonia Muzuma
Elvis Mwilima
Luscan Naha
Bonifasius Nanongo
Christiaan Bakkes
Beaven Munali
Beverly Katjatako
Uamunamundu Tjiwarao
Karine Nuulimba
Simone Nawa
Clive Ndozi
Daisy Nehta
Colin Nott
Nathaniel Nuulimba
Simasiku Mwanangombe
Cliff Tjikundi
Alton Tsowaseb
Agnes Mia Tsamases
Rironderuapi Kavari
Linus Mbomboro
John Odeke
Nils Odendaal
Garth Owen-Smith
Asie Rea
Matthew Rice
Hilary Roman
Bennie Roman
Harry Sauzuo
Bernard Sezuni
Katy Sharpe
Danica Shaw
Neil Shaw
Loveness Shiita
Johannes Shipopyeni
Calvin Shozi
David Sikabonga
Ferdinand Sinjabata
Joyce Sitapata
Annie Symonds
Ephraim Taniseb
Theunis Tjiposa
Rudolph Tjaveondja
Benson Tjivinda
Thumbee Tjorora
GeoffreyTukuhupwele
Peggy Tutalife
Asser Ujaha
Katharina von Rohr
Greame Wilson
Franziska Woellert
Scott Richmond
Selma Iipinge
Sokoi Kasaona
Roger Collinson
Karen Nott
Titus Rungundo
Friederich Alpers
Justice Muhinda
Diana Virere
Marietta Potgieter
Bennety Busihu
James Maiba
Julia Amukwa
Maria Lasarus
Mendes Paolo Vinte
Ester Abdallah
Willem Visser Boonzaaier