In 1973, I completed a B Economics Honours degree under Prof Sampie Terreblanche at the University of Stellenbosch, before embarking on a career in Communications and Public Relations across seven non-government institutions.
The sectors I worked in included Mineral Affairs, Road Safety, the Wool Industry, Iron & Steel, Tourism, Telecommunications, and finally the Craft & Design sector.
My career included journalism, scriptwriting, photography, communication strategy, magazine editing, exhibition curation, corporate events, budget management, and the production of extensive marketing material. I even photographed mines and steelworks while suspended from a helicopter.
In 2011, I returned to Stellenbosch University as a part-time student and completed both a B Phil and an M Phil in Sustainable Development Planning & Management Cum Laude under Prof Mark Swilling, graduating in 2016.
My thesis, Exploring the Contribution of Design to a Sustainable City, explored the intersection of Design, Urbanism, Political Economics, and Sustainability.
From 2015 to 2021, I taught Transdisciplinary Design for Transition within the context of Political Economics, Complexity, Environmental Ethics, and Sustainable Development at the Sustainability Institute linked to Stellenbosch University, as well as at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography. I also co-supervised several Master’s theses.
I continue to enjoy writing, editing, course design, mentoring students, reading, watercolour painting, walking my Schnauzer, and nurturing close friendships.
