Our team

Kobie Brand is a distinguished leader in the area of urban sustainability globally. With close to 30 years of experience in environmental management and urban development, an academic background in law and politics, and expertise covering biodiversity, climate change, coastal management, urban systems and one health, Kobie is a seasoned advocate for resilient, inclusive and nature-positive urban development. In her role as Regional Director, Kobie has been instrumental in shaping ICLEI Africa's strategic direction, fostering strong partnerships, and expanding programs that support sustainable development and create better lives for people across the continent. As Global Director of the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center, she leads initiatives that integrate biodiversity and nature-based solutions into urban planning and reconnect communities with nature.

Ingrid has more than 30 years’ experience in sustainability and governance. Her work focuses on mainstreaming nature, its benefits, and nature-based solutions into urban planning and decision-making in cities and city regions thereby helping them become healthier, and more resilient and liveable places. She also serves as technical lead on ICLEI’s biodiversity advocacy work. Ingrid’s expertise includes stakeholder engagement, facilitation, law reform, policy, and strategy development.

Meggan believes that African cities are places of innovation and potential, where globally relevant solutions are found. She leads the Climate Change, Energy and Resilience workstream at ICLEI Africa, where a diverse team works with African city stakeholders to build resilience, enable low emission development, and improve access to finance and energy. Meggan holds a PhD in Environmental Science and before joining ICLEI Africa worked as a municipal official.

Michelle has close to 20 years’ experience in the field of environmental communications, most of these within local government, and covering a broad range of environmental issues. Her MSc in Environmental Biology, various communications qualifications and advanced writing skills, allow her to proficiently translate complex issues and concepts into accessible, action-oriented information. Michelle manages communications for ICLEI Africa and the Cities Biodiversity Center.

Paul is fascinated by the multi-layered relationships that give each city its unique flavour. With his Sustainable Development MPhil and current doctoral research, Paul uses urban metabolism, resource nexus and political ecology as lenses for shaping sustainable, inclusive cities. At ICLEI, he supports local governments to apply systems perspectives to food, water, energy and nature, and facilitates the development of policies and plans appropriate to contexts of change and uncertainty.

Stephanie has been working at ICLEI Africa since 2011, when she started as an accounting assistant. She is currently Financial Manager, overseeing all of the company's accounting processes and financial project reporting. She ensures the books are in order for the Annual Financial Statement and the financial deadlines for all projects are respected. Sustainable development has always been a passion of hers, having grown up on a self-sufficient island.

Kate holds a PhD in Environmental Science, focused on coastal changes associated with climate change. She has a special interest in understanding climate change and the associated risks, especially relating to coastal cities. She has worked with and for local governments to build climate resilience, developing climate adaptation plans, and identifying challenges and opportunities associated with natural assets to overcome shocks and stressors associated with climate change.

Anton holds a Masters’ degree in Environment and Development from the University of London (SOAS). He has led teams in water management and development internationally, facilitating interaction between governments, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders aimed at risk-reduction for investment in climate-resilient development. Anton’s significant experience extends to Africa, the Middle-East and East Asia. In his position at ICLEI, he is leading the development of a vision for ICLEI’s water programme globally, supporting local and subnational governments to secure sustainable and equitable access to water, while ensuring that healthy ecosystems continue providing their vital water quality, water storage, and flood attenuation services.

Simon brings 13 years of experience in local development, with seven of those in sustainability, and an action research PhD, enabling wellbeing economies. He believes in local government’s potential for tangible implementation, and has worked within municipalities and through partnerships to enable this. Being passionate about conceptualising projects, and mobilising the right resources, partners and leaders for maximum impact, Simon has grown and managed diverse teams, most recently in the energy and climate space for a non-profit company. Project focus areas have included local just transitions, green hydrogen and climate/economic modelling.

Sonya studied Travel and Tourism and has 22 years’ experience in the travel sector, of which 16 were dedicated to the airline industry. During this time, she worked in every department within the airline's ground operations. At ICLEI Africa, she is the friendly face greeting staff and visitors at the door. Apart from arranging travel bookings across Africa and beyond, Sonya is also responsible for our well-functioning and organised office.

Thea joined ICLEI in 2016 after completing her Master’s at Nelson Mandela University’s Sustainability Research Unit. She initially embarked on a trans disciplinary Master’s, combining her aptitude for communication with her love of nature, learning that your passions and talents will often meet to reveal your vocation. Her expertise ranges from online marketing campaign conceptualization to graphic design and social media management. She has more than 5 years’ experience.

Ursula Wellmann has a background in Politics and Economics with a degree in Social Science, a Skills Development Facilitation certificate and a passion for the green economy. Supporting sustainable growth in both the renewable energy sector and Greentech manufacturing was a focus of her recent years’ work. Together with this, her passion for nature and biodiversity resulted in numerous projects implemented supporting decent employment opportunities within the Western Cape’s growing green economy.