Governance
Nonprofit Governance & Funding Oversight
As a registered Nonprofit Organisation (NPO #015-502, PBO #930 001 777), the Endangered Wildlife Trust operates under South Africa’s Trust Property Control Act No. 57 of 1988 (Master’s Reference: IT 6247). Guiding our operations, the Amended and Restated Deed of Trust (2014) – filed with the North Gauteng High Court – clearly establishes:
- Trustee responsibilities
- Board governance functions
- Committee oversight roles
Governance Framework
- Board Oversight: Administers Trust affairs and oversees Executive Management, with annual Work Plans aligned to nonprofit best practices.
- Committee Structure:
- Audit Committee: Approves annual budgets and monitors nonprofit funding performance.
- Social & Ethics Committee
- Remuneration Committee
- Voluntary Trusteeship: Trustees serve without remuneration.
Transparency: Access audited financials in our Integrated Report.
EWT Trustees
Mr Muhammad Seedat
Remuneration Committee Member
Muhammad Ismail has provided strategic financial leadership to the Endangered Wildlife Trust since joining our Board of Trustees in 2015. As current Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee, he ensures rigorous stewardship of donor funds while aligning compensation practices with measurable conservation outcomes.
Key Governance Responsibilities:
- Oversees ethical allocation of donor funds to maximise conservation impact
- Chairs committee reviews of executive remuneration packages
- Ensures compensation policies support long-term conservation outcomes
- Maintains compliance with nonprofit financial regulations
Professional Expertise:
- Professional Accountant (SA) & Registered Tax Practitioner
- Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Honours)
- Specialisations in auditing and nonprofit financial management
- 15+ years’ experience optimising donor funds for environmental organisations
Committee Leadership Impact:
- Developed robust frameworks linking staff performance to conservation outcomes
- Implemented transparent reporting systems for donor fund allocation
- Established compensation benchmarks that attract top conservation talent
- Ensures 100% of donor funds advance our wildlife protection mission
Muhammad’s financial acumen directly strengthens our ability to convert donor support into tangible conservation outcomes across all EWT programmes.
Mr Dirk Ackerman
Vice Chairperson
Remuneration Committee
Board Member
Dirk Ackerman has been instrumental in shaping the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s governance since joining our Board of Trustees in 2005. As both Chairperson of the Board and active member of the Remuneration Committee (REMCO), he combines strategic vision with rigorous financial oversight to advance our conservation mission. With nearly two decades of board service, Dirk’s leadership ensures the EWT maintains the highest standards of nonprofit governance while delivering measurable impact for Africa’s wildlife.
Professional Credentials:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Law
- Executive Development Programmes (Multiple)
- Military Law Qualification (SA Air Force Officer)
- Sworn Appraiser – SA Department of Justice
- Qualified Property Practitioner
Industry Expertise:
- Current: Group CEO of IQ Business Group
- Board Member: Prodapt IQ SA (International Software Development)
- 30+ years across:
Banking & Financial Services
Property Management & Development
Public Utilities
IT & Business Consultancy
Community Leadership:
- Institute of Directors Member
- Founder Member: SA Tourism Business Council
- Young Presidents Organization Member
- Board Member: Starfish Great Hearts Foundation (Care for AIDS Orphans)
- Director: Multiple Local/International Charities
Personal Commitment:
- Passionate about wildlife conservation
- Avid aerobatics pilot
- Dedicated hiker
- IT development enthusiast
Mr Paul John Smith
Treasurer
Audit Committee Chairperson
Social and Ethics Committee Member
Paul Smith has served as the EWT’s Treasurer and Audit Committee Chairperson since 2010, leveraging his 40-year career at Standard Bank and KPMG to strengthen our financial governance. As Audit Chair, he implemented rigorous risk frameworks that reduced operational costs by 18%, redirecting critical funds to frontline conservation. His leadership on the Social and Ethics Committee established Africa’s first NGO ethical investment policy, aligning donor capital with conservation outcomes. Formerly Group Chief Risk Officer at Standard Bank and KPMG Financial Services Partner, Paul ensures corporate-grade accountability while maximising every rand for wildlife protection.
Professional Credentials:
- Chartered Accountant (SA)
- BSc Degree (University of Natal)
- Certificate in Theory of Accountancy (University of Port Elizabeth)
- Advanced Management Programme (Wharton Business School, USA)
Notable Career Achievements:
- Former Partner, Financial Services Group, KPMG
- Group Chief Risk Officer, Corporate & Investment Banking Division, Standard Bank (until 2016 retirement)
Governance Expertise:
- Nonprofit financial oversight & compliance
- Risk management frameworks
- Ethical investment strategies
- Donor fund accountability systems
Paul brings four decades of financial leadership to bear in safeguarding the EWT’s resources and ensuring transparent stewardship of conservation funding.
Prof. Barry Ackers
Board Member
Audit Committee Member
Remuneration Committee Chairperson
Professor Barry Ackers brings world-class financial governance expertise to the EWT Board of Trustees, where he has served since 2015. As both Audit Committee Member and Remuneration Committee Chairperson, he ensures rigorous fiscal oversight while aligning executive compensation with conservation impact. His unique combination of academic excellence and practical auditing experience strengthens the EWT’s position as Africa’s most financially accountable wildlife trust.
Academic Credentials
- Doctor of Commerce (Auditing)
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Commerce
- Bachelor of Accounting Sciences
- Certified Internal Auditor (IIA – USA)
- Professor & Research Supervisor: College of Accounting Sciences, UNISA
Professional Leadership
- Fellow Member: Institute of Internal Auditors (Global)
- Member: Institute of Directors Southern Africa (IoDSA)
- Former Vice President: IIA South Africa Board of Directors
- International Committee of Research and Education Advisors (IIA Global)
- Special Advisor: Tshwane University of Technology
Sector Expertise
- Corporate Governance & CSR Implementation
- Integrated Reporting Frameworks
- Public Sector Auditing (Former Gauteng Provincial Government Audit Committee Leader)
- Academic Research Supervision (Masters/Doctoral candidates)
Career Highlights
- 25+ years across public and private sector financial management
- Developed Africa’s first NGO ethical compensation framework (EWT REMCO)
- Pioneered integrated reporting standards for conservation nonprofits
- Keynote speaker at World Congress of Accountants
Personal Commitment
- Advancing audit education through UNISA’s accounting programmes
- Passionate advocate for conservation finance transparency
- Regular contributor to international auditing standards development
Mr Christo Reeders
Board Member
Christo Reeders brings over 40 years of specialised legal expertise to the EWT Board of Trustees, having joined in 2014. As a practising attorney since 1982, he has developed unrivalled experience in environmental and mining law, making him uniquely positioned to guide the Trust’s conservation legal strategies.
Legal Expertise
- Environmental Law & Litigation Specialist
- Mining Law & Regulatory Compliance
- Constitutional & Administrative Law
- Commercial Litigation
Career Highlights
- Senior Director: Bell Dewar & Hall (Headed Environmental Law Department for 7 years)
- Founder: Christo Reeders Attorneys (Specialising exclusively in environmental and mining law)
- Successfully argued landmark cases in:
• Environmental protection litigation
• Mining regulatory compliance
• Administrative law challenges
Board Contributions
- Provides critical legal oversight for EWT’s conservation initiatives
- Advises on environmental compliance and regulatory frameworks
- Strengthens governance through constitutional law expertise
Professional Commitment
- Devotes 100% of practice to environmental and mining law
- Passionate about using legal frameworks to protect biodiversity
- Regular speaker on environmental law developments
Mr Abdul Kader Mohamed (aka AK)
Board Member
Audit Committee Member
Having joined the EWT Board of Trustees in 2015, AK subsequently became an active member of the Audit Committee. With his extensive financial expertise, he plays a pivotal role in strengthening our fiscal governance frameworks.
Professional Leadership
Currently serving as a Senior Executive at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) since 2013, AK has consistently held prominent financial positions across multiple sectors. Notably, his career includes executive roles at:
- Mahube Financial Services Group (Pty) Ltd
- Sentech Limited
- Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Sanlam Life Limited
Academic & Sector Expertise
Beyond his corporate experience, AK has contributed significantly to financial education as a part-time lecturer in Accounting & Taxation at the University of Cape Town. Furthermore, his specialist knowledge encompasses:
- Financial reporting & compliance
- Corporate governance implementation
- Public sector networking
- Diversity and inclusion programmes
Personal Approach
AK describes himself as a “people person”, an attribute which complements his technical skills in leadership development and Muslim community engagement. His unique blend of financial acumen and interpersonal skills makes him particularly valuable in:
- Building stakeholder relationships
- Enhancing board diversity
- Developing financial literacy programmes
Mrs Joanna Goeller
Board Member
Social and Ethics Committee Chairperson
Since joining the EWT Board of Trustees in 2006, Joanna has provided invaluable environmental oversight. As Chairperson of the Social and Ethics Committee, she ensures our conservation work maintains the highest ethical standards while delivering measurable ecological impact.
Professional Background
With over 15 years’ experience in mining and industrial sectors, Joanna brings comprehensive expertise in:
- Environmental Impact Assessments
- Management Systems implementation
- Regulatory compliance audits
- Mine closure planning
Academic Credentials
Joanna holds a B.SocSci in Environmental Science and Geography (Hons). Additionally, she is a qualified Lead Environmental Auditor, specialising in African mining regulations.
Sector Expertise
Throughout her career, Joanna has:
- Managed teams of 10+ environmental consultants
- Developed innovative mentoring programmes for junior staff
- Conducted due diligence studies across 8 African countries
- Designed environmental management frameworks for major corporations
Committee Leadership
Under Joanna’s guidance, the Social and Ethics Committee has:
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement processes
- Strengthened conservation ethics policies
- Implemented robust sustainability reporting
Mr Mike Esterhuysen
Board Member
Social and Ethics Committee Member
Having served on the EWT Board of Trustees since 2001, Mike brings decades of governance experience to his role on the Social and Ethics Committee. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently championed ethical conservation practices while bridging corporate and environmental sectors.
Professional Expertise
With extensive experience across South Africa’s banking and insurance industries, Mike currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Lesoba Difference (LD). This prominent marketing firm has:
- Operated successfully for 33 years in advertising
- Provided pro bono services to multiple NGOs including:
• Endangered Wildlife Trust
• Adoption Voice South Africa
Conservation Commitment
Beyond his corporate leadership, Mike demonstrates deep environmental passion by:
- Frequently visiting wildlife areas along the Olifants River
- Advocating for ethical ecotourism practices
- Supporting community-based conservation initiatives
Miss Vikeshni Vandayar
Board Member
Social and Ethics Committee Member
As an admitted attorney of the High Court and IoDSA Certified Director, Vikeshni brings exceptional governance expertise to the EWT Board. Following her corporate law advisory role at KPMG, she joined the Institute of Directors Southern Africa (IoDSA) in 2015, where she currently serves as Executive Director overseeing Governance and Corporate Services.
Global Governance Influence
Vikeshni’s leadership extends internationally through her role as:
- Chair of the Global Network of Director Institutes Policy Committee
- Member of the King Committee on Corporate Governance
- Active participant in various IoDSA forums
Board Contributions
Her diverse skillset strengthens EWT’s strategic direction, particularly in:
- Corporate governance frameworks
- Digital transformation strategies
- Legal compliance systems
- Stakeholder engagement
Conservation Passion
Beyond her professional achievements, Vikeshni is:
- An accomplished wildlife photographer
- Committed to promoting African wildlife conservation
- Focused on preserving biodiversity for future generations
Mr Sadiq Dindar
Board Member
Trustee
With over 25 years in the tourism sector, Sadiq brings extensive expertise in business development, marketing, and project management to the EWT Board. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held senior positions with leading global airlines including Gulf Air, Emirates Airlines, and Qatar Airways, as well as serving as Aviation Solutions Manager for IATA.
Tourism Leadership
During his decade-long tenure at South African Tourism, Sadiq successfully:
- Managed global trade relations and marketing promotions
- Developed strategic partnerships with international airlines
- Created market insights to enhance destination marketing
- Implemented training programmes for travel trade partners
Current Role
As Global Sales & Marketing Director for the Tingana Collection, Sadiq oversees:
- Portfolio of three luxury lodges in Kruger National Park
- International travel division operations
- Brand development and strategic partnerships
Board Contributions
Sadiq’s unique expertise will significantly benefit EWT by:
- Expanding donor networks through tourism sector connections
- Enhancing global brand visibility
- Developing innovative marketing strategies
- Fostering cross-sector partnerships for conservation
