Mike’s experience in engaging with communities and municipalities spans more than 20 years. He is currently employed as a senior programme coordinator at Planact, a non-governmental organisation based in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.
Mike has conducted several training programmes for communities and municipal officials on the following concepts: integrated development planning, municipal budgets, key performance area/indicators, leadership, conflict management, project management, housing policy, and local government legislations. He recently completed an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration through the University of the Western Cape (2019) and is currently studying towards a master’s degree in urban development at Wits (2023). In 2012, Mike made a written contribution in the publication of Good Governance Learning Network: “A case of participatory budgeting in South Africa” (pg.82) in Putting participation at the heart of development//Putting development at the heart of participation. A civil society perspective on local level. Mike joined IAP2SA in 2020, and currently holds the position of chairperson.

Refilwe’s experience and skills span stakeholder management and engagement, skills development (coaching and training), human resource management, change management, organisational design, ISO 9001 quality management and branding. She is a film school graduate and has a Bachelor of Technology in Human Resource Management.

Refilwe has over 10 years of extensive and tangible experience as a lead social facilitator/public participation practitioner in the built environment sector. She has worked and gained valuable experience from government departments, municipalities, and state Agencies such as HDA, SITA, TCTA as well as Nedbank and other private companies, some of which exposed her to handling blue chip client portfolios such as MTN, Samsung and Nissan.

Lorato Tigedi holds a BSc Hons Wildlife from the University of the Free State. She is the sole member of NSVT Consultants, specializing in Environmental and Social Science Consulting, which was established in 2011. She has 20 years of experience in the consulting field and thus has completed a myriad of environmental management applications like basic assessment, environmental impact assessment, waste management license, and water use license applications for various developments. She is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, Environmental Assessment Practitioners of South Africa and is a licensed International Association for Public Participation trainer.

Tlhoeli is currently a Master’s student in Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Stellenbosch. Her interest is in the EIA process, particularly public participation in rural communities in South Africa. Her research in particular is centred on the rural community of Xolobeni in the Eastern Cape.