My name is Mareth Kotze, and my passion for nature has been with me since childhood. Though I grew up in the urban environment of Cape Town, life initially led me into the hospitality industry. In 2018, I had the opportunity to work at a guesthouse in Pretoria, where a chance connection changed my path. The guesthouse owner's husband, the CEO of I, recognized my potential and invited me to join their team. And as they say, the rest is history.  

I now serve as the Online Events and Technical Coordinator for LCA, primarily working with ShareScreen Africa (SSA) – an initiative designed to create a knowledge-sharing network that inspires and equips students and young conservationists. Rather than competing with universities, SSA complements existing curricula by exposing students to cutting-edge African science and conservation thinking.  

Through SSA, we facilitate virtual classes, workshops, and hybrid events that actively engage students. Our goal is to connect conservation experts with tertiary classrooms across Africa, fostering meaningful discussions and learning experiences.  

This role has truly opened up the world of conservation for me. My passion has only grown, and I’ve had the privilege of learning across various conservation fields. Though currently based in Cape Town, I’ve been fortunate to travel to parts of East Africa and look forward to expanding my horizons across the continent. I believe this platform and experience will continue to open exciting new doors for me.