The Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Ground Water Division (GWD) of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) comprises 4 elected top positions (National Chairperson, National Vice‐ Chairperson, National Treasurer and National Secretariat) as well as elected Regional Chairpersons/ Representatives from the active branches of the Division. The current 6 branches are the Gauteng Branch, Central Branch* (Free State), the newly established Northern Branch (comprises the North-west and Limpopo membership), Eastern Cape Branch, KwaZulu‐Natal and the Western Cape Branch. (*The Central Branch of the Ground Water Division consists of members from the Free State, Northern Cape and North West Provinces)
The International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) South Africa National Chapter Chair is as from 2017 a permanent co‐opted member to the GWD Executive Committee as minuted and accepted at the 2017 GWD AGM.
In 2019, the GWD EXCO established a Professional Portfolio seat. A Professional Panel (Chaired and Represented on the EXCO Body by the Immediate-Past GWD Chair) will be called together. This will ensure succession planning, contingency and also a stronger and committed Professional reference group/ panel etc.
The EXCO therefore comprises 4 members.
The EXCO term of office shall be two (2) years and shall not exceed two (2) consecutive terms of office. Further, it is required that each member of the Executive Committee shall retire at the end of his/her first term of office but shall be eligible for a second consecutive term.
The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to manage the affairs of the Division in the interest of the Members of the Division and in accordance with its own Constitution and Rules and the Constitution and Bylaws of the Geological Society of South Africa.
A quorum of the Executive Committee shall comprise more than 50% +1 or seven (7) members.
Each term, the EXCO reviews the most current GWD Constitution and obtain membership consent for any amendments necessary to keep the Constitution as a living, current and guiding document.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2022/2023
National Chairperson: Mr Fanus Fourie
National Vice-Chair: Dr Sumaya Clarke
National Treasurer: Dr Roger Diamond
National Secretariat: Mr Kwazikwakhe Majola
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2022/2023
In 2022, the structure of the GWD was adjusted into two Committees. The Executive Committee (EXCO - National Seats) and the Management Committee (MANCO) that comprises the Branches and Portfolio Seats. The day-to-day running and management of Division Affairs rests with the EXCO, whereby the MANCO are responsible for management of their assigned regions/ portfolios).
Central Branch: Dr Amy Allwright
Eastern Cape: Mr Neville Paxton
Gauteng: Mrs Oudi Kgomongwe
Western Cape: Dr Kornelius Riemann
Northern Branch: Prof Ingrid Dennis
KZN (In association with the GAKZN): Mr Mark Schapers/ Mr Gary Ainsworth
Co-opted: Mr Julian Conrad (IAH-SA / International Portfolio)
Co-opted: Prof Matthys Dippenaar (Professional Portfolio)
Co-opted: Mr Thapelo Mongala (Young Professionals Portfolio)
Co-opted: Dr Nicolette Vermaak (Mentoring and Awareness Portfolio)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2020/2021
National Chairperson: Mr Fanus Fourie
National Vice-Chair: Dr Nicolette Vermaak
National Treasurer: Mr Yazeed van Wyk
National Secretariat: Dr Jaco Nel
Co-opted: Mr Julian Conrad (IAH-SA Secretary)
Co-opted: Prof Matthys Dippenaar (Immediate past-Chair / Professional matters)
Central: Dr Amy Allwright
Eastern Cape: Mr Etienne Mouton
Gauteng: Mr Kwazikwakhe Majola
Western Cape: Dr Sumaya Israel
KZN (In association with the GAKZN): Mr Pieter Labuschagne
Newly established Northern Branch (Include North-West and Limpopo members): Prof Ingrid Dennis
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2018/19
National Chairperson: Dr Matthys Dippenaar
National Vice-Chair: Ms Nicolette Vermaak
National Treasurer: Mr Yazeed van Wyk
National Secretariat: Mr Sakhile Mndaweni
Co-opted: Mr Julian Conrad (IAH-SA Chair)
Central: Mr Gawie van Dyk
Eastern Cape: Mr Gert Nel
Gauteng (established): Ms Nelda Breedt
Western Cape: Dr Jaco Nel
KZN (In association with the GAKZN): Mr Mark Schapers
Limpopo: Mr Duncan Munyai
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2016/17
National Chairperson: Dr Matthys Dippenaar
National Vice-Chair: Mr Sechaba Lenong
National Treasurer: Mr Fortress Netili
National Secretariat: Dr Martin Holland
Co-opted: Dr Jaco Nel (SACNASP & Membership)
Co-opted: Mr Derek Whitfield (Events)
Co-opted: Mr Terry Harck (Strategic relationships)
Central: Ms Danita Hohne
Eastern Cape: Mr Jan Myburgh
Western Cape: Dr Roger Parsons
KZN (established): Mr Mark Schapers
Limpopo: Mr Duncan Munyai
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2014/15
National Chairperson: Dr Shafick Adams
National Treasurer: Mr Fortress Netili
Co-opted: Dr Matthys Dippenaar
Central: Mr Gawie van Dyk / Ms Jennifer Pretorius
Eastern Cape & KZN: Mr Jan Myburgh/ Ms Zimbini Pemba
Western Cape: Dr Kornelius Riemann / Mr John Weaver
Limpopo: Mr Duncan Munyai / Ms Gladness Mohale
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2012/13
National Chairperson: Dr Shafick Adams
National Treasurer: Mr Fortress Netili
Co-opted: Dr Matthys Dippenaar
Central: Mr Gawie van Dyk / Ms Jennifer Pretorius
Eastern Cape & KZN: Mr Gert Nel / Ms Charon Swarts
Western Cape: Dr Kornelius Riemann / Mr John Weaver
Limpopo (established): Mr Duncan Munyai / Ms Gladness Mohale
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2011/12
National Chairperson: Dr Shafick Adams
National Vice-Chair: Ms Nancy Motebe
National Treasurer: Mr Fortress Netili
Co-opted: Dr Matthys Dippenaar
Central: Mr Gawie van Dyk / Ms Jennifer Pretorius
Eastern Cape & KZN: Mr Gert Nel / Ms Charon Swarts
Western Cape: Dr Kornelius Riemann / Mr John Weaver
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2010/11
National Chairperson: Dr Shafick Adams
National Vice-Chair: Ms Nancy Motebe
National Treasurer: Mr Fortress Netili
Co-opted: Dr Matthys Dippenaar
Central: Mr Gawie van Dyk
Eastern Cape & KZN: Mr Gert Nel
Western Cape: Dr Kornelius Riemann
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2009/10
National Chairperson: Dr Rian Titus (outgoing)
National Chairperson : Dr Shafick Adams (interim)
National Vice-Chair: Dr Kevin Pietersen
National Secretariat: Dr Chris Moseki
National Secretariat: Mr Ryan Ellington
Co-opted: Mrs Nancy Motebe
Co-opted: Mr Khangeleni Fortress Netili
Western Cape: Dr Jaco Nel