Urban systems

Tashi is finalising a post-graduate Diploma in Sustainable Development at the Sustainability Institute, University of Stellenbosch. She has more than five years of experience in urban agriculture and environmental education initiatives. She is dedicated to building human-centred, just, and resilient systems in an increasingly urban world.

Fru is passionate about food and nutrition security, resource management, economic development, and labour market dynamics. She has over five years of work experience on issues relating to food and nutrition security. Fru holds a Masters in Economics from the University of the Western Cape and is pursuing a PhD degree in Development Studies at the same university. Fru is a member of the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA).

Luke spent the past 14 years actively immersed in civil society organisations and fledgling research institutes, working at the forefront of transdisciplinary research and transformative learning, and specialising in urban food security programmes, food systems governance and social-learning processes. He has worked extensively with global leaders across the spectrum of system change – from grant-makers and policy think-tanks, to universities and social movements. Luke holds a BA in Applied Design, a Masters in Sustainable Development Planning, and a PhD that focussed on the role of informal learning networks and youth in food system transformation. Luke also has a small flock of chickens and some young fruit trees that are teaching him a lot about patience and collaboration!

Kabelo obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from Stellenbosch University and is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy from the same institution. Her undergraduate degree from the University of Cape Town includes a double major in Environmental and Geographical Science, and Applied Biology. She has over 3 years of experience in communications and social media marketing, having worked as an Environmental Communication Assistant at the City of Cape Town from 2020 to 2022. She strives to use her versatile work experience and academic background to fulfil her passion of addressing urban sustainability challenges.

Luka holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Geographical Science and Master of City and Regional Planning Degree from the University of Cape Town, with a research focus on the relationship between the Kuils River Corridor and surrounding urban fabric. He seeks to apply his multidisciplinary background, experience in public policy, analytical approach and passion for communication to systemically and sustainably integrate socio-ecological systems for greater equity and resilience.