Phillip has been bridging technology and conservation with Wildlife ACT since 2022, first as Southern Drakensberg Programme Manager and now as Technical Solutions Coordinator within the Tech and Data team. With a Diploma in Nature Management and a BSc in Information Technology, he combines two fields of expertise to design practical tools that meet real conservation needs.
Phillip grew up in a farming community on the banks of the Limpopo River, surrounded by wildlife. His interest in nature deepened into a clear sense of purpose during his Nature Management Diploma at Centurion Academy, and after completing his practical year at a game-capturing and translocation agency, he went on to complete a BSc in Information Technology at North West University, Potchefstroom. By then, he knew he wanted to build a career that combined both fields.
Phillip joined Wildlife ACT in 2022, initially serving as Southern Drakensberg Programme Manager, where he developed a strong passion for Vulture conservation. He now works as Technical Solutions Coordinator, based at Somkhanda Game Reserve and working across protected areas in the Zululand region.
His role centres on bridging technology and its practical application in the field, designing approachable technical tools and solutions that help meet Wildlife ACT’s conservation goals. He also plays a hands-on role in capturing and tagging Vultures for monitoring, and works closely with the data systems behind Wildlife ACT’s broader species protection efforts.
Outside of work, Phillip can be found tinkering with technology, woodworking, sketching birds for his growing life list, or out in nature identifying trees and birdlife.
“I am incredibly proud that I have been able to help shape the solutions we implement in the field, regardless if it’s tech or other related, being able to guide people in applying knowledge to solve problems that the ever-evolving conservation space experiences. These experiences mean more to me than one single event.”