
MEET THE TEAM
The Lady Birds team is deeply passionate about nature and brings extensive knowledge of the environment, particularly in Southern Africa. Whether it’s for work or pleasure, you’ll often find us outdoors, connecting with the landscapes we’re committed to protecting. Our hard work, dedication, and love for the natural world have been the driving forces behind building the business into what it is today.

Owner & Managing Director
Mariaan Claassen
Growing up on a farm in the remote Northern Cape, Mariaan developed a profound love for nature from a young age. Known for her caring nature—both for the environment and people—she brings over 8 years of experience in ornithology consulting. Her expertise extends beyond birds to include plants, invertebrates, and animals, making her a well-rounded environmental specialist. Mariaan is passionate about inspiring her team and community to live sustainably and care for Mother Nature, ensuring a lasting impact for future generations.

CEO & Managing Director
Jacob Claassen
Jacob is the leader of the pack, bringing over 15 years of experience in conservation, ornithology, and environmental consulting. His deep passion for nature, combined with his extensive knowledge and exceptional people skills, makes him an invaluable part of our team. Jacob excels at navigating the rich cultural diversity of Africa and brings a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to his work. As a registered guide and former Team Leader for Advanced Anti-Poaching at SANParks, he has firsthand experience in protecting wildlife and combating poaching. Jacob’s dedication to conservation and leadership continues to inspire our team and drive our mission forward.

Junior Safety Officer
Brandon Ruiters
Brandon began his journey as a gardener and all-rounder after college, but his dedication and hard work quickly earned him the role of Jacob’s PA and right-hand man. As a steadfast and reliable teammate, he has mastered the ins and outs of the business. Brandon is particularly skilled in live bird monitoring and has developed an in-depth knowledge of the LBJs (Little Brown Jobs) of the Karoo. Through the business, he pursued studies in Health and Safety and has now taken on the role of Junior Safety Officer, further contributing to the team’s success. Brandon’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, punctuality, and starting from the bottom to achieve greatness—a true inspiration to the team.
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Supervisor - De Aar 1 (Maanhaarberg)
Edwill Plaatjies
Edwill joined The Lady Birds in 2021, starting at the challenging De Aar 1 Maanhaarberg site. Since then, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. Known for its rugged and demanding terrain, this site requires meticulous planning and precision to meet weekly targets—a challenge Edwill has mastered with excellence. His ability to adapt and deliver results in such a tough environment highlights his expertise and commitment to the team’s success.
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Supervisor - De Aar 2 (North)
Colin Ramapulani
Colin has been leading the Biodiversity Monitoring team at De Aar 2 Wind Farm since 2018. A foundational member of The Lady Birds, he has grown alongside the company, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication. Colin’s ability to inspire and guide his team has been instrumental in achieving our conservation goals, making him a key pillar of our success.

Supervisor - Perdekraal East
Luyanda Mdleleni
Luyanda joined The Lady Birds team in 2021 as a Biodiversity Monitor at Perdekraal Wind Farm. Through his dedication and exceptional skills, he quickly rose to the role of Site Supervisor by the end of 2023. Known for his hard work and unwavering commitment, Luyanda consistently gives his absolute best, making him an invaluable asset to the team and a driving force behind our success.

Supervisor - Kangnas
Danzel Engelbrecht
Danzel joined The Lady Birds in 2021 and was promoted to Site Supervisor in 2022 after demonstrating exceptional potential. With a strong interest in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), he plays a vital role in ensuring operational excellence. Danzel’s unique and effective leadership style sets him apart, making him an invaluable asset to the team and a key contributor to our success.

Supervisor - Msenge Emoyeni WEF
Lungiswa Oliphant
Lungiswa leads the Biodiversity Monitoring and Shutdown on Demand team at Msenge Emoyeni Wind Farm near Bedford, Eastern Cape.
With four years biodiversity monitoring experience, and three years of hands-on experience in Shutdown on Demand operations, she brings invaluable technical expertise and leadership to our organization.
A certified SHE Representative, Lungiswa combines her strong safety background with natural leadership abilities to ensure both environmental protection and operational excellence. Her dedication to sustainable energy solutions makes her an indispensable part of our team.