As one of the partners who started Prism EMS in 2005, De Wet Botha has become synonymous with Prism EMS. Under De Wet’s management and skilful hand, the company has grown to a significant role-player in the market today.
De Wet has extensive experience in conducting a broad range of applications related to authorisations from the various authorities managing Environmental Legislation in South Africa. He has completed numerous EIA’s and Basic Assessment Report applications. He has conducted EIA reviews and has acted in a specialist advisory role to other consultants and applicants. Management Plans compiled include Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), Open Space EMPs, Wetland EMPs and Waste Management Plans. De Wet has extensive and specialised experience in wetland- and aquatic assessment and delineation. In addition to this, De Wet also has experience in Visual Assessments, Specialist Faunal and Floral Surveys, Grassland Rehabilitation and Baseline Agricultural Potential Studies. De Wet is an experienced Environmental Control Officer and – Auditor. GIS data and spatial modelling is included in De Wet’s range of capabilities, along with GIS sensitivity mapping and Project Management.
De Wet is considered as one of only a few specialists when it comes to habitat assessments for the endangered Juliana’s Golden Mole (Neamblysomus julianae). The severely threatened “endangered” Juliana’s Golden Mole is an elusive subterranean mammal that counts among the most unique and endangered, yet poorly studied endemic small mammal species of South Africa (Maree 2003). With more than 30 studies under his belt, De Wet is the specialist of choice suggested by GDARDE.
De Wet is very often included in discussions at the pre-feasibility stages of projects, to determine developability and economic viability of proposed projects. With his management skills and extensive technical knowledge, he is used to steer the entire environmental application and licensing process, including project strategic planning, management and review of specialist reports, identifying obstacles, development of mitigating measures and guiding the process through inception, to completion.
De Wet is considered to be the ‘go-to’ consultant for various large developers in Gauteng. His knowledge of environmental law is all encompassing and his relationships with the various Local- and Provincial Departments a benefit to any project.
Henk Pretorius has been working as an Environmental Consultant since 2016 and is registered with the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa as a Professional Environmental Assessment Practitioner (Reg No. 2019/758). He is also a member of the International Association for Impact Assessment of South Africa (IAIAsa Member 6808). He completed his Honours degree in 2023, focusing on environmental auditing.
Previous Environmental Management exposure was gained as a Junior Environmental Consultant which includes environmental auditing and compiling EIA and WUL applications.
Henk is proficient in compiling Basic Assessment Reports, Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Plans, Site Sensitivity Verification Reports, Dust Monitoring Reports as well as documents related to Public Participation.
Nico Snyman has been actively contributing to environmental management in 2020. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) Degree, as well as an Honours BSc degree in Geography and Environmental Management, which provided him with a solid foundation in environmental systems and sustainable practices.
Nico’s key environmental experience, tasks and functions include: Environmental Management Programme reports (EMPr), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Basic Assessment reports (BAR), Site Sensitivity Verification reports (SSV), Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) screening reports, Environmental Authorisation Applications, Public Participation Process, Comments and Responses reports, specialist study reviews, South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) uploads, Geographic Information System (GIS – QGIS and ArcGIS) mapping, environmental consulting, Water Use Licence Applications, Environmental Audits and Environmental Sampling.
Currently employed as a Candidate Environmental Assessment Practitioner at Prism Environmental Management Services, Nico is dedicated to delivering practical, sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
Gerhard is a MSc. Environmental Science graduate with a master’s study focused on Ecotoxicology [“Ecotoxicological Effects of Cadmium Tellurium Quantum Dots on Eisenia andrei” (environmental threshold determination assessment of nanoparticles on terrestrial environments)] who has been practicing since 2019.
He is currently involved in conducting specialised aquatic studies, collecting and analysing water samples, monitoring aquatic ecosystems, and identifying and addressing environmental issues such as pollution or habitat transformation. Mainly working alongside mining industries, industrial sectors, governmental organisations, forestry, municipal and private developers. Gerhard has experience working with large configurations to develop and implement conservation, rehabilitation and management plans for aquatic and terrestrial resources.
Additionally, research design, data analysis, Geographical Information Systems (ArcGIS), and scientific writing. Gerhard is currently registered with the South African Council of Natural Scientific Professions as a Candidate Natural Scientist (Cand.Sci.Nat. Reg No. 157017) in the field of Water Resources Science and an accredited River Health Practitioner (SASS5) with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
In addition, we have as part of our team ecological specialists and air quality specialists. The team of consultants, together with the administrative support team at Prism EMS complete the package and ensure the unhindered operation of the consultancy and effective quality- and time management of projects.