OUR TEAM

As an aspiring marine scientist, Riaan studied a B.Sc. at the University of Stellenbosch, majoring in Zoology and Animal Physiology. After completing his degree in 1993, he joined the Occupational Health Department of Iscor and was stationed in Newcastle, KZN. As an apprentice in industrial hygiene, Riaan acquired a vast amount of knowledge and experience whilst working in one of the largest steel works in South Africa. Following a stint of almost 4 years in the iron and steel industry, a move was made back to Cape Town, where he joined a local occupational hygiene consultancy. During this period, Riaan applied his skill in various industries throughout South Africa and was also successfully registered as an Occupational Hygiene Technologist with SAIOH. In 2003, he successfully passed the SAIOH exam as an Occupational Hygienist and shortly thereafter, started EXCO Services. Riaan enjoys the great outdoors and you will regularly find him wandering along a hiking trail or playing a round of golf

I grew up in the coastal town of Mossel Bay, where my appreciation for the ocean and the natural environment first developed. I initially pursued a BSc in Conservation Ecology at Stellenbosch University, but after my studies, when I started working at EXCO Services, I discovered a strong interest in the science of workplace health and safety, which led me into the field of occupational hygiene.

After completing my degree, I began my career at EXCO Services in Cape Town. There, I had the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and develop my skills across a range of occupational hygiene projects. Through this experience, I qualified as an Occupational Hygienist in 2020.

I am currently based in Cape Town where I continue to work in the field of occupational hygiene, applying my scientific background to help assess and manage workplace health risks.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and making the most of Cape Town’s coastline through walks and time outdoors.

My career has allowed me to combine a strong scientific foundation with practical occupational hygiene work, with the aim of contributing meaningfully to healthier and safer working environments.

I am originally from Durban but was drawn to the Western Cape by the allure of Cape Town's lifestyle and beauty. I currently serve as the Mine Division Manager at EXCO Services and am a SAIOH Registered Occupational Hygienist, working alongside a fantastic group of colleagues known for their unwavering support, talent, and dedication.

My academic journey began at Stellenbosch University, where I pursued a BA degree in Development and Environment, mainly focusing on Geography and Development Management. Over time, I expanded my studies to include Financial and Cost Accounting, Project Management, Economics, and Sustainable Development. This led to my BCom Honours in Public Development Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from the same university.

I entered the occupational hygiene field following an internship at EXCO Services in 2014, and since then have progressed to my current role. I hold the Chamber of Mines Advanced Certificate in Mine Environmental Control and am qualified to fulfil the role of Section 12.1 Appointee in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act. My specialisation lies in mine environmental monitoring and control, with a particular focus on helping clients create safer and healthier working environments.

Within the dynamic realm of occupational hygiene, I see an exciting landscape of continuous learning and growth. The ever-changing nature of this field presents fresh opportunities for innovation, and each day is a chance to make workplaces safer.

“Be a lifelong student. The more you learn, the more you earn and the more self-confidence you will have.”*

 I am a proud Gauteng native who traded the fast pace of city life for the scenic surroundings of Stellenbosch after matric to pursue studies in Health and Skin Care. Although this was my first career path, it ultimately led me to discover my true passion for science and occupational health.

 At the age of 24, I embarked on a new academic journey at North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus, where I completed a BSc degree in Physiology and Biochemistry, followed by an Honours degree in Physiology and a Master’s degree in Occupational Hygiene.

 I have always been told that I would be a lifelong student, and I still aspire to take on the challenge of completing a PhD in the future.

 For almost nine years, I have been part of the EXCO Services team, where I serve as a SAIOH-registered Occupational Hygienist. My role allows me to combine scientific knowledge with practical workplace solutions to help create healthier and safer working environments across a wide range of industries.

 I remain passionate about continuous learning, professional development, and contributing to the advancement of occupational hygiene in South Africa.

Earth and nature has always been my passion. During my tertiary education at the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PU for CHE), currently known as the North West University, I completed a BSc Degree in Zoology and Physiology. My goal at that stage was to complete a postgraduate degree in Marine Biology. However, during my undergraduate studies, the Physiology Department introduced me to Occupational Hygiene, which was a relatively new and upcoming field in South Africa. After some consideration, I decided to complete my BSc Honours degree in Industrial Physiology.
In 1992, I joined the Department of Mineral Affairs as an industrial technologist, and obtained extensive experience in the mining industry. After a few years, I was fortunate enough to relocate to Saldanha Bay, situated on the West Coast of South Africa, where I joined ArcelorMittal (previously known as Saldanha Steel) as part of the initial Project Team. During this time, I was responsible for environmental management, occupational hygiene management and the implementation of the ISO 14001 Management System, as well as OHSAS 18001.

I joined EXCO Services in 2004, a small company with a dynamic team of very knowledgeable, energetic, and supportive members, and it gave me the opportunity to gain work experience in a vast number of industries, ranging from agriculture, fisheries, petrochemical, as well as the wine making industry. Fortunately, in my free time, I am still able to live out my passion for earth, nature and marine biology, by involving my time and energy into a small aquafarm situated on the West Coast.

I grew up in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. In high school, I discovered my love for science, and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career within the field one day.

In 2018 I completed my BTech degree in Environmental Health at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology focusing on Occupational Hygiene, as well as Food and Meat Hygiene. Initially I aspired to become an Environmental Health Practitioner, as I enjoyed working with people and making a difference in their lives. However, while studying, I found that I enjoyed Occupational Hygiene and that working in this field I would also be able to make a difference in peoples lives by helping to create a healthier working environment.

In 2019, I was lucky enough to start my internship at EXCO Services. Since starting at here, I have been exposed to a wide array of industries and I continue to learn so much from my team members.

In my free time I love reading; watching series and spending time with my cat.

Born and raised in the Orange Free State, I briefly attended the University of Pretoria (TUKS), where I enrolled for a BSc (Agric). Although I was unable to complete my studies, this period marked the beginning of my professional journey.

Following my time at TUKS, I completed my mandatory service in the South African National Defense Force, where I attained the rank of Corporal (Platoon Sergeant). Thereafter, I began my career at ISCOR as an assistant, which introduced me to the field of Occupational Hygiene.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with several Occupational Hygiene consultancies, including OHTEC, SHELink, Gijima, NOSA, and EXCO Services (Gauteng), before eventually relocating to Cape Town.

I now bring 35 years of experience in Occupational Hygiene, with extensive expertise across both the industrial and mining sectors, including specialised knowledge in asbestos handling and demolition.

I grew up in the platinum district of Rustenburg, North West where I discovered my love for the science of Occupational Hygiene. After school I decided to pursue a career in Occupational Hygiene which led me to the North West University (PUK), where I completed my BSc (Honours) in Occupational Hygiene. Since entering the profession, I have gathered valuable experience in various sectors of the field ranging from food industries like bakeries and prepared meal manufacturing to composite manufacturing, engineering works, paint manufacturing, wind energy generation and even wastewater treatment. The diversity in my experience have enabled me to develop a strong practical understanding of occupational health risk assessment, workplace monitoring, and the implementation of effective control measures. 

I grew up in Sasolburg, a small town in the far north of the Free State.  After coming on holiday to Cape Town as a little girl, I immediately fell in love with the energy and culture that Cape Town had to offer.  I knew that I had do make it a goal of mine to come and live here one day.  After I matriculated, I went on to further my studies in Psychology and Sociology at the North West University in Potchefstroom.  As the years went by, I never gave up on my dream to move to Cape Town and was completely bowled over when I was welcomed to the EXCO family in December 2018.   I feel absolutely blessed to be part of this awesome, hardworking team.

Considering that I have a great love for health sciences and helping others, I will continuously work hard to broaden my horizons in the field of Occupational Hygiene.

In my free time, I like spending time with my friends and family.  Having a love for music, I enjoy going to concerts whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Originally from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, I have always dreamed of a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This passion inspired me to pursue studies in the health sciences, leading to the completion of both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Occupational Hygiene at the North-West University. During my studies, I was honoured to be appointed as a lecturer, an experience that allowed me to develop my teaching and facilitation skills while gaining valuable experience in academia. I was also given the opportunity to obtain intermediate certification in Mine Environmental Control through an initiative by the Mining Qualifications Authority aimed at encouraging women in mining.

After eight years in academia, I was eager to apply what I had learnt within industry, which led me to accept an exciting opportunity with EXCO Services in Cape Town. What I enjoy most about Occupational Hygiene is the variety that comes with the role and the opportunity to work in different environments every day, something that perfectly suits my curiosity about processes and how different industries operate - a fascination sparked by my love for the show How It’s Made. I am passionate about contributing to healthier and safer workplaces, where employees can complete their work with confidence and return home in good health.

Being part of the EXCO team has been incredibly rewarding, and I value the opportunity to collaborate with such a knowledgeable group of professionals while continuously learning from their expertise and experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy embracing new experiences - whether it’s exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping, discovering new restaurants and good food, enjoying wine tastings, travelling to new places, or simply unwinding with a good book.

I grew up in Cape Town and have always gravitated toward roles where I can support people and help create structure behind the scenes. I enjoy building efficient systems that make day-to-day work easier for both clients and colleagues.

In my role as Office Administrator at EXCO Services, I handle a range of administrative tasks that keep the office running smoothly. No two days are quite the same, which is something I really appreciate-whether I’m assisting clients, coordinating internal processes, or planning fun office events.

What I enjoy most about EXCO is the team environment. Working alongside knowledgeable, driven people makes it a place where I can continue learning while also contributing in a meaningful way. I also value creating a positive atmosphere in the office-bringing lightness and humour to the workplace where I can.

In my free time, I enjoy a bit of retail therapy, spending time with friends and family, and finding new coffee spots. These simple interests help me unwind and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.