Dr Catherine Dzerefos, a passionate environmental scientist, has a PhD in environmental science and has dedicated her career to understanding and protecting the natural world. Growing up in a Greek family in southern Johannesburg, Dzerefos developed a fascination with insects and marine biology after caring for an injured butterfly as a child. Her family encouraged her interest in biology, initially hoping she would study medicine, but she eventually pursued a BSc in zoology and botany.
Dzerefos's academic journey took a significant turn during her first week at the University of the Witwatersrand, where an orientation talk by ecologist Oliver Kerfoot helped her cement her direction. She became determined to help heal the planet, which was facing immense pressure due to the Anthropocene. Her research has taken her from studying mine-dump rehabilitation and indigenous plants to working with rural communities and exploring edible insects for her doctorate.
The Wits Rural Facility in Bushbuckridge was a pivotal experience for Dzerefos, where she learned that valuable knowledge exists beyond universities and textbooks. She discovered that science is enriched by different ways of understanding the world. This experience has influenced her approach to research and community engagement. For the past five years, Dzerefos has lived in the City of Tshwane, where her office reflects her interests in biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, and conservation.
One of Dzerefos's most meaningful projects is her work with communities around the Makgabeng Cuesta in Limpopo. She has helped raise awareness of the area's biodiversity, geology, cultural landscapes, archaeology, and indigenous knowledge. The area is also the site of a proposed platinum mine, making informed public participation crucial for residents. Dzerefos's work in this region has been instrumental in promoting environmental education and advocacy.
Dzerefos's contributions to conservation and environmental education have earned her several awards, including the TUT Science Faculty Excellence Award for Woman Researcher in 2025. She is proud of her role in securing the declaration of the Haenertsburg Nature Reserve after eight years of perseverance. Her work continues to inspire and educate communities about the importance of preserving biodiversity and promoting indigenous knowledge.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Dzerefos enjoys hiking in wild places with her husband, Brian, and spending time with their three children. For Dzerefos, nature, culture, indigenous knowledge, and conservation remain a professional calling and a way of life. Her dedication to her work is a testament to her passion for creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Key points
- Dr Catherine Dzerefos has made significant contributions to environmental science and conservation in South Africa, particularly in the areas of biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, and community engagement.
- Her work has been recognized with several awards, including the TUT Science Faculty Excellence Award for Woman Researcher in 2025.
- Dzerefos's research and advocacy have had a positive impact on communities, particularly in the Makgabeng Cuesta region of Limpopo.
