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31 October 2022

Get to know our new Green Finance InternCatherine Gwynne-Evans

What is your background expertise and how does it relate to your role here at GreenCape?

I studied BCom Management, majoring in Economics and Environmental & Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town (UCT). I completed my Honours degree in Economics in 2021. While studying at UCT I started working for a non-profit organisation called Phaphama SEDI.

Phaphama SEDI connects student consultants with local entrepreneurs that are mostly located in under resourced communities. My role at the organisation has included designing and running the programme and ensuring that these business receive business support and better exposure. I also worked at the Centre for Financial Regulation and Inclusion (CENFRI) as an intern prior to joining GreenCape.

What has been your favourite thing about GreenCape so far?

I love the energy my colleagues exude. Every sector desk team is passionate about their field of expertise, and I guess that makes things easier for GreenCapers to produce quality work and make a difference in the green economy. I genuinely enjoy the office culture and kindness and care that the colleagues at GreenCape have. As someone who is eager to learn, GreenCapers make development and understanding a seamless process.

What project have you been working on as you start your role here at GreenCape?

I have been working on the South African biogas investment strategy for the UNIDO project. I have also supporting the Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Finance Facility (SIDAFF) team where we are focusing on finding additional funding for green municipal projects. I will also be conducting a cost-benefit analysis on different types of lighting for the Alternative Service Delivery Unit. Another project in the pipeline is the Climate Finance Mapping.

Why do you do what you do?

At the moment, I am out to learn and absorb as much as possible in the field and from my colleagues. My Economics background aligns well with Green Finance and I believe that this has put me in a good position to better understand the broader context for the work we do at GreenCape. I have always had a great interest in sustainability and the green economy. Another reason I do what I do is that I get to interact with a lot of stakeholders including potential financiers, government representatives and industry players, which has been really interesting so far.

What impact do you hope to achieve?

In my current position I intend to learn and understand the role so that I can build a solid foundation for future impact. I want to help others understand the green economy and make it easier for the broader public to invest and engage with green economy initiatives. I hope to act as a knowledge resource, make networks, develop skills and empower others within this space.

What do you get up to in your spare time?

In my spare time, I do anything that is outdoorsy. This includes adventuring in mountains, camping, sport (Ultimate Frisbee and hockey), swimming, and watercolour painting. I also am an extrovert and love spending time with family and friends and engaging with new people.

Two truths and one lie – (your guess)

  • I was once the top female indoor rower in University Rowing South Africa
  • I played for the South African Ladies Hockey team
  • I was part of a choir that won an international choir competition in Europe