Ronaldo Greeff-Retief
Environmental scientist, registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner and founder of RGR Environmental Solutions.
Nineteen years of environmental work, from river biomonitoring in Johannesburg to ecological surveys for solar farms in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo started his career in 2007 after completing an M.Sc. in Zoology at the University of Johannesburg, where his research used fish parasites as indicators of heavy metal pollution. Since then he has managed environmental processes for power lines, mines, roads, pipelines, landfills, renewable energy facilities and township developments.
He has completed more than 90 Environmental Impact Assessments, more than 50 Water Use Licence Applications, more than 20 mining-related applications and over 55 specialist assessments. His specialist work covers ecology, wetlands, aquatic biomonitoring, waste, air quality and visual impact.
In 2026 he founded RGR Environmental Solutions to work directly with clients, so that the person doing the fieldwork is also the person writing the report and answering the authority's questions.
Nineteen years, four stages
Experience gained at some of South Africa's established environmental and engineering consultancies.
- 2026 – present
Founder, RGR Environmental Solutions
Independent environmental scientist and specialist. Current work includes the OR Tambo SEZ pipeline ecological assessment, two mixed-use and formalisation projects, and Atmospheric Emission Licence applications for four correctional facilities.
- 2023 – 2025
Senior and management roles
Senior Associate Environmental, Environmental Sustainability Manager and Senior Environmental Advisor. Led municipal waste management plans in Limpopo, waste and air quality reviews, and international ESIA work in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
AESG · Mamadi and Company · GCS Water
- 2015 – 2023
Professional EAP and ecologist
Registered as a Professional EAP in 2019. Led EIAs, ecological and wetland assessments and water use licences for solar BESS projects, coal mines, Eskom transmission lines and mixed-use developments.
NCC Environmental Services · Delta Built Environment Consultants · Bokamoso Landscape Architects & Environmental Consultants · PRISM Environmental Management Services
- 2007 – 2015
Environmental consultant
Registered with SACNASP in 2010. EIAs for power lines, roads, pipelines and mines, ECO work on construction sites, aquatic biomonitoring of Johannesburg's rivers, and groundwater monitoring at 72 filling stations.
Nemai Consulting · Savannah Environmental · Strategic Environmental Focus · Lidwala Consulting Engineers · African Innovative Solutions and Projects · GladAfrica · Kantey & Templer · DMT-Kai Batla
Registrations, education and memberships
- Professional Environmental Assessment PractitionerEAPASA · Reg. 2019/181
- Professional Natural Scientist: Zoological, Ecological and Environmental ScienceSACNASP · Reg. 005636 · since 2010
- M.Sc. ZoologyUniversity of Johannesburg · 2005–2007
- B.Sc. HonoursRand Afrikaans University · 2004
- B.Sc.Rand Afrikaans University · 2001–2003
- International Association for Impact Assessment South AfricaIAIAsa
- Water Institute of Southern AfricaMWISA
- Zoological Society of Southern AfricaZSSA
- 2009
Retief, N.-R., Avenant-Oldewage, A. & du Preez, H.H. Seasonal study on Bothriocephalus as an indicator of metal pollution in yellowfish.
- 2007
Retief, N.-R., Avenant-Oldewage, A. & du Preez, H.H. Ecological aspects of Asian tapeworm infection in largemouth yellowfish.
- 2006
Retief, N.-R., Avenant-Oldewage, A. & du Preez, H.H. The use of cestode parasites from largemouth yellowfish as indicators of heavy metal bioaccumulation.
- Environmental Law CourseEnterprises at UP · 2023
- Mine Closure and Case Law Development WorkshopImbewu · 2019
- Section 21(c) & (i) water usesDepartment of Water Affairs · 2010
- NEMA Legislation2010
- Risk Management of AquifersFET Water · 2010
- Basic WetlandsGDARD · 2008
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Early screening shows which approvals you need and how long they will take, before they hold up construction.