Suzan Oelofse obtained a Ph.D. degree in Botany from the Rand Afrikaans University in 1994. After a short career in botany, she joined government where her focus changed to pollution and waste management. She worked for 10 years in a policy and regulatory capacity in national government. She joined the CSIR 6 years ago and currently holds the position of Principal researcher in the Pollution and Waste research group. Dr Oelofse is also the Chairperson of the Central Branch of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa and happily married to Hannes Oelofse.