Justin spent 22 years in the field of computer training, the first 7 with a consultancy that allowed him to work internationally. After this he set up and ran his own online learning business with an international client base for 15 years.

Justin was part of the original team that formed OBSID and served as OBSID’s founding chairperson for 7 years.

He is now involved in the North Obs Biz Forum and is able to devote time to OBSID since winding down his business.

Justin is of the opinion that OBSID has a crucial role to play in ensuring that Observatory remains a diverse, interesting and progressive environment for all its residents.

Janine and her husband moved to Observatory in late 2015 when they bought their first house. Since then, they’ve had kids, weathered a pandemic and made the best of friends, all in this beautiful neighbourhood.

Over the past few years, Janine has been involved with the Obs Journey, an initiative started by residents to address some of the most pressing social issues in our neighbourhood. Working closely with OBSID and other local NGOs, the Obs Journey aims to bridge the gap between housed and unhoused members of the community, trying (predominantly) to find practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges of homelessness. Janine is also interested in the ongoing development of Observatory and would like to contribute to efforts to improve our neighbourhood—for those who live, work and play here, now and in future—while ensuring that it never loses the historical charm, diversity, creativity and sense of community that makes it such a lovely place to be.

Janine has a BSc in International Development and currently works as an accountant in her family’s manufacturing business. Next year, she plans on studying City and Urban Planning at UCT.  

Gillian is an attorney, conveyancer and notary public, and the director of Gillian Erasmus Attorneys Inc., a boutique law firm based in Observatory. She has over ten years’ experience in property law and deceased estate administration.

As a local resident and business owner, Gillian has a strong connection to Observatory and a genuine interest in the neighbourhood and its community. She hopes to contribute her legal experience and practical perspective to the OBSID Board, helping to keep Observatory a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to live and work.

Edwin is a founding member of the Observatory Improvement District. He was born and raised in Pinelands, moved to Observatory in 1977, whilst a student at the University of Cape Town.

After a period in exile in Zimbabwe, he returned to Observatory in 2003, and has lived in the neighbourhood ever since. Edwin has initiated various projects in Observatory. As past chair of the Arts, Sports, Culture and Heritage portfolio he was instrumental in bringing the highly successful and popular Open Streets events to Observatory and as an enthusiastic “burner” facilitated the first Streetopia event.

A lifelong social activist and filmmaker, Edwin would like to see his “Living History of Observatory” project grow into an interactive experience that enables an inclusive neighbourhood and makes Observatory a sharing, caring, safer, smarter, greener suburb.

Sean Walpole is a Cape Town-based business owner with strong roots in Observatory. He lived in Obs as a student and continues to operate businesses and own property there.

He has a vested interest in the neighbourhood’s safety, economic vitality and long-term development. He brings practical experience in business, property management and community engagement to his role on the OBSID Board.

Julie first moved to Observatory as a postgraduate student studying environmental and geographical science in 1994, later working at UCT in the Centre of Applied Language and Literacy Studies. She has worked voluntarily at the Observatory library and has been chair of the Friends of the Observatory Library since 2017.

Julie is a mathematics and science writer, working on dictionaries and educational content focusing on learning maths and science through different South African languages. In addition, she is an editor of many books focusing on African art, and is currently working remotely at the ARAK Collection, an extensive contemporary African art collection based in Qatar. Julie is passionate about community, diversity, language, literacy and random scientific facts.

Henri is an analytical, results-oriented professional specialising in the renewable energy sector. As a leader in Business Development and Engineering, Henri brings expertise in complex project management, financial modelling, and systems engineering to the board. His career demonstrates a proven ability to lead teams, drive profitability, and create implementable strategies. He offers the board a logic-driven process for identifying issues and ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Henri’s deep connection to Observatory stems from five years as a homeowner and active civic involvement. He has served on the Neighbourhood Watch committee and led local street groups for five years, gaining practical insight into local safety and logistics. His membership in ORCA and his experience as a Project Lead for complex community initiatives confirm his ability to manage multi-faceted projects and engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

As a director, Henri will focus on helping make Observatory a place people love to live through timely, effective problem-solving. He will apply his analytical expertise to ensure OBSID’s budget and strategy target “needle-moving” projects, primarily focusing on public safety, infrastructure, and logistics. His goal is to enhance the overall quality of life and ensure OBSID’s efforts are maximally impactful for residents and businesses.

Benji Schaffer is a 28-year-old entrepreneur based in Cape Town and the co-founder of a student accommodation company rooted in Observatory. Beyond his work in property and business, Benji serves as a Law Enforcement reservist and actively volunteers his time to support the safety and well being of his community. He is also a qualified Basic Life Support paramedic and continues to volunteer in the emergency medical field.

Maarten has lived and owned property in Observatory since the early 2000s. Over the years he has developed a deep appreciation for the suburb’s mix of creativity, diversity, and community energy.

He is the founder of Skysite Rope Access, a business that began in Observatory and continues to operate from the area, providing specialist access and maintenance services. Maarten also serves as Managing Director of Axess Offshore Africa, where he oversees projects across the continent.

With two decades of experience in business management, safety systems, and community engagement, Maarten brings a practical and solutions-driven approach to OBSID. He believes that Observatory’s strength lies in its people — and that the Improvement District can help protect what makes the area vibrant while tackling its challenges with balance and accountability.