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.  

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.

Imile and his family have lived in Observatory for 3 years and are quite enjoying the community and all that Observatory has to offer. His children visit the nearby park almost daily and they also visit the library weekly. Imile lists these as some of the many reasons he wants to stay in Obs and try make it a lovely place to live for everyone who lives here and a lovely place to visit for everyone who visits here.

Imile has worked in both the corporate and NGO sectors. He’s looking forward to getting more involved in the Obs community.

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’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.

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.