Page 14 - Landscape-Issue154

PERSONALITY PROFILE

DR LESLIE HOY

Dr. Leslie Hoy is the head of Environmental Management Services at Rand Water.
His interest in the green industry began whilst at school, when he would spend
hours walking in the bush during the holidays. His mother, a keen gardener with
her own productive vegetable garden, gave him a small area to cultivate, and his

interest developed from there.

fter matriculating he engaged with the management of invasive macrophytes
Charlie Fripp, the horticulturist on for the entire Vaal River system. To date,
ASimuye Estates in Swaziland, who the team and stakeholders have reduced
advised him to study horticulture. “Since the extent of these plants from 390ha to
then I have never looked back,” he says, a current cover of 0.02 ha. This has been
adding that his environmental appreciation achieved using an integrated strategy
and focus grew and evolved over time. incorporating biocontrol, chemical control,
curtains and physical removal.
Studies
Hoy obtained a National Diploma in Involvement with SALI and other
Horticulture from the Durban Technikon, industry associations
as it was known at the time, and later Over the years and mainly through his
completed a National Diploma in Parks and water wise education and engagements,
Recreation Management through Unisa Hoy has worked with industry associations
(Technikon SA). such as SALI, SANA, IERM, TGMA, IPPS,
For his MSc at Unisa, he focussed on SABI and SANBI. His role has been to
water shortage response plans (water establish methods in which Rand Water
restrictions), comparing local and could work with the green industry to
international water restrictions and educate managers, staff and customers
engaging with South African green industry about water conservation. The aim is to
businesses. His PhD focused on developing change their water use habits and improve
an extensive model to determine water use Dr Leslie Hoy, Manager EMS, Rand Water environmental responsibility. “It has been
in the landscape, and he also researched a long journey of negotiations, convincing
a new hydrozone plant list specifically for and collaboration, but I believe we inspired
South Africa. This list has been extensively Historically, Rand Water undertook widespread change to be more water wise
promoted and subsequently reworked with limited rehabilitation work but there was no and environmentally friendly,” he states.
members of the green industry. The model, specific structure in place. Hoy introduced
as well as the hydrozone list, are included this more formally into the work as a small Core values and personality traits
in the rating system of the Green Building section within his department. The tasks My cores values are to work honestly and
Council of South Africa (GBCSA). included rehabilitation of eroded areas uphold my Christian values. As a Christian
Before joining Rand Water, he worked ­ from streams to hillsides and reservoir I know that I cannot be perfect and will
in Swaziland for six months as part of his embankments, to sinkhole repairs. stumble. I have always seen myself as
practical training through the Durban Tech. As a result of the drought in 1997, Rand trying to go the extra mile, never to accept
In January 1983 he obtained an internship Water introduced the Water Wise brand things just as they are, but rather to try and
at Rand Water and almost 43 years later and since then, awareness campaigns have improve a situation or project.
he is still there, having undertaken many been ongoing, helping to change how I have for many years received support
horticultural and environmental roles. households, businesses and industries from my boss, Mbuyiswa Makhubela. I
use water both indoors and outdoors. believe this is because he knows my values
Specific projects The relationship with various industries and work ethic. I am also assisted by a
“So many projects come to mind. I am and consumers has grown over the years supportive team to achieve the annual
passionate about my work, the technical from one of initial speculation to that of goals set for our department. My wife is
aspects as well as the variety of projects I’ve cooperation and understanding. also always there as my sounding board
been exposed to over time,” says Hoy. To Although not a project in the true and guide.
summarise a few: business sense, Hoy says his PhD studies, as
He undertook the lead role in landscaping well as the subsequent production of the What do you like most, and least,
the (then) new Rand Water head office expanded hydrozone list, in collaboration about your chosen career?
in Glenvista. This included indigenous with industry specialists, have been key I really enjoy the wide variety of work
landscapes with numerous indoor gardens. aspects of his career. “I was really humbled that we undertake as a team. This keeps
He was part of the Rand Water team that and appreciative of their time, commitment me stimulated and ensures that I need to
started both the Working for Water (alien and support, and the result is the hydrozone continuously learn new things about our
tree removal) as well as the Working for list of 1 624 plant species (excluding all the work. I enjoy the challenge that comes with
Wetlands (wetland rehabilitation) projects. listed subspecies), for both summer and new work and ideas. My manager and team
These involved many trips to the upper winter rainfall regions. have supported me in these new ventures.
reaches of the Vaal River tributaries to More recently (2024), Rand Water was What I like least about my job is
engage stakeholders, monitor work, report awarded a three­year contract to manage sometimes having to be part of meetings
on findings and ensure that project goals the invasive macrophytes on the Vaal River that just go on forever without really
were achieved. Barrage, as well as develop a strategy for achieving much.

12 Landscape SA • Issue 154 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za