About us
Established by the Two Oceans Aquarium in 2018, the Foundation is a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation. The Foundation is dedicated to informing and inspiring all to connect with and protect our ocean and the natural world through conservation, awareness, research, and education.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation offers quality, curriculum-aligned marine education programmes and adult ocean sustainability programmes. Its conservation work contributes to the preservation of five of the seven marine sea turtle species, collaborates on marine animal welfare programmes, and conducts collaborative research projects with major tertiary institutions and conservation organisations.
Our Vision & Mission
The Aquarium Foundation’s vision is to connect all people to the ocean.
Its mission is to inform and inspire all to connect with and protect our ocean and the natural world through conservation, awareness, research, and education.
Our team
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is led by Executive Chairperson Ann Lamont. It has a staff of 25, assisted by volunteers and interns.
- Dr Judy Mann (Head of Strategic Projects)
- Dr Nathalie Viljoen (Head of Research)
- Leigh Meinert (Head of Ocean Campus)
- Marguerite Venter (Head of Early Childhood Development)
- Talitha Noble (Conservation Manager)
Board of Trustees
- Ann Lamont (Executive Chairperson)
- Lynton Burger (marine scientist, published author, and impact investment specialist)
- Michael Farquhar (CEO, Two Oceans Aquarium)
- Tinyiko Mageza (Executive Head of Marketing, V&A Waterfront)
- Alana James (Advisory Strategist focusing on governance, sustainability, and corporate affairs).
Legal
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is a Trust established in the Republic of South Africa. It is registered with the Master of the High Court whose founding document is a trust deed. The founder is the Two Oceans Aquarium Trust (IT2601/94).
The objective of the Trust is to engage in Public Benefit Activities aimed at the areas of education, conservation and research to benefit the South African public.
The Public Benefit Activities are carried out in a non-profit manner and with altruistic or philanthropic intent. The approved Public Benefit Activities of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation fall within:
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is registered in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act of 1962. Donations received will be used exclusively for the objective of conducting public benefit activities approved by the Minister of Finance as listed in Parts 1 and 2 of the Ninth Schedule of the Income Tax Act.
The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is a registered Non-Profit Organisation with the Department of Social Development.