Introducing the newly elected Two Oceans Aquarium Volunteer Committee, aka Volcom. These are the people behind the people who make your visit to the Aquarium what it is. You’ll see them at the Visitor Centre out front, at the Touch Pool, behind the Microscope Exhibit … but you probably won’t see them behind the scenes, or in the kitchens preparing food for our animals.

In addition to their volunteering duties, which include cleaning exhibits, preparing food and feeding, assisting with presentations, keeping records and spending quality with our penguins, Volcom members also organise events, assist with training and perform a liaison role between volunteers and permanent Aquarium staff.

Here, in their own words, the glue that binds us:

Rob Smith – Chairman

I was born in the United Kingom – in Leeds, a proud Yorkshireman. I came to South Africa in 1998 to work and I never left! I worked at the University of Cape Town as a scientist at the medical school and at Stellenbosch University as a lecturer before joining my current employer as a national manager three years ago.

When I joined the Two Oceans Aquarium in 1998 I was looking for something to do over weekends and wanted to meet like-minded people. It turned out to be life-changing! I met my wife on the course (we were married in 2000). I have spent time working front of house and also did a five-year stint volunteering with the seals and penguins, in addition to working front of house.

I am married, have one son and I currently live in Tokai. I have been fortunate enough to live in several countries (and countless cities) over the course of my life (my dad worked all over the world) and I can honestly say nothing beats living in Cape Town.

My hobbies include gardening, house renovation, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

As a member of Volcom I believe it is important to foster a sense of family within the Two Oceans Aquarium and ensure the relationship between management, staff and volunteers is open and inviting, and to the benefit of all who come into contact with us.

Claudia Richardson – Secretary

I was born in Germany 55 years ago, and in 1974 we immigrated to South Africa, where I completed my schooling at Pearson High School in Port Elizabeth. I entered a career in the computer industry, which brought me to Cape Town, where I met my now-husband of 24 years. We moved to Johannesburg in 1988 and eventually returned, with two daughters, to Cape Town in 1997.

I briefly worked for a media monitoring company – imagine, I got paid to read newspapers! Thereafter I ran the office for a psychologist for 10 years.

I heard about the Two Oceans Aquarium’s volunteer course on the radio, signed up and graduated in 2013. I am on duty every Tuesday afternoon.

I enjoy reading, crossword puzzles and baking. I support recycling and the environment to the best of my ability.

My best holidays have been to Norway (viewing the Northern Lights), Thailand (snorkeling with the fish), the Caprivi Strip (to view birds and wildlife by boat) as well as the Kruger National Park.

I feel that the volunteer committee has an important role to play to foster a community spirit among the volunteers as well as to facilitate better integration of the volunteer body and the Aquarium staff.

Nabewieyah Ismail – Skills and training

I’m a true Pisces: always swimming upstream, sometimes forgetting we can go downstream as well!

I’m proudly South African and started my career in accounts and then I opened my own business in 1986. I sold motor spares, which a lot advised me against as it was a "man’s world”. Well, I survived and thrived until a few years ago, when my husband and son took over the business.

Then I became a "home executive" with some time on my hands, so I began volunteering. I not only volunteer at the Aquarium, but I also help learners at three schools with numeracy and literacy. I also find time to volunteer twice a week at the Red Cross Children's Hospital. I am out and about for days in the week, so if you need to see me make an appointment!

My hobbies are reading, outdoor life, mountains and trails, but cooking and baking are my passions. I have been married close to 40 years and I have three married children and a foster son, and I now have 11 grandchildren – my own soccer or cricket team!

I have travelled to quite a few countries on holidays, but my best were my visits on pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. But home is where the heart is, and that is in Cape Town - my beautiful city with my family and friends.

As a volunteer committee member, I would love to see more interaction between management, staff and volunteers - we all have a role to play!

Gen Rochecouste - Behind the Scenes representative

Gen, short for Genevieve Patrizia Rochecouste, is a far more fitting name for someone of my stature. I was born in the UK but was primarily brought up in Johannesburg. My mother is Italian and my father is French.

My interest in aquatic life started later in my schooling years and it brought me to Cape Town where I am happily growing my roots. In 2014 I spent my gap year at the Two Oceans Aquarium doing what volunteers do – front of house and behind the scenes, as well as diving in-house and on collections. It was an invaluable year!

This year I am studying at the University of Cape Town, which is proving quite challenging after a gap year. I hope to contribute to the oceans and its life with my skills for most of my life.

Besides spending my days studying I enjoy a number of activities: being outdoors, swinging poi and reading, to name a few.

The Two Oceans Aquarium and its staff members gave me a home last year and shared with me an immense amount of knowledge, and they continue to do so. Having been voted onto the volunteer committee, one thing I’d like to say is: don’t shy away from this rare opportunity. Here’s to a year filled with smelling like fish, looking at fish and learning about fish.

Casha de Vos – Young Biologists representative

I am 18 years old and I was born in Pretoria. I grew up on a farm in Gauteng, near Lanseria Airport, and absolutely loved the lifestyle. In December 2005 we moved down to Cape Town and ever since my family has lived in Melkbosstrand.

It was at Jan van Riebeeck High School where I first heard of the Young Biologist (YB) course. I attended the course in April 2013. This is where I discovered my passion for marine life and our oceans. I matriculated last year and since then I have been studying marine biology and oceanography at the University of Cape Town.

If it were not for the Aquarium, the YB course and the wonderful volunteers and staff I have had the honour to meet and work with, I would have never learned to love our oceans as much as I do today. This is a place worth treasuring.

Brandon van Niekerk – Social events

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

This quote is how I would describe myself as an individual. Change starts with one person deciding to take that step. Even though it is just to pick up a piece of paper lying next to the rubbish bin, or just helping that mother with all those grocery bags, or just telling someone who looks down and sad, “Smile.”

My journey at the Aquarium started as a Young Biologist in 2011. I've always loved animals, so this was a dream come true. I worked front of house volunteering shifts and accumulated 45 hours then moved to behind the scenes. This is where my true passion was and still remains. I've been looking forward to coming to the Aquarium almost every weekend for four years. 

I lived in Mitchells Plain with my parents, Fabain and Juanita, and attended South Peninsula High School in Diep River, where I was elected as Environmental Club and 90x2030 Club Chairperson. When I was in Grade 11, I had the honour to serve as the Student Representative Council President until the end of my school career. I now live in Kraaifontein, where I look after my gran while completing my studies in Information Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.