Our Authors

Manichand Beharilal was born in Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal and grew up in Springfield, Durban. He is a fulltime author and motivational speaker. He also facilitates Creative Writing Workshops and Librarians Reading Empowerment Seminars.

His writing is a dedication to the children of South Africa, in the hope of a better and brighter future. He lives in Oakdene, south of Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Thea Wallace is a fulltime professional language practitioner, with her main focus areas being translation, interpreting and writing short stories.

She lives in the village of Rayton, just outside of Pretoria, with her husband, Patrick, and their children Patricia, Michael and Roxanne.

Marianne van Heerden has her roots in the Northern Cape and her heart at the sea. She is an educationist and experienced curriculum writer.

Marianne currently lives on a huge plot in Glen Austin, Gauteng with her husband, Peter, many animals and two pianos.

Raashida Khan is a 50-something content creator, author, poet, wife, mother and friend – a unicorn that does exist. As a caring, compassionate and empathetic person who loves observing people and life, she is a storyteller of note. Apart from writing fiction and opinion pieces, Raashida is a content creator, copywriter and editor. She facilitates workshops on writing prose and poetry and discussions around her passion projects. She also mentors potential writers and poets.

She would like to be remembered as ‘never boring.’

Her submissions have been featured in local and international collections. Raashida has won several awards and one of her books have been serialised into a radio drama for Lotus FM.

Senior Project Manager – WILDOCEANS Programme

I have dedicated my entire professional career to conservation—it’s not just what I do, it’s who I am. My journey began in environmental education, and over the years, I transitioned into conservation project management. For the past decade, I have focused exclusively on marine conservation, which I consider my true calling. I am often referred to as the mermaid in our team.

I have been with WILDOCEANS from inception and, I currently manage one of our species projects which focuses on Shark and Ray protection in South Africa. In addition, I lead and direct our Ocean Literacy Programme, where I design bespoke educational resources, and oversee implementation within rural communities aligned with the WILDTRUST mission. I have also published two volumes of the Harry the Hammerhead series which is a children’s story book focused on Marine Protected Area expansion. This beautifully illustrated book takes children on a wonderful, educational journey along the South African coastline underwater, meeting Harry’s friends along the way. The stories help communicate complex ocean issues, threats and MPA benefits in a fun, simple way. Volume one was printed in French, isiZulu, and English been rolled out in coastal communities linked to projects being implemented by WILDTRUST.

I am a dog mom of a six pack, stepmom to three and wife to one wonderful husband. If I am not working for our ocean, you will find me at the ocean either with my dogs or diving.

Marizaan de Wet grew up in the small town of Brandfort and now lives in Bloemfontein in the Free State. She has a Bachelors of Science degree, majoring in Genetics and Zoology at UFS. She is very passionate about animals, as her pets can attest: a Basset Hound, a Boerboel mix, Cocker Spaniel and a chicken called Nando. She enjoys history and interacting with people. This is her first children’s book.