Douw is an experienced IT Systems Manager with over 23 years in the field, primarily at the University of Stellenbosch and Boland College in South Africa. He holds a National Diploma in Agricultural Research (Botany) from Tshwane University of Technology and is certified as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Douw excels in managing Active Directory and Exchange environments, often dealing with senior management and challenging situations.

Originally from a family farm in the Northwest province, Douw moved to the Western Cape 23 years ago, settling in Die Strand near Cape Town. His passion for technology began early, and he enjoys integrating it with farming. As a horticulturist, he loves olive trees and remains involved in agriculture.

Douw is an avid outdoorsman; he enjoys fishing, hunting, and camping alongside his three sons. Through these shared adventures, he instills a deep respect for nature in them. Each outing is also a heartfelt tribute to his late son, whose memory continues to deepen their bond and love for the wilderness.

At the University of Stellenbosch’s Tygerberg campus, Douw managed a major IT crisis involving a SAN failure and supported a post-graduate student’s MSc research. Excited to join LeafTech, he brings extensive expertise and a commitment to his work.