Odette holds an MSc Zoology (2005) and a PhD (2013) in Botany from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Odette has authored or co-authored eight scientific papers and 14 popular articles.
Lesley has a BSc in Dietetics (1975, University of KZN), an Honours in Community Health (1984, UCT) and an MSc in Epidemiology (1990, Univ Stellenbosch).
Dirk holds a BSc (1986) and Honors (1989) degree in Agriculture. He is a successful commercial farmer in the Heidelberg region (eastern Overberg), owning two adjacent farms: Voorstekop (his family farm) and Uitvlugt.