Governance Advisor with focus on economic development agencies in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

I am a Local Economic Development practitioner in the Eastern Cape, South Africa seconded to the local economic development Agency Aspire by the German Agency for Development Cooperation (GIZ) in the Governance Support Programme. I have managed the construction and operations of an artists residency in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, with the aim of using the creative industries as an economic catalyst in this small community. Further, i managed the complex stakeholder relations surrounding this project in terms of local municipal, provincial and national involvement. In addition i was lending advisory support to further local municipalities in the region.

I was leading the establishment of a local tourism organisation (LTO). This entailed putting the legal framework structures in place (board of directors etc), building the information portfolio of the office, ensuring that all admin structures were in place and training interns. At the same time it meant liasing with local government as well as the private sector. Tourism was seen as a sector with development potential.

I was representing the student body towards the governing board and academic staff of the university. My focus was on making sure that the university experience is a well balanced one, were extra curricular activities such as society or sport involvement are possible. I assisted with the setting up of societies, financial support to societies and the development of sport.