I write a column that appears in Beeld newspaper every second Thursday.

Research focus: political theory, morality, rhetoric, political behaviour, political socialisation, the politics of identity and memory in South Africa, political discourse, popular culture, and political culture.

This is a side-project that I currently devote some of my time to. KEKIE focuses on: artisanal manufacturing of décor and accessories; relationship-building with local, unemployed craftspeople in the Pretoria region; the sourcing of materials and conceptualisation of designs that can help local crafters to work towards receiving a more sustainable income while also protecting the environment in Pretoria; and inner city revival in Pretoria.The building of relationships with local crafters in the Pretoria region serves as a form of change management (a means to influence unsustainable sourcing of materials and designs to become more sustainable) to the possible benefit of crafters' long-term income, and the income of the creative entrepreneurial enterprise.

The numbers in business reporting and M&E processes play an essential role in decision-making, but oftentimes you need access to more qualitative information, on human role players especially, to identify risks and inform strategic decisions.I provide analysis products to inform sound decision-making: - (remote and interactive) language analysis of individuals and action plans to strategically communicate with your stakeholders; - to-the-point, user-friendly and tailor-made country reports, political analysis, sector-specific analysis and stakeholder mapping; and- due diligence reports.My approach to understanding human role players is transparent. The framework of analysis that I make use of draws from critical discourse analysis, constructivism, the Language and Behaviour Profile, principles of neuro-linguistic programming and theories of International Relations and Political Science.I actively take part in a continued critical discussion - in an academic and practical context - on the above theories and approaches to always question the relevance and empirical nature of my approach in the provision of business intelligence.

Manager of the office of the DDG at the DST that focuses on positioning South Africa as a strategic international partner with respect to science, technology and innovation cooperation. Responsibilities included:• management and administration of finances (operational budgeting, expenditure control and monitoring);• management of strategic and business planning; • management of quarterly and annual business reporting, including coordination of access to strategic information;• interpersonal communication and relationship-building; • change management;• management of human resources administration;• risk management;• project monitoring and project risk management;• management of policy implementation;• quality assurance and editing of documentation and submissions;• management of the secretariat for Programme meetings;• provision of responses to queries from within the Department;• facilitation of Programme liaison and external liaison; and• facilitation of people development.

In the short time that I served in this position, I managed a portfolio of multilateral programmes that support international research cooperation to contribute to the internationalisation of South African science, technology and innovation. Specific duties included:• research and analysis to inform Departmental policy and strategy;• working closely with other national stakeholders involved in multilateral engagements;• initiating and serving science and technology agreements with multilateral institutions; and• evaluating international research and development trends in the multilateral arena.I was transferred from this position to fill a Directorship in the office of the DDG for International Cooperation and Resources.

Corporate professionals, executive decision-makers and “policy-makers” of any kind (in a corporate or political context) require comprehensive, reliable, detailed, current and processed information to make strategic decisions. This includes understanding the critical element in all business activities: the “human factor”. This is especially applicable given that the main reason why businesses fail is decision-making based on insufficient and inaccurate information, especially about the people involved. As Behavioural and Communication Intelligence Analyst, I worked as a remote and interactive language and behavioural profiler delivering “human factor” executive decision-making and communications products for clients in corporate and political sectors. Responsibilities included: • data collection; • behavioural analysis (including the detection of deceptive and suspicious behaviour);• political analysis;• sector-specific analysis; and • training in Language and Behavioural (LAB) Profiling and Interpersonal Intelligence (Reading and Engaging Non-Verbal Behaviour).

Lecturer in Political Behaviour to undergraduate students and Jean Monnet European Studies to postgraduate students. I am especially passionate about the Political Behaviour course that I compiled and presented for two years – this also linked with my research on the political behaviour of groups in South African society (including crowd and mob behaviour, and political socialisation of individuals and groups).

• Lectured Political Behaviour to undergraduate students and Jean Monnet European Studies to post-graduate students.• Researcher for MERCURY, a European Union Framework Programme Seven (FP7)-funded project from 2009 – 2012. My focus was on development and regional integration in Africa.• Conducted field research in Ethiopia on development, regional integration and decision-making structures in the African Union (AU) Commission. Research included interviews with staff at the AU Commission, the EU Delegation to the AU Commission, South African diplomatic representation in Addis Ababa, and private think tanks.

• Lecturer in Political Science and International Relations for undergraduate students.• Researcher for MERCURY, an FP7-funded project from 2009 – 2012. My focus was on development and regional integration in Africa.

• Conducted research on natural resource conflicts in Kenya, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• Lecturer in Political Science and International Relations for undergraduate students.• Research Assistant in an EU Framework Programme Six (FP6) research project on developing world actors' perceptions of the EU.

• Tutor to undergraduate students in Political Science and International Relations.• Appointed Head Tutor in 2007.