Mpho serves as the Deputy Director: Integrated Development and Business Planning at the City of Johannesburg. He leverages certifications from the Hague Academy for Local Governance, NSG, and SAS, alongside his ongoing PhD studies in Political Studies, to enhance organisational performance and strategic alignment. With over 11 years of experience in applied socio-economic and development research, political and governance reform, and M&E design and implementation across both public and private sectors, he is dedicated to driving impactful change.In this role, he oversees the City’s strategic planning processes, ensuring effective business planning that supports service delivery and long-term goals. He provides consolidated feedback to the Mayoral Committee, City Manager, and Executive Team on strategic initiatives and plays a crucial role in coordinating the City’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Business Planning processes. His responsibilities also include leading public consultations and research efforts to integrate best practices into the City’s planning frameworks.Furthermore, he collaborates with stakeholders, partners, and experts to foster meaningful dialogue and transform insights into actionable policy recommendations. Among his recent publications are an article on navigating coalition dynamics in the City of Johannesburg, an analysis of informal versus formal governance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a report on the city’s progress toward achieving 35% renewable energy on the grid by 2030.