CURRICULUM VITAE

Dr. Marius Venter

AGE: 55, (I.D.6110115035082), married. CONTACT DETAILS:
Cell phone: 082 464 9636, mventer@uj.ac.za

HISTORY OF EMPLOYMENT

1 September 2010- currently:

Founder and Director of the Centre for Local /Economic Development (CENLED) based
at the University of Johannesburg.

I negotiated 2 national contracts with the Department of Trade and Industry worth R48
million. As part of these projects, 35 municipalities were mentored in respect of their
LED portfolios for the past 5 years and 6 TVET colleges were assisted on a national
basis to establish entrepreneurship centres for the past 3 years. I am currently
implementing a R1, 9 million contract for ENACTUS, and a R3 million contract for the
Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Kwazulu-
Natal.

I conceptualised and developed a new career path for persons working in economic
development for the Department of Economics and Econometrics (EDD). This inter alia
comprises 20 short learning programmes, which have been internationally accredited by
the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and a professional masters
degree in local economic development (the first in South Africa). In terms of the
professional masters in LED, I lectured the modules: Sustainable leadership in LED
and Topics in Globalisation during 2015 and is acting as supervisor for 6 of these
masters students. I was also the supervisor for 5 B. Com Hons. students in the DEE.

I am the founder and chairperson of the Economic Development Council South Africa
(EDCSA), the only professional body for persons working in the economic development
field.

I was appointed by the Minister of Small Business Development to the board of the
Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and am currently the deputy chairperson.
During 2011/12 I served as a QS-MAPLE Academic Advisory Committee member until
31 May 2012. QS-MAPLE is an international forum for globalising higher education in
the Middle East and Africa. At UJ I was a representative on the Institutional Forum of UJ
until September 2014.

Internationally I am currently engaged in research collaboration with Northern Illinois

University and have also been appointed as the director for Africa as part of the
PASCAL Observatory. The PASCAL International Observatory is a global network of
practitioners and researchers from higher education, regional government, the private
sector and non-governmental organisations which fosters collaboration and innovation in
regional development economic, workforce, social and cultural.

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I have established working partnerships with the following universities and external
stakeholders: University of the Western Cape (UWC); University of the Free State;
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal; Fort Hare University; University of Limpopo; Walter Sisulu
University; Northwest University; Central University of Technology; Tshwane University
of Technology; the University of Stellenbosch Business School; the South African Local
Government Association (SALGA); the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA);
the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC); the Department of Co-operative
Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI).

These stakeholders partake in feedback on the qualifications and activities of DEE to

ensure that students are equipped for the current workplace challenges. I assisted the
DEE and faculty to arrange a separate stream for local economic development at the
Value Conference of 2014 and am busy with arrangements for 2016. In terms of
research I contributed 1 accredited article to the research output of DEE during 2014.
Administratively I am responsible to manage all aspects of CENLED in terms of its
finances; marketing; contracts; and reporting.

During 2015 I established an economic development company for UJ, UDEV (PTY) LTD;
The main objects of the Company are:

Economic upliftment;
Job creation;
Urban renewal;
Property development; and
Community development.

I am on the board and the interim CEO of the company.

Professional registration Institution/body Year

Founding member and
Chairperson of the Economic
EDCSA 2015
Development Council of South
Africa (EDCSA)
Principle Business Advisor Institute of Business Advisors (IBA) 2001
Institute of Municipal Personnel
Municipal HR Practitioner 2002-2004
Practitioners
Member Institute of Directors 2015
Institute of Local Government
Member 2015
Management

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1 November 2008- 31 August 2010: I was the Chief Executive Officer: Overstrand
Local Economic Development Agency and Director: OLEDA.
The Overstrand Local Economic Development Agency (Pty) Ltd (OLEDA) was a private
company owned by the Overstrand Municipality with an independent board of Directors.
The Agency served the areas of Hermanus, Gansbaai, Stanford, Hangklip/Kleinmond,
Hawston, Pearly Beach and rural areas like Buffeljags and Baardskeerderbos.
The Overstrand Local Economic Development Agency's vision was:
That the Overstrand Municipal area will be the most sustainable/ responsible investment
and tourism destination in the Western Cape.

In terms of the service delivery agreement with the municipality OLEDA:

Acted as the operational arm of the municipality to implement economic, social,

environmental policies and projects;
Promotion and development of the economic potential of the area;
Establishment of an investor help desk
Development of entrepreneurial potential and activity, mostly tourism which supports
and drive economic growth in the area
The development of land and buildings to achieve its objectives

I was responsible to manage the company as a municipal entity and had to ensure
compliance with all municipal and company legislation. OLEDA received a clean audit
from the Auditor-General for 2009/10 and 2010/11.

The key performance areas of the position included:

Setting up of Agency as a Municipal Entity

Ensuring compliance with municipal and company legislation
Developing systems, procedures and policies as required
Preparing a fully integrated development plan / strategic framework for the
Overstrand Local Economic Development Agency with, and on behalf of, the
Overstrand Municipality.
Coordinating and facilitating the implementation of the OLEDA strategic plan,
including its spatial, economic and environmental dimensions, its regulatory,
budgetary, financial and legal implications and its social and economic
consequences.
The identification of projects and facilitating the preparation and evaluation of the
business plans.
Managing relationships with potential investors and entrepreneurs.
Managing and coordinating of stakeholders relations through effective
communication.
Overall management of the Overstrand Local Economic Development Agency.
Acquiring of project funds to achieve the strategic objectives of the agency.
Providing the Chairman of the Board and the Overstrand municipality with
continuous up to date, accurate information.
Providing innovative leadership to the Agency and its employees.
Co-coordinating the daily, monthly and annual functions of the Agency.
Interacting with investors, councilors, Board members and employees of the
Development Agency and with the Agency auditors, attorneys and other
professionals.

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 Working irregular hours, independently and sometimes under pressure.
Accessing funding from recognised Government and other sources which will include
evaluating, structuring and concluding project applications for finance with multiple
partners including empowerment entities.
Identification of new investment opportunities by networking all relevant
stakeholders.
Maintaining and promoting the Agencys relationships at every key level
Preparation of business plans, funding proposals and reports.

April 1996 November 2008:

I was a part time lecturer from 1996. I was appointed full time in 2007 as a SENIOR
LECTURER in economics at UJ. I lectured Public Economics for 2ND YEAR and HONS
students. I have also lectured Development Economics for the MPHIL students in
Entrepreneurship at the UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA.

OCTOBER 2006- APRIL 2007: Part time: Run/Walk for life franchise.
(31 MARCH 2004- SEPTEMBER 2006): I was the owner of the Randfontein and Carlton
Centre Cash Crusader Franchises. This entailed managing a retail business on
business principles. The franchise concept entails the buying and selling of new and
second-hand goods. Adhering to franchisor prescriptions and the responsibility for all
business aspects relating to employees, legal aspects of a franchise, financials and
interaction with all suppliers.

1996 2004: CITY OF JOBURG: I had dual responsibilities: Executive Officer: Local
Economic Development City of Johannesburg and Managing Director, Centre for
Entrepreneurship Education and Development:

As Head of Economic Development my responsibilities included inter alia the following:

1. To develop capacity to enable the City of Johannesburg to plan and act

strategically by:
o Gathering and analysing economic related information in a timely manner and to
feed this into a strategic framework.
o Monitoring international, national and regional policy initiatives,
o Legislation and economic trends to assess the possible local impact and to
propose appropriate interventions to the Council.
o Developing an extensive, up to date, information database to disseminate
information to potential investors.
o Monitoring the actions of major role-players.
o Co-coordinating and facilitating the actions of the various Council departments to
shift from a bureaucratic approach to an entrepreneurial business approach to
ensure customer service, minimise red tape and to guarantee responses within
specified time frames which will boost investors confidence.
o Interacting with senior policy makers at national, provincial and local level. I
liaised with the Department of Agriculture, Gauteng Finance and Economic
Department; the Dobsonville, Johannesburg, Randburg, Roodepoort, Sandton
and Soweto Chambers of Commerce and Industry; WESGRO; Investment SA;
the Department of Trade and Industry; Ntsika Enterprise Development Agency;
Metropolitan Councils of Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, etc.; financial institutions;
universities; Technikon SA; the Industrial Development Corporation; CSIR;

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 National Productivity Institute; ESKOM; embassies; etc. I also served on the
Board of Directors of the Gauteng Economic Development Agency, the Executive
of the Roodepoort Chamber, and TheGauteng Local Authority Association Small,
Medium and Micro enterprise (SMME) Working Group.

2. To market economic opportunities to potential local and foreign investors through

exhibitions, seminars, conferences, etc.

3. To promote local goods and services.

4. To ensure that the regulatory environment nurtures economic growth and

development incentives to complement the national incentives to attract
investments. Developed an incentive package to attract local, national and
international investments for e.g. tax rebates and rebates on contributions.

5. To facilitate innovative, institutional arrangements such as public/private

partnerships, privatization, etc. I was part of the team co-coordinating and
implementing a project The Greater Florida Lake Water Based Development,
developments of more than R2 Bn is envisaged.

6. As Head of the economic development division, I was responsible for the Capital
and Operational Budgets.

7. To facilitate job creation programmes such as urban agriculture. Beneficiaries

were identified; soil and water tests were completed, as well as the feasibility
study. Beneficiaries were trained on all aspects of cultivation, marketing of
produce, financial management etc.

8. Dr. Venter facilitated urban regeneration programmes.

9. To facilitate small, medium and micro enterprise development. In this respect a

partnership was formed with Technikon SA and the Department of Trade and
Industry. A Local Business Service Centre was established. The Center acts as a
one-stop shop to assist entrepreneurs in respect of all aspects related to
managing your own business. The Councils procurement procedure has been
changed to speed up local economic development. The Centre has been chosen
to pilot the Ntsika Mentorship programme secondly the Banking Council of SA
piloted their financial assistance programme to SMMEs through the Centre.
International links have been established with the Royal Melbourne Institute of
Technology, and The Community Business Resource Centre (CBRC) in Ontario,
Canada and The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development in
Nova Scotia, Canada. An Entrepreneurship on Line course was negotiated with
CBRC. The Center assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs.

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From January 2002 to March 2004 I was the Managing Director of CEED (SA) the
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development and the Head of Local
Economic Development for the City of Johannesburg.

CEED (SA) was a Section 21 company and was founded by the City of Johannesburg
and Technikon SA. CEED (SA) runs programmes which will contribute towards
economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
CEED (SA) equipped people and communities with skills that allowed them to enter the
world of trade and business, and start up their own businesses, most importantly to
ensure that these new businesses are successful in the long run.
Programmes that were developed for CEED (SA) by Dr. Venter:

- Programmes to develop business skills

- Legal aspects pertaining to your business
- Mentorship programmes
- AIDS awareness program
- A substance abuse prevention programme
- Life skills programmes
- Basic computer literacy courses
- Bylaws education and transformation
- Youth programmes e.g. assisting youth who had problems with the law with
entrepreneurial skills.
- Partnerships included: Dept. of Labour (A Brummer 0828684117); Business
Skills for SA Foundation (012 349-1777); Banking Council; Business Beat
(Deloitte & Touche 011-8066187); National Business Initiative; Kagiso
Business Consultants; NAMAC; RAU- Community Outreach (Tanja
Grobbelaar); Print Media SA (4471264); Tsoga Youth (012-3484962);
Umsobomvu Youth Fund.

The programmes of CEED (SA) are aimed at marginalised people in particular, for
example blacks, women and other disadvantaged communities.
Others who are invited to join the programmes included the following:

- Entrepreneurs
- Young people
- Underdeveloped communities
- Unemployed graduates
- Employees of the City of Johannesburg
- Unemployed persons
- Local authorities
- Employees of Technikon SA

CEED (SA)s vision is to recognise that small, medium and micro enterprises have a
critical role to play in the economic growth in the Southern African region and that job
creation is of the essence if this region is to prosper. It was Dr. Venters job to implement
this vision. Dr. Venter established CEED (SA) as an African, world-class company
specializing in entrepreneurship, training and education. Dr. Venter was a Board
member of CEED (SA) and Open for Business.

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Reference: Chairperson: Mr. Andreas de Beer (Board Member) 082 412 7078;

- A business information centre franchise was set up by Dr. Venter in

collaboration with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and
Development, Canada. The partners are Investec Bank, Unisa, and The City
of Johannesburg. It is a concept from Canada and it is called Open for
Business. It is a one stop shop for potential entrepreneurs needing
information on all aspects of starting or running a business.

LECTURING AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

- From 1996 to December 2006. I have been a part time Economics Lecturer
specializing in Public Finance, at RAU and the University of Johannesburg. I
lecture public economics to 2nd year and Honours students, I also assisted
master and doctorate students with their research and studies as required.
Since 2004 I have been lecturing Development Economics at the University
of Pretoria. For the MPhil students in Entrepreneurship and I am an external
examiner for the 3rd year students in Entrepreneurship.

RESEARCH PROJECTS:

I have conducted and participated in research projects, compiled reports with findings
and recommendations on the following:

1. Electronic payment systems for the Johannesburg Transport

Department (1985-86) for the City of Johannesburg. A study tour was
undertaken to Britain. As a result of this research and the recommendations a
new electronic fare collection system was introduced in 1986.
2. The viability of introducing new bus routes and services to inter alia
Randpark Ridge, Bromhof, Boskruin, Beverly Gardens, Malanshof and
Meredale (1986).Report to the Management Committee of Johannesburg.
3. Methods that the Johannesburg Transport Department could introduce to
improve productivity of employees. (1986). The recommendations of the
report were approved and a Total quality management system was introduced,
for eg. quality circles in all the departments.
4. Developing a career path for bus drivers of The Johannesburg Transport
Department (1986). A study by me to investigate which possible training
courses would be suitable in order to develop career paths for 500 bus drivers
employed by the department. The certificate, advanced certificate and diploma
course of RAUs Department of Transport Economics under Prof Jackie Walters
were introduced and 135 students enrolled.
5. The viability to introduce smaller buses on non-profitable routes of The
Transport Department of Johannesburg (1987).

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6. As the head of the privatisation research unit I conducted research to determine
which activities of the City of Johannesburg could be privatised:

The privatisation of activities of the Johannesburg Transport

Department of the City of Johannesburg (1987/88): This report
investigated the possibility to privatise the cleaning of busses, depots
and offices, catering services, advertising on shelters, repairs.
The options available to privatise the administration of the
Johannesburg Municipal Pension Fund.(1988).
The viability to privatise the City of Johannesburgs: parking
garages, buildings, security unit, dog unit, horse unit, the different
training departments, grass cutting, parks, cemeteries, golf courses
(Huddle park), sport facilities, gas distribution. (1988)
The privatisation of certain non-core activities of The
Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market looking at cleaning, ripening
facilities, cold storage, security, the operation of the market,
marketing function.(1989/90)
This research culminated into the M. Com degree which I completed in 1989.

7. The possibilities to deregulate the City of Johannesburg (1991/ 92). I was

a member of the project team conducting research under the chair Prof Louise
Tager of The Law Review Project of Wits University. The research was also
incorporated in The Promotion of Small Businesses Act.

8. A new approach to determine a formula for intergovernmental transfers

between the provinces of South Africa A report to the minister of Finance,
(1992/93).

9. The amalgamation of Local Authorities (1993) I was a member of the Local

Government Negotiating Forum which prepared a report for the minister of
finance.

10. The privatisation of The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market (1995/96)

11. The development of an incentive package to promote the Western

Metropolitan Council as an investment destination (1997).A report to the
mayoral committee of the City of Johannesburg.

12. The viability of developing the Greater Florida Lake area (1997/98). A
report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg and the Rate Payers
Association of Florida, a development plan culminated from this which was
accepted by the community.

13. An economic profile for the City of Johannesburg (1999/2000). A report to

the mayoral committee of Johannesburg. This profile assisted the city to
determine which sectors were important for development and strategic
interventions.

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 14. Urban agriculture as a means to assist unemployed persons in Leratong/
Tsepisong area. (2001/2002).A report to the mayoral committee of
Johannesburg.

15. The upgrading of Central Business Districts in the Western Metropolitan

Local Council (2002). A report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg.

16. Best practises for the nurturing of small businesses in the City of
Johannesburg (2003). A report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg.

17. Best practices for introducing local economic development projects to

assist unemployed persons in the City of Johannesburg. (2004). A report
to the Mayoral Committee of Johannesburg.

18. The perceived value of the Real Enterprise Development Programme and
its contribution to the Western Cape Economy. (2008).

ARTICLES:

JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SCIENCES, Volume 7 Number 3,

October 2014, ISSN 1995-7076 (print), ISSN 2312-2803 (online), Marius Venter,
FROM LIP-SERVICE TO SERVICE DELIVERY IN LOCAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT: GUIDELINES TO SET UP AN AGENCY FOR ACTION

Skills@work Editorial February 2013: CHANGE YOUR MINDSET: MOVE FROM

BEING AN LED PRACTITIONER TO BECOME AN LED PROFESSIONAL

The privatisation of local government functions with specific reference to the City of
Johannesburg (1989), The journal of the Institute of Municipal Treasurers.

PAPERS

International: Entrepreneurs on the move (2002), Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the

Commonwealth Meeting.
The perceived value of the Real Enterprise Development Programme and its
contribution to the Western Cape Economy. (Value Conference, 2008).
IGNITE presentation, international conference, International Economic
Development Council, Philadelphia. USA, The UJ Values in economic
development, 2013.

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Study guidance for master dissertations and doctoral thesis

1) External assessor various M.B.A. and masters candidates inter alia:

PhD thesis, Zondiwe Mkhabela, The role of leadership in the developmental

needs of the senior managers in a rural municipality: A case study in adult
education at Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, 2015. Stellenbosch University.
2014: Examiner, O.N. Sentsho, Masters dissertation: The impact of urbanisation
on the basic service delivery by Municipalities in Gauteng.
2014: Examiner, M.B. Masuku, MBA dissertation, UKZN, Leadership with
specific reference to the Ehlanzeni District Municipality.
2012: Kwazulu-Natal Leadership School: Examiner: PC KHAMBULE, M. COM.
(COURSEWORK), The Impact of LED conceptualisation: A Case Study of the
UGU DISTRICT.
2012: Kwazulu-Natal Leadership School: Examiner: Jim Matsho (210555458),
M. COM. (Leadership), Land Reform Projects as LED Contributors: KwaZulu-
Natal Case studies.
2012: Kwazulu-Natal Leadership School: Examiner: TR Farisani Student
No: 200106210 Degree: M-COM, Dissertation: Empowering Disadvantaged
Businesses through LED Projects: A Practitioner's Approach.
S.D. Masuku: The importance of human capital in the manufacturing sector of
the SA economy. (MA in Economics), UJ. February 2005.
L.A. Phaahlamohlaka: The impact of privatisation on the electricity industry with
specific reference to Gauteng. UJ. October 2006.
H.S. Franzsen: A marketing model for a Metropolitan local council, (MA, Public
Management, University of the Free State. November 2001.

2) Masters mini- dissertation study leader/ co-supervisor:

2015; Y. Burger. M-Tech in Entrepreneurship (mini-dissertation), Place based

approach to community led entrepreneurship on small holdings in Kameeldrift.
Tshwane, M. Venter, supervisor and J. Grundling (co-supervisor); Tshwane
University of Technology.

2013, study leader: J. Naidoo, MBA dissertation, MANCOSA, A study to

determine the implications of introducing naturalistic driving studies in the
Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa.
2013, study leader: L. Naicker, MBA dissertation, MANCOSA, An investigation
into the impact of job satisfaction on job performance at Group X.
T.P. Matthane: A critical evaluation of the South African intergovernmental grant
system. (MCom: Business Management), UJ. Study Leader, M Venter, October
2003
2008: J.W. Meyer. MANCOSA: The role of the accountant in assisting Real
Enterprise Development Centres. M. Venter, Supervisor.
X.M. Mgxaji, The role of local business support centres in small, medium and
micro-enterprise development, A. Wentzel (supervisor) and M. Venter (co-
supervisor), October 2007.

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3) Full Masters:
X. Feng, Impact of township enterprises on local economic development in
Mabopane, Supervisor: M. Venter (supervisor) and J. Grundling (co-supervisor),
October 2012.

4) Teaching:
As a lecturer at UJ from 2000 I have developed the study guide for the 2nd year
and honours students studying National and Local Government Finance at the
Economics Dept. of UJ. Responsible for the presentation and examination of the
courses in English and Afrikaans.
As a lecturer at the University of Pretoria I have lectured Development
Economics to the MPhil students in Entrepreneurship. Responsible for presenting
the course, developing the study guide and examination paper.
I have acted as external examiner for the 3rd year B Com (Entrepreneurship)
students at Pretoria as well as for International Finance students at UJ.
I was the external examiner for final year students studying the Diploma in Small
Business Management at Technikon SA.

Book Review and book chapter: Public Economics for SA students, November 2006.
Action Research and Learning in Local Economic Development: 2017

BOARD MEMBER: Deputy Chairperson: Small Enterprise Development Agency from

2011.

Other subject related training:

I am a qualified trainer for Business Skills South Africa lecturing the following modules:

Your approach towards Business

Legal Aspects pertaining to starting and running your business
Practical Marketing
Practical pricing and Costing skills
Effective financial management
Customer care
Basic Bookkeeping
Understanding VAT
Business Plans

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I am a qualified facilitator for The Institute for Health Training and Development:

Managing Substance Abuse in the workplace developed by Start and Improve

Your Business funded by the International Labour Organisation.

I am an internationally accredited facilitator for the Centre for Entrepreneurship

Education and Development (Canada):

Business for a day

Second Chance

As the Head of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development I have
developed the following study material:

Practical tendering
Local Economic Development

1994: Deputy Director: Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, responsible for

operations, marketing, the Capital Operational Budgets, Cold Storage and
Ripening facilities. The turnover of the fresh produce market exceeded R850
000million p. a. Largest market in Africa. Responsible to liaise with producers,
buyers, wholesalers, all. National Markets etc. Was a Member of The Institute of
Market Masters.

1993: Assistant City Treasurer, Boksburg Town Council, responsible for investments,
capital and operational budgets, and special projects.

1992: Department of Finance, as advisor to the Minister of Finance and Minister of

Local Government. Was a member of project team that developed a new formula
for intergovernmental grants, Member of the Local Government Negotiating
Forum on Finance.

1985 1991: Johannesburg City Council, various departments with the last
position as Asst. Director: Pension Fund, responsible for investments and
privatization projects.

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QUALIFICATIONS

B-Com. (Law), 1983, majors Economics, Contracts and Law of Delict; B-Com.
Hons. (Economics), 1987; M-Com. (Economics), 1989. Privatization of Local
Government functions; D-Com. (Economics), 1994.The contribution of the
informal sector to the economy of Johannesburg.

All qualifications were obtained at Rand Afrikaans University.

Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, Explorer, E-mail

Accredited Business Advisor

Completed a training course in basic Zulu

OTHER

ACCREDITED TRAINER: BUSINESS SKILLS FOR SA, marketing business plans and
financial forecasting. Transport Economics, Local Government Law, Public/Private
Partnerships, Training the Trainer, Mentorship, Labour Relations, Interaction
Management, Project Management, Marketing (Graduate School for Management),
Creative Thinking.

HOBBIES

- Qualified Netball Umpire

- Deputy chairperson of pigeon union.
- Assisting business startups; Pigeons; running.

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