GAETHUWE MABE LETLHAKU
Senior Advisor Economic Development & Investment
Kempton Park,GP
Summary
Dynamic Economic Development and Investment Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience supporting municipalities in integrated development planning, economic development, investment promotion, policy development, strategic planning, stakeholder management, and intergovernmental relations. Currently serving as Senior Advisor: Economic Development & Investment at SALGA Gauteng, providing strategic support to municipalities on local economic development, investment attraction, enterprise development, municipal competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.
Demonstrated success in leading multi-stakeholder partnerships, mobilising strategic investments, coordinating international development initiatives, and facilitating municipal capacity-building programmes. Served as the lead SALGA official on the Gauteng Bid Task Team that successfully secured the winning bid for South Africa and Gauteng Province to host the 2027 World Forum of Local Economic Development (WFLED). Proven experience in coordinating Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) localisation initiatives, supporting Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and integrating global development frameworks into local government planning and implementation.
Passionate about leveraging international best practices, strategic partnerships, and innovative economic development approaches to advance inclusive economic growth, investment promotion, and sustainable development within South Africa's municipalities.
Overview
2
2
Languages
3
3
Certifications
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Advisor Economic Development & Investment
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng
2022.05 - Current
- Coordinate [number]% of stakeholder engagements across municipalities, departments, and development agencies to advance local investment priorities.
- Track [number] municipal economic development initiatives and flag implementation gaps for timely intervention.
- Advise municipalities on local economic development, investment promotion, and policy positions aligned to growth priorities.
- Coordinate economic development programmes and initiatives from planning through delivery, keeping municipal teams aligned on priorities.
- Support municipalities in improving economic competitiveness and business climate through practical development interventions.
- Build stakeholder partnerships between municipalities, government departments, and development agencies to strengthen collaboration.
- Develop sustainable economic growth interventions and present recommendations clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
Advisor IGR & Strategic Relations
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
2019.04 - 2022.04
- Managed strategic stakeholder relations and intergovernmental engagements across municipalities, government departments, and development partners.
- Facilitated partnerships that aligned municipal priorities with government and development partner support.
- Coordinated advocacy and lobbying initiatives to advance local government priorities.
- Supported development and implementation of strategic programmes and interventions.
- Drafted policy advisory materials and reports to support strategic decision-making.
- Delivered presentations to internal and external stakeholders on strategic relations and local government priorities.
- Coached and mentored colleagues while coordinating communication and follow-up through Outlook.
Senior Admin Integrated Development Planning
Department Local Government & Traditional Affairs
2009.09 - 2012.12
- Coordinate municipal planning and reporting activities, producing clear updates that support decision-making and accountability.
- Facilitate community participation through consultations, workshops, and presentations that capture local priorities in planning processes.
- Support implementation of municipal development programmes by coordinating follow-up actions and tracking delivery requirements.
- Contribute policy advisory input on integrated development planning matters, aligning municipal priorities with broader government objectives.
- Strengthen stakeholder partnerships through intergovernmental coordination, advocacy, and mentoring support for planning participants.
Internship Research & Planning
North West Parks & Tourism Board
2008.05 - 2009.04
- Support research and planning activities through structured data collection, survey coordination, and analysis.
- Clean, capture, and validate data to strengthen evidence-based reporting and planning decisions.
- Contribute to research outputs and report writing, building early analytical and policy advisory skills.
- Provide administrative and operational support within a public sector planning environment using Outlook for routine coordination.
- Assist with survey coordination and presentation preparation to communicate findings clearly to planning stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)
University of South Africa (UNISA)
2026-12
Postgraduate Diploma - Advanced Social Research
University of Johannesburg
2018-01
PDM - Public and Development Management
University of the Witwatersrand
JOHANNESBURG2016-03
Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) - Development Studies
North West University
Mafikeng Campus2009-01
Bachelor of Arts - Conservation, Tourism & Sustainable Development
North West University
Mafikeng Campus2007-01
High School Matric (With Endorsement) - undefined
Bopaganang Public Secondary School
2003-01
Skills
Economic development programme management
Investment promotion
Policy advisory
Report writing
Presentation skills
Economic competitiveness
Intergovernmental relations
Stakeholder partnerships
Advocacy and lobbying
Coaching and mentoring
Outlook
Certification
Professional Director (PD) SA: Certificate of Professional Designation 2024
Personal Information
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: B
Timeline
Senior Advisor Economic Development & Investment
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
2022.05 - Current
Advisor IGR & Strategic Relations
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
2019.04 - 2022.04
Senior Admin Integrated Development Planning
Department Local Government & Traditional Affairs
2009.09 - 2012.12
Internship Research & Planning
North West Parks & Tourism Board
2008.05 - 2009.04
High School Matric (With Endorsement) - undefined
Bopaganang Public Secondary School
Bachelor of Arts - Conservation, Tourism & Sustainable Development
North West University
Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) - Development Studies
North West University
PDM - Public and Development Management
University of the Witwatersrand
Postgraduate Diploma - Advanced Social Research
University of Johannesburg
Bachelor of Arts - Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)
University of South Africa (UNISA)