Gurshem Nelson

• Government Relations & Policy Advocacy

As Senior Client Service Manager, I have cultivated trusted relationships with government officials across various spectrums: health, education, and municipal sectors, through strategic partnerships, including the Gauteng Crime Wardens Programme. Developed advocacy strategies by translating stakeholder feedback into policy changes that support organizational objectives. Represented the organization in governmental discussions and negotiations, preparing strategic frameworks for multi-million rand partnerships.

• Stakeholder Engagement

Primary liaison coordinating multi-sector partnerships with the provincial government, law enforcement, and community leaders. Mobilized stakeholders to secure strategic MOUs worth millions with universities and government departments. Led cross-functional teams of 60+ individuals, transforming siloed operations into collaborative units that delivered measurable results, including crime reduction and improved community trust through the Gauteng Crime Warden project.

• Public Affairs & External Communication:

Enhanced organizational brand across governmental and educational sectors through strategic communications. Served as a spokesperson in external engagements, leading presentations and negotiations. Managed high-risk initiatives, like national security programs, while maintaining stakeholder alignment and achieving operational objectives.

• Regulatory Affairs & Compliance: Ensured regulatory compliance across multi-provincial projects and intergovernmental partnerships. Identified and mitigated regulatory risks through successful management of complex initiatives requiring strict adherence to military health protocols, and public service regulations. Engaged institutional partners to develop unified approaches, addressing regulatory requirements.
• Key Impact Metrics: 60-person stakeholder team unified into a collaborative unit, multi-million rand MOUs negotiated with major institutions, national Project Owethu coordinated across provinces, crime reduction achieved through community safety initiatives, zero compliance issues across complex multi-sector partnerships.

Bottom Line: I have a proven track record in government relations, stakeholder management, and regulatory compliance, with quantifiable results in community impact and organizational growth.

• Policy Development & Legislative Framework Expertise: Developed comprehensive health surveillance policies covering medical, occupational, and environmental protocols. Created multi-sectoral NCD prevention strategies with systematic risk factor modification approaches. Established Force Health Protection frameworks, ensuring constitutional and regulatory compliance.
• Multi-Sector Stakeholder Coordination:

Negotiated strategic MOUs with four major institutions: Nelson Mandela University, Walter Sisulu University, the National Department of Health, and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. Built academic-military partnerships, enhancing research capacity and student practical experience.

Coordinated cross-sector health initiatives supporting community development objectives.

• International Relations & Cross-Border Operations:

Led health stakeholder negotiations during SANDF missions in DRC (Beni, Goma), and Mozambique (Cabo Delgado). Managed assets exceeding R200 million across SAMIM and SAMIMDRC operations. Ensured compliance with international health protocols while maintaining operational effectiveness.

• Community Development & Rural Empowerment:

Conceptualized and managed Project Owethu, featuring comprehensive rural animal health programs. Delivered essential services to remote and underserved communities across multiple provinces. Created sustainable frameworks integrating rural health, livelihoods, and development objectives.

In this role, I was instrumental in developing strategic reports for senior leadership, and leading initiatives that aimed at continuous improvement and enhancing workforce efficiency. Additionally, I ensured that program and project outcomes aligned with government priorities, such as the National Development Plan and poverty alleviation efforts. I complied with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury regulations, demonstrating transparent resource allocation and regulatory compliance to Parliament, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), the Joint Standing Committee of Defence (JSCD), and audit authorities.

Key Achievements: I participated as a member of the Integrated Project Team (IPT) responsible for the commissioning of the Gqeberha Military Base Hospital, which had a project value of R500 million. I played a pivotal role in ensuring the project's timely completion, and achieving zero audit queries. Furthermore, I enabled directors, including the Deputy Director-General (Chief Director of Force Preparation), to lead with insight, accountability, and adaptability, effectively translating vision and strategy into measurable improvements for communities throughout all nine provinces. My extensive experience in designing and reporting on intricate health and development programs equips me with the necessary skills to instill a results-driven culture in any position.

Reason for leaving: Internal rotation (promotion to a higher level within the organization).