Kanozi Mlotha-Mbatsha
Legal Compliance & Operations Executive
Centurion,South Africa
Summary
Strategic and principled legal professional with a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to integrity. Results-driven and excellence-oriented with a proven ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Successfully established legal services business units that significantly reduced organizational legal risks by proactively identifying risk factors, improving contract terms, and optimizing procurement processes.
Led a transformative overhaul of dispute resolution and regulatory workflows, introducing standard operating procedures that elevated performance within six months. This achievement had a direct and substantial impact on the organization's overall performance — propelling the entity from last place to second among those reporting to the Human Settlements department.
Recognized for fostering collaborative relationships across all levels and championing skill transfer to empower colleagues and enhance overall workforce capability.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Adjudicator General
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)
Centurion, South Africa
12.2017 - 07.2025
- Responsible for the implementation of Section 4 (CSOS Act) functions of the Service which are core operations, i.e., the regulatory and the alternative dispute resolution function also known as CSOS Programme 2 and Programme 3
- Tasked with overseeing core operations, I provide strategic leadership on dispute resolution and governance within community schemes whilst safe keeping schemes’ governance documentation
- Oversaw the implementation of an alternative dispute resolution as outlined from Section 38 to Section 58 of the CSOS Act, ensuring that all disputes lodged are managed effectively and efficiently to ensure service delivery
- Streamlined case management processes to expedite resolution times while maintaining accuracy in decision making.
- Collaborated with attorneys, law enforcement, and other professionals to gather evidence for fair adjudication.
- In terms of S36 of the CSOS Act, I managed development of Practice Directives and oversee their implementation in terms of the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act and other relevant pieces of legislation to ensure good governance with community schemes
- Continuously updated personal knowledge on relevant laws, regulations, and policies affecting the adjudication process within the jurisdiction served.
- Managed the development and implementation of the CSOS research and knowledge management strategy, providing training to all CSOS stakeholders, both internally and externally to ensure that they are able to implement CSOS Practice Directives to ensure good governance
- Established strategic partnerships with sister companies such as the PPRA, the NHBRC and SHRA and inviting them along wherever we train CSOS stakeholders
- Developed operational plans, cost them to ensure that they are budgeted for the regions to ensure service delivery. I oversee the streamlining and standardization of Dispute Resolution and Governance processes for efficiency
- Identified potential risks that could negatively affect core operations and pro-actively implementing control measures to reduce the potential of exposure
- Managed the development of regional Ombuds’ performance agreements and ensure that all Dispute Resolution and Governance staff contribute to the achievement of Annual Performance Plan targets
- Monitored and report quarterly to EXCO and LATcom on all CSOS core operations and identifying opportunities to exploit whilst highlighting shortfalls for improvement
- Provided strategic and administrative support to the Office of the Chief Ombud, as and when required
Director: Contract Management Services
National Department of Human Settlements
Pretoria, South Africa
09.2013 - 11.2017
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Provided legal advice to all departmental business units
- Reviewed, vetted and drafted legal documents such as International Agreements, Master License Agreements, Consulting Agreements, Memoranda of Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, Service Level Agreements, Educational Funding Agreements, Deeds of Cession and Assignment, Lease Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements entered between the National Department of Human Settlements and Service Providers, Housing Institutions, Provincial Departments, Municipalities and international countries, including addenda to the above
- Negotiated international agreements with countries such as Cuba and China including the UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services)
- Also drafted and vetted other legal documents such as cabinet memoranda, notices, indemnities, cancellation of contracts and acknowledgement of debts
- Drafted the Contract & Performance Management Policy to ensure compliance within the Department
- Reported quarterly on Contract Management Services’ performance against set targets in the Annual Performance Plan and the Operational Plan
- Reported to the Director General on contract irregularities as and when they became known
- Involved in stakeholder negotiations by ensuring that the agreements to be concluded for project implementation are within the legal framework and accordingly complied with
- Writing of legal opinions on instruction/request regarding the interpretation of legislation and/or related policies, or other legal issues
- Provide advice to departmental units on cancellation of contracts where service providers fail to rectify breach
- Liaising with the State Attorney regarding litigation matters handled on behalf of the Department and the State Law Advisors regarding international agreements
- Served as the Department’s Ethics Officer as appointed by the Minister of Human Settlements
- Managed financial disclosures of all senior managers and reported accordingly to the Public Service Commission and the Department of Public Service and Administration
- Chaired the Human Settlements’ Legal Forum comprising of all heads of Legal Services from the 9 provinces, 8 metros and Human Settlements’ entities
Acting Chief Director, Legal Services
National Department of Human Settlements
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2017 - 11.2017
- Managed the entire legal services business unit consisting of 3 directorates, viz; Contract Management, Legislative Frameworks and Litigation Management & Legal Advisory Services and provided strategic leadership
- Developed Legal Services’ strategy, annual performance plan and operational plans
- Ensured that all contracts were concluded in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury Regulations, including tender documents
- Managed the drafting of legislation and ensured that all stakeholders are consulted; notices are gazetted and public hearings are held at appropriate times as prescribed
- Consulted with the Department of Justice, the State Law Advisor to ensure that all draft Bills promote the advancement of the constitutional objective by ensuring the right of access to adequate housing and the right to property
- Tabled the Bills at various forums such as the limbizo, FOSAD (forum for directors general), Social & Economic Clusters including Cabinet
- Managed litigation and briefed the State Attorney and advocates on defending or settling legal matters at best
- Ensured the conclusion of performance agreements for the entire Legal Services business unit
- Ensured that legal services are delivered in an effective and efficient manner
- Provided legal opinions on contracts, litigation, legislation, compliance and at times on labour issues as well
- As the acting Chief Director: Legal Services, served as a standing invitee at the Department’s Executive Management Team committee
- Reported quarterly on Legal Services’ performance against set targets in the Annual Performance Plan
- Regularly reported to the Director General on all legal non-compliance observed or brought to the Chief Director’s attention
- As the Department of Human Settlements’ Ethics Officer, responsible for the management of ethics by ensuring that all senior management disclosed their financial interests and; reported accordingly to the Public Service Commission and the Department of Public Service and Administration
- Transformed corporate culture by promoting values of teamwork, innovation, integrity, and excellence across all levels of the organization.
Deputy Director: Litigation Management and Legal Advisory Services
National Department of Human Settlements
Pretoria, South Africa
06.2010 - 08.2013
- Drafted legal documents such as International Agreements, Memoranda of Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, Service Level Agreements, Educational Funding Agreements, Lease Agreements, Implementation Protocols between the National Department of Human Settlements, Housing Institutions, Provincial Departments and Municipalities
- Drafted cabinet memoranda, notices, indemnities, cancellation of contracts and acknowledgement of debts
- Assisted in the compilation of quarterly reports
- Assisted the Finance Management Unit by initiating legal recoveries against service providers who were indebted to the Department by ensuring upon instruction that defaulting service providers were served with notices (letters of demand) and further instruct the State Attorney to institute legal action where we received no joy
- Provided legal opinions on instruction/request regarding the interpretation of legislation and/or related policies, or other legal issues
- Consulted and briefed the State Attorney on litigation matters handled on behalf of the Department and the State Law Advisors regarding international agreements
- Managed and monitored the implementation of the legal compliance through applicable legislation and policies
- Drafted a Compliance Charter and a Legal Compliance Policy
- Created quarterly reports on legal compliance using a compliance matrix
- Served as a member of the Loss Control Sub-Committee, advising the Loss Control Committee on recoverable losses or losses to be written off, all in terms of prescribed legislation
- Served on the Bid Specification Committee assisting line managers with the drafting and compilation of the terms of reference (specifications)
- Collaborated with other department heads to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities.
Legal & Compliance Manager
Thubelisha Homes, an entity of the Department of Human Settlements now Housing Development Agency (HDA)
Johannesburg, South Africa
02.2007 - 05.2010
- Established the Legal Services Unit and provided legal advice to all regional offices including the Head Office
- Put processes and systems in place in order to monitor legal compliance
- Developed contracts between Thubelisha Homes and contractors, Municipalities, Banks, Provincial Departments and National Department of Housing such as Memoranda of Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, Service Level Agreements, Land Availability Agreements, Funding Agreements, Lease Agreements, Turn-key Construction Contracts, Addenda, Cessions and Deeds of Sale
- Also responsible for the drafting of all other required legal documents
- Ensured legal compliance within all legal agreements and legal documentation to be signed by the Chief Executive Officer
- Ensured that defaulting service providers were put on terms and served with letters of demand timeously, when in breach
- Reported to EXCO on non-compliance issues and made recommendations on rectification to curtail legal risks
- Responsible for cancellation of contracts in consultation with the Chief Operations Officer, where service providers failed to rectify breach
- Liaised with internal and external attorneys, Municipalities, Provincial Departments, National Departments for all legal related matters
- Managed litigation and instructed attorneys and briefed them on how to defend or settle litigation matters at best, including the overall coordination of documentation and evidence
- Assisted the Finance Unit with legal recoveries and third party settlements including the phasing out of cessions
- Assisted the Human Resources Unit with employee disciplinary matters
- Served as a member of the Projects Approval Committee and also sat as an observer in some Bid Adjudication Committee meetings
- Managed investigations into potential violations of laws or regulations, ensuring swift resolution and corrective actions when necessary.
Legal Advisor - Legal Department
OUTsurance Insurance
Centurion, South Africa
04.2005 - 02.2007
- Provided legal advice to clients regarding short-term insurance and the Law of Collisions.
- Responsible for legal subrogation – acting on behalf of insured clients, assuming their legal rights by instituting lawful claims against those (third parties) indebted to them (those who caused them to suffer loss).
- Liaised with both internal and external attorneys regarding legal recoveries and third party claims.
- Liaised with the state attorney where vehicles were government owned or where government officials were driving within their scope of employment.
- Liaised with insurance companies and their clients regarding legal recoveries and third party claims (subrogation).
- Responsible for merits assessments regarding delictual liability in recoveries and third party claims, and made recommendations regarding litigation.
- In the absence of my superior, assisted with management duties such as the running of my team.
- Also served as the Legal Department’s Employment Equity Representative.
- Enhanced client satisfaction with timely and accurate legal advice on various matters.
Legal Recoveries Consultant – Legal Department
Absa Insurance Company
Johannesburg, South Africa
02.2004 - 03.2005
- Provided clients with legal advice regarding short-term insurance and the Law of Collisions.
- Responsible for legal subrogation – acting on behalf of insured clients, assuming their legal rights by instituting lawful claims against those (third parties) indebted to them.
- Liaised with both internal and external attorneys regarding recoveries and third party litigation and settlement matters.
- Liaised with the state attorney, other insurance companies and their clients regarding disputed claims and settlement matters emanating from delictual liability (subrogation).
- Assessed collisions merits and other incidents regarding recoveries, third party claims and made recommendations regarding litigations.
- Instructed attorneys and guided them on how to defend or settle at best recoveries and third party claims, including the overall coordination of evidence.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
Legal Consultant – Legal Department
Hotline Legal Services (Telesure Group)
Johannesburg, South Africa
11.2002 - 01.2004
- Provided Budget, Auto & General and Dial Direct Clients with legal advice regarding Short-Term Insurance and the Law of Collisions.
- Responsible for legal subrogation – acting on behalf of insured clients, assuming their legal rights by instituting lawful claims against those (third parties) indebted to them.
- Liaised with the state attorneys, insurance companies and their clients regarding delictual liability.
- Assessed collision merits regarding recoveries, third party claims and made recommendations regarding litigations.
- Coordinated all documentation, evidence and gave instructions for litigation.
Legal Recoveries & Third Party Negotiator
Mutual & Federal
Johannesburg, South Africa
12.2001 - 10.2002
- Responsible for legal subrogation – acting on behalf of insured clients, assuming their legal rights by instituting lawful claims against those (third parties) indebted to them.
- Negotiated third party settlements with third parties, attorneys, state attorneys and insurance companies.
- Provided legal advice to both insurance brokers and clients regarding liability claims and short-term insurance.
- Compiled and provided brokers with periodical reports regarding recoveries and third party settlements.
- Assessed merits and coordinated all documentation and evidence for litigation.
- Liaised with the company’s attorney firms regarding progress, defense and or settlement of litigation matters
- Prepared detailed reports on negotiation progress and results, enabling management to make informed decisions about business partnerships.
Education
Matriculated (with full exemption) - High School Certificate
Holy Cross High School
Mthatha, South Africa01-1992
Postgraduate Diploma - Public Management (Honors)
North West University
Potchefstroom, South Africa01-2018
B Juris (Baccalaureus Juris) - Law Degree
Walter Sisulu University
Mthatha, South Africa01-1998
Skills
Legislative Frameworks & Analysis
undefinedCertification
Emotional Intelligence, National School of Government (NSG) - 2015
References
Ms J Ramataboe Former Board Member: Community Schemes Ombud Service
Adv M Simelane Practising Advocate and Former Advisor to the Minister of Human Settlements
Timeline
Adjudicator General
Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)
12.2017 - 07.2025
Acting Chief Director, Legal Services
National Department of Human Settlements
04.2017 - 11.2017
Director: Contract Management Services
National Department of Human Settlements
09.2013 - 11.2017
Deputy Director: Litigation Management and Legal Advisory Services
National Department of Human Settlements
06.2010 - 08.2013
Legal & Compliance Manager
Thubelisha Homes, an entity of the Department of Human Settlements now Housing Development Agency (HDA)
02.2007 - 05.2010
Legal Advisor - Legal Department
OUTsurance Insurance
04.2005 - 02.2007
Legal Recoveries Consultant – Legal Department
Absa Insurance Company
02.2004 - 03.2005
Legal Consultant – Legal Department
Hotline Legal Services (Telesure Group)
11.2002 - 01.2004
Legal Recoveries & Third Party Negotiator
Mutual & Federal
12.2001 - 10.2002
Matriculated (with full exemption) - High School Certificate
Holy Cross High School
Postgraduate Diploma - Public Management (Honors)
North West University
B Juris (Baccalaureus Juris) - Law Degree
Walter Sisulu University
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