LEHLOHONOLO LEBENYA
Cape Town
Summary
A results-driven Policy Research and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Strategist with over a decade of experience in the public sector, offering a unique blend of analytical, administrative, and governance expertise. Highly skilled in evidence-based research, policy formulation, performance monitoring, and designing M&E frameworks that support strategic decision-making and accountability. Equipped with strong administrative capabilities, including document management, workflow coordination, stakeholder liaison, and parliamentary process administration. Adept at producing high-quality reports, managing information systems, and streamlining operations to support executive functions. I bring excellent organizational communication and people-management skills, political acumen, and proven ability to translate complex data into actionable insights that enhance governance, service delivery, and institutional performance. I am looking for a role to utilize my industry expertise and people management skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Researcher – Department of Public Service & Administration
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
Cape Town
03.2017 - Current
- Designed and implemented M&E tools to measure departmental performance and policy impact.
- Conducted policy analysis and produced evidence-based research for Members of Parliament.
- Tracked alignment of APPs, MTDP, and NDP targets across departments.
- Managed administrative workflows, including document preparation, processing of parliamentary briefs, and maintaining research databases.
- Developed research reports, policy briefs, presentations, and data summaries for oversight and decision-making.
- Coordinated internal communication and documentation between research units and executive offices.
- Conducted performance reviews and supported indicator formulation for programme evaluation.
- Ensured compliance with minimum information security standards and data confidentiality protocols.
- Organised meetings, compiled minutes, coordinated schedules, and provided administrative support for legislative processes.
Secretary – Employee Relations Office
Department of Correctional Services
Drakenstein Prison
03.2007 - 03.2017
- Provided administrative and policy support in employee relations and human resources.
- Coordinated office activities, managed diaries, and ensured smooth administrative operations.
- Handled correspondence, filing systems, meeting coordination, and recordkeeping for the Employee Relations Office.
- Acted as liaison between management and labour representatives on policy interpretation.
- Maintained accurate records of disciplinary hearings and prepared compliance documentation.
Stakeholder Liaison Officer (Additional Experience)
Department of Correctional Services
Drakenstein Prison
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Coordinated external stakeholder engagements and facilitated internal communication.
- Prepared stakeholder reports, organised engagement schedules, and managed administrative logistics for events and briefings.
Research Projects
University of Stellenbosch
01.2012 - 01.2014
- National Health Insurance Feasibility Study: Led data collection, analysis, and reporting team; developed reports on data gaps and recommendations.
- Frederick van Zyl Slabbert Institute Research Lead: Conducted topical research on governance and Chapter 9 institutions; prepared analytical summaries for leadership review.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Monitoring and Evaluation
University of the Witwatersrand
12-2025
Higher Certificate - Economic Development
University of the Western Cape
12-2024
Honours - Bachelor of Public Administration
University of Stellenbosch
12-2016
Undergraduate Degree - Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (Political Science, Political Economy, and Philosophy)
University of Stellenbosch
12-2014
National Senior Certificate - Matric
Ramafole Senior Secondary School
12-2000
Master’s Degree - Public Administration and Leadership
Nelson Mandela University
07-2026
Skills
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks
- Policy Research & Analysis
- Performance Management
- Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting
- Stakeholder Engagement & Liaison
- Evidence-Based Policy Development & Political Acumen
- Public Sector Governance
- Research Methodology & Presentation
- Code 08 Drivers licence
Custom
- Data Analysis (SPSS) & Research Reporting, Andreas Academy, 2023-12-31
- Stakeholder Relationship Management, CSR Africa, 2020-12-31
- Policy Research & Report Writing, Stellenbosch University, 2018-12-31
- Public Finance Management Act, DCS, 2014-12-31
- Corrections Science Learnership / Basic Training, DCS, 2007-12-31
Timeline
Researcher – Department of Public Service & Administration
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
03.2017 - Current
Stakeholder Liaison Officer (Additional Experience)
Department of Correctional Services
01.2013 - 01.2017
Research Projects
University of Stellenbosch
01.2012 - 01.2014
Secretary – Employee Relations Office
Department of Correctional Services
03.2007 - 03.2017
Postgraduate Diploma - Monitoring and Evaluation
University of the Witwatersrand
Higher Certificate - Economic Development
University of the Western Cape
Honours - Bachelor of Public Administration
University of Stellenbosch
Undergraduate Degree - Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (Political Science, Political Economy, and Philosophy)
University of Stellenbosch
National Senior Certificate - Matric
Ramafole Senior Secondary School
Master’s Degree - Public Administration and Leadership
Nelson Mandela University