Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
LNGG
Training
Reading , social media , public speaking
References
Training
Reading , social media , public speaking
Generic
Odette Gillian Anderson

Odette Gillian Anderson

Executive /Lawyer/Legal Advisor / Senior Manager In Public Service
DURBAN

Summary

Knowledgeable in Corporate Services with extensive leadership experience in executive roles.. Utilizes leadership skills to drive team performance and operational excellence. Track record of delivering high-impact results through innovative problem-solving and effective communication .Experienced with strategic leadership, financial oversight, and operational excellence. Utilizes innovative strategies to drive growth and enhance organizational efficiency. Track record of fostering collaborative work environments and achieving high-impact results . I have a valid drivers license and completed the Nyukela SMS Pre – Entry Certificate on 9 February 2022. Professional with Senior Management experience of 17 years.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages

Work History

Acting Chief Director : Corporate Services

KZN Human Settlements
DURBAN
04.2025 - Current
  • *Effectively and efficiently managing and leading the directorates within the Chief Directorate: Corporate Management Services, namely, Legal Services, Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, Security & Auxiliary Services Information Management Systems and Technology, Communications ; and Service Delivery Innovation
  • Developed and implemented human resource strategies, policies, information systems and multi-year planning;
  • Actively leading in respect of labour relations by managing open win-win relationships with unions, participating in various forums including labour forums , job evaluation committees.
  • Fostered effective labour relations services
  • Managed the effective implementation of the department’s Employee Performance Management and Development System and the Employee Wellness Programs. Supported the wellness program including the Provincial Sports Day.
  • Managed the provision of human resource administration services.
  • Promoting / managing organizational effectiveness through the provision of human resource development programs, organizational design/re-design services and co-ordinate the implementation of change management and service delivery improvement mechanisms including work-place productivity programs.
  • Leading the provision of information management systems and tools.
  • Manage the provision of security and auxiliary services, including facilities management, work environment management and fleet management services. Ensuring the provision of office accommodation , security services and access control is in accordance with the needs of the Department and complies with legislation and policy. Serve on all the related committees.
  • Manage the provision of sound legal advice and litigation support to the department as well as the provision of advice on the drafting and monitoring of the department’s service level agreements.
  • Cultivated and developed good team relations, collaboration and team building within the Chief Directorate.
  • Guided and Directed the team in hosting the Service Delivery improvement workshop.
  • Collaborating in the preparation of the Service Delivery Improvement Plan .
  • Providing strategic Leadership to the Communication Directorate.
  • Ensuring Knowledge management within the Chief Directorate
  • Ensure effective and efficient management of human and financial resources of the chief directorate;

Director: Legal Services

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements
PIETERMARITZBURG
10.2007 - Current
  • Provide strategic leadership to the Directorate Legal Services including :-
  • Development and implementation of litigation avoidance policies and litigation mitigation plans
  • Preparation and circulation of circulars, policies, legal alerts and notices to address litigation risks.
  • Management, Representation, and implementation of Alternate Dispute Resolution processes.
  • Provision of Legal Advice in Memorandums and Submission form.
  • Creation and updating of the legislation register.
  • Summarizing complex legislation and case law into concise updates.
  • Legal Representation at various legal forums and in the High Court, Labor Court and in arbitrations
  • Management of Litigation
  • Legislative Drafting and Policy development and vetting.
  • Implementation of legislation applicable to the Department including the Constitution , National Housing Act , Provincial Housing Act , Housing Code and the Public Finance Management Act
  • Effective and efficient management of the directorate including the assets, human resources, performance management and risk management.

Chief Director: Human Capital (acting)

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements
DURBAN
02.2015 - 12.2015
  • Effective and efficient management of the directorates Human Resource Development and Human Resource Management.
  • Driving organisational change and change management
  • Developing strategies to promote efficient utilisation of human resources
  • Leading effective performance management and implementing Performance Management tools.
  • Creating effective administrative systems and tools such as an online register and database.
  • Overseeing employee wellness programmes
  • Facilitating and Workshopping officials in respect of the organisational design and efficiencies
  • Fostering good communication - through regular meetings and circulars.
  • Develop corporate strategic business plan in line with strategic objectives of the department.
  • Facilitate effective and efficient communication within the Chief Directorate as well as with other stakeholders.
  • Preparation of performance agreements of the Directorate/ sub-ordinate in consultation with officials to ensure service delivery.
  • Perform the functions of the programme manager
  • Co-ordinating human resource management engagements.
  • Mentored executive team members for professional development and succession planning.

Senior Legal Advisor

eThekwini Municipality
DURBAN
03.2002 - 09.2007
  • Provision of Legal Advice and legal representation at court. Management of Legal professionals and Executive Legal Advice to the Council, Mayor and Deputy Municipal Managers
  • Collaborated closely with external counsel resulting in better coordination and improved case outcomes.
  • Secured advantageous settlements, skillfully negotiating with opposing counsel on behalf of clients.
  • Managed a diverse caseload, prioritizing tasks according to urgency and ensuring prompt resolution of pressing matters.
  • Facilitated dispute resolution between parties involved in various types of conflicts leading to mutually agreed upon settlements.
  • Used knowledge of legal precedents to analyze probable outcome of cases.

Public Prosecutor

Directorate of Public Prosecutions
DURBAN
01.2001 - 02.2002
  • Conducting Criminal Prosecutions
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies for effective case management, leading to timely resolution of legal matters.
  • Maintained professional integrity by adhering to strict ethical standards while representing the state's interests in various criminal proceedings.
  • Mentored junior prosecutors, providing guidance on best practices in investigative techniques and trial strategies for career development purposes.
  • Provided expert legal advice to colleagues and supervisors on complex criminal matters, contributing to overall team success.

Candidate Attorney

Venn Nemeth and Hart attorneys
PIETERMARITZBURG
01.1999 - 01.2001
  • Legal advice, court appearances and professional legal work.
  • Conducted thorough research on various areas of law, ensuring accurate information and strong case foundations.
  • Managed multiple caseloads simultaneously without compromising quality or timeliness of work product.
  • Maintained strict adherence to professional ethics guidelines, upholding the integrity of the legal profession at all times.
  • Supported senior attorneys in high-profile cases, contributing to favorable verdicts and settlements.
  • Prepared essential legal documents for successful case outcomes and settlements.

Education

Matric Exemption -

Bechet Secondary School
DURBAN
01.1990 - 01.1994

BPROC Degree - 4 year law degree

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
01.1995 - 01.1998

Master’s degree - law (LLM)

University of South Africa
DURBAN
01.2005 - 01.2007

Postgraduate Diploma - Labor Law

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
01.2015 - 01.2015

Skills

Problem-solving and Analysis

Accomplishments

  • Board Member of the USA AFRICA Collaborative ( Non - Remunerative) 2023
  • Keynote Speaker at the Woman's Leadership Forum hosted in Washington DC June 2025.
  • Member the Heads of Corporate Services Committee - Kzn Province
  • Innovated within Corporate Services by supporting the use of social media to communicate with the public and stakeholders
  • Conducted career coaching and team building with the Chief Directorate ; Corporate Services
  • Conceptualized, initiated, and chaired the Human Settlements Municipal Legal Forum to share information and ensure Stakeholder Engagement.
  • Reduced the number of litigation/court matters by fifty percent and introduced risk mitigation and litigation reduction/avoidance strategies and policies.
  • Created and Facilitated legal compliance workshops to inform officials and prevent litigation.
  • Developed tools to manage work processes including a litigation register and tracking system
  • Promoted efficiencies such as weekly and monthly reports within Corporate Services.
  • Supervised team of 7 Directors and Deputy Directors .
  • Responsible for more than 100 officials( staff)

Timeline

Acting Chief Director : Corporate Services

KZN Human Settlements
04.2025 - Current

Chief Director: Human Capital (acting)

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements
02.2015 - 12.2015

Postgraduate Diploma - Labor Law

University of Johannesburg
01.2015 - 01.2015

Director: Legal Services

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements
10.2007 - Current

Master’s degree - law (LLM)

University of South Africa
01.2005 - 01.2007

Senior Legal Advisor

eThekwini Municipality
03.2002 - 09.2007

Public Prosecutor

Directorate of Public Prosecutions
01.2001 - 02.2002

Candidate Attorney

Venn Nemeth and Hart attorneys
01.1999 - 01.2001

BPROC Degree - 4 year law degree

University of Pretoria
01.1995 - 01.1998

Matric Exemption -

Bechet Secondary School
01.1990 - 01.1994

LNGG

Language Proficiency: English (Read, Write, Speak – Excellent – First Language / Mother tongue)
Afrikaans (Read, Write, Speak – Excellent – Second Language)
isiZulu (Read, Write, Speak – Basic)

Training

Labor Relations Seminar 2024

Change Management

Emerging Management Development

Legislative Drafting Course 2017/18

Certificate in Human Resource Management 2005

Certificate in Leadership ( Harvard 2024)


Reading , social media , public speaking

i work well under pressure and lead with kindness and compassion . I have the ability to manage and share knowledge effectively and efficiently within the organisation and foster a learning environment through legal alerts , workshops and  webinars.

References

  • Rajesh, Choudree, Adv., rchoudree7@gmail.com, 082 305 1115, Durban Bar Council, Senior Advocate
  • Neville, Chainee, Mr., neville.chainee@dhs.gov.za, 082 8590498, Department of Human Settlements, Deputy Director General
  • Joseph, Nxusani, Adv., jox@worldonline.co.za, 082 3991300, Durban Bar Council, Senior Advocate

Training

Labor Relations Seminar 2024

Change Management

Emerging Management Development

Legislative Drafting Course 2017/18

Certificate in Human Resource Management 2005

Certificate in Leadership ( Harvard 2024)


Reading , social media , public speaking

i work well under pressure and lead with kindness and compassion . I have the ability to manage and share knowledge effectively and efficiently within the organisation and foster a learning environment through legal alerts , workshops and  webinars.

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Odette Gillian AndersonExecutive /Lawyer/Legal Advisor / Senior Manager In Public Service