Thuli Mwandla
Learning & Development Professional | Talent Strategist | Programme Architect
Johannesburg North
Summary
Dynamic Learning & Development professional with over 21 years of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating high-impact talent, technical training, and leadership development programmes across major organisations in the Wholesale & Retail sector. Proven success in building learning ecosystems, managing multimillion-rand budgets, and driving organisational capability through innovative, business-aligned solutions. Expert in skills development legislation, SETA governance, LMS optimisation, and integrated learning strategies. Adept at building strong stakeholder partnerships, leading multidisciplinary teams, and shaping future-focused capability development. Recognised for enabling large-scale operational efficiencies, strengthening talent pipelines, and embedding learning cultures that support sustainable business growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Senior L&D Consultant (Contract)
Motor Industry Fund Administrators (MIFA)
05.2024 - 05.2025
- - Led L&D strategy development, policies, and governance frameworks.
- - Conducted organisation-wide skills gap analysis and designed targeted learning solutions.
- - Delivered blended learning programmes, improving accessibility and engagement.
- - Built capacity through train-the-trainer programmes for HRBPs and managers.
- - Developed evaluation frameworks to measure performance impact.
Group HR: Learning & Development Manager
Dis-Chem Pharmacies
04.2020 - 08.2023
- - Directed the enterprise-wide L&D strategy to build long-term organisational capability.
- - Oversaw development and rollout of the Management Development Programme.
- - Led WSP/ATR submissions across HW, W&R, CHIETA, and Services SETAs.
- - Managed full learning operations, LMS administration, and statutory compliance.
- - Controlled a multimillion-rand budget ensuring measurable ROI, cost efficiency, and grant maximisation.
- - Drove culture transformation through learning change initiatives.
- - Partnered with EXCO and Operations to build technical and leadership programmes.
- Key Achievements
- - Designed & launched the Technical Management Development Programme.
- - Established and sustained the Graduate Programme.
- - Developed policies, processes, and selection criteria for the Dis-Chem Bursary Scheme.
Learning & Development Manager – Merchant & Graduate Programmes
Massmart + Walmart
01.2015 - 01.2020
- - Led the School of Retail Excellence ensuring alignment to business needs.
- - Managed flagship Merchant, Graduate and Alumni Programmes.
- - Developed annual training calendars and coordinated assessments, providers, and divisional HR.
- - Led budgeting across L&D portfolios including bursaries and head office training.
- - Oversaw SETA engagement, WSP/ATR submissions, and grant applications.
- Key Achievements
- - Designed and implemented the Massmart Mentoring Programme.
- - Rolled out the Better Buying Everyday Programme for Merchants.
Learning Specialist
Edcon Centre of Excellence
01.2010 - 01.2015
- - Designed and developed learning solutions informed by market, competitor, and organisational trends.
- - Led ROI evaluations using Kirkpatrick’s Model.
- - Coordinated external provider management and tertiary institution partnerships.
- - Project-managed group learning initiatives.
- Achievements
- - Developed and rolled out Store Operations Programme.
- - Built the Merchant Development Programme.
Head of Programme: Business Faculty
Independent Institute of Education (IIE)
01.2008 - 01.2010
- - Led full curriculum design, accreditation, and academic standards for Marketing, Sales & Customer Service programmes.
- - Directed faculty quality assurance and academic governance.
Faculty Coordinator
IIE
01.2006 - 01.2008
- - Ensured effective academic administration and curriculum compliance across the faculty.
Recruitment Consultant
Tech-Pro Personnel
01.2005
- - Managed end-to-end recruitment for supply chain professionals, including talent sourcing, assessments, and client advisory.
Lecturer
Vaal University of Technology
01.2000 - 01.2004
- - Delivered undergraduate learning in Business Management, Marketing, International Marketing & Sales.
- - Facilitated industry projects and community initiatives.
Education
BCom Honours - Marketing, Strategic Management, Financial Management
BCom - Business Management, Economics, Education
Senior Secondary Teacher’s Diploma - undefined
Skills
- Learning & Development Strategy
- Talent & Skills Planning
- Leadership Development
- Programme Design (ADDIE) & Evaluation (Kirkpatrick)
- Graduate, Merchant & Technical Training Programmes
- SETA, WSP/ATR, BBBEE Compliance
- Budget & Vendor Management
- Coaching, Mentoring & Team Leadership
- Digital / Blended Learning & LMS Management
- Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement
- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project
- Digital learning tools & online content development
- Research & report writing
References
References available on request.
Community Engagement
2013, 2022, - Organised donation drives for orphanages, elderly homes, and learners with disabilities (2013, 2022).
Timeline
Senior L&D Consultant (Contract) - Motor Industry Fund Administrators (MIFA)
05.2024 - 05.2025
Group HR: Learning & Development Manager - Dis-Chem Pharmacies
04.2020 - 08.2023
Learning & Development Manager – Merchant & Graduate Programmes - Massmart + Walmart
01.2015 - 01.2020
Learning Specialist - Edcon Centre of Excellence
01.2010 - 01.2015
Head of Programme: Business Faculty - Independent Institute of Education (IIE)
01.2008 - 01.2010
Faculty Coordinator - IIE
01.2006 - 01.2008
Recruitment Consultant - Tech-Pro Personnel
01.2005
Lecturer - Vaal University of Technology
01.2000 - 01.2004
University of Zululand - BCom, Business Management, Economics, Education
University of Zululand - Senior Secondary Teacher’s Diploma,
University of Zululand - BCom Honours, Marketing, Strategic Management, Financial Management