Faith Dlamini

Leads design and execution of South Africa's entrepreneurship ecosystem strategy, targeting structural barriers that prevent high-impact businesses from starting and scaling. Builds strategic partnerships across government, development finance, international agencies, and support organisations to deliver measurable ecosystem outcomes.

Led macroeconomic research and provincial economic policy architecture for KwaZulu-Natal, translating regional and global trends into actionable provincial strategy. Directed the Eastern Seaboard Development Programme and provincial innovation initiatives, and provided specialist advisory to EXCO and senior decision-makers.

Provided expert strategic advisory on sub-Saharan Africa to one of the world's leading development studies institutions. Managed governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks in partnership with the FCDO, and designed and monitored departmental programmes with internal and external stakeholders.

Produced the Spatially Integrated Single Government Plan guiding all strategic investment and project delivery across eThekwini. Led intergovernmental planning and coordination for the metropolitan space under DDM, and managed hub team performance, stakeholder MOUs, and executive reporting.

Designed and managed economic development programming across South African cities under the Integrated Urban Development Framework. Chaired the Expanded Public Works Reference Group with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and led research and strategy on the informal economy, township economic development, and spatial determinants of economic inclusion.

Developed city-wide strategies, policies, and executive briefing documents for the Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee. Oversaw strategic alignment of the IDP, SDBIP, and Spatial Development Framework, and monitored programmes across local economic development, human settlements, infrastructure, and urban planning.

Served as Senior Political Specialist, providing political analysis and advisory support.

Managed parliamentary liaison, intergovernmental relations, and protocol functions.

Supported cabinet cluster coordination and intergovernmental relations.

Conducted research, monitoring, and evaluation for economic development initiatives.

Completed an MSc in Development Studies as a Chevening Scholar.

Completed the Nyukela Senior Management Service Certificate.

Earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Planning, receiving the SAPI Prize for Best Student in Programme.

Completed a BSocSci Honours in African Development Studies with an Honours Merit Scholarship.

Earned a BSocSci in Industrial Sociology, Policy & Public Administration.