I am a South African citizen passionate about finding lasting solutions to critical development challenges in Africa. I have 18 years’ experience working in the development sector as an academic, a researcher, a practitioner, a policy advocate, and an executive within the not-for-profit sector in the continent.

From 2006 – 2009 I worked as Programmes Director for African Monitor - an independent African body which monitors development funding commitments by governments, delivery and impact on the grassroots. Between 2010 and 2011 I was Head of the Secretariat for the Mandela Institute for Development Studies. I became Director of African Monitor in 2011.

Through my work with in Africa I have interacted extensively with key government and development institutions in the continent including the African Union, NEPAD, the Southern Africa Development Community, and UNECA. I have also worked with key civil society structures across the continent including women’s movements, civil society organizations and networks, think tanks, faith-based organizations and grassroots formations. Most recently I have worked closely with the United Nations on several development initiatives related to promoting sustainable development, accountability and financing in Africa.

As a senior executive representing civil society across the continent, I have participated in numerous nation-building and regional initiatives, including:
• The Presidential Task Force set up by the South African Government under then President Kgalema Motlanthe to develop and finalize the National Anti-Poverty Strategy.
• The African Presidential Task Force supporting the United Nations High Level Panel of Sustainable Development, under the leadership of President Sirleaf Johnson.
• The Senior Advisory Team supporting AUC Chair, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma working on Agenda 2063.

I am founder and Executive Chair of two entrepreneurial ventures, i.e. KB Media & Development Communications, and MMK Holdings.