WSG alumna celebrated for strong leadership

When academic excellence meets purposeful public service, real transformation happens 

Wits School of Governance alumna, Plantina Tsholofelo Mokone, has received prestigious recognition at the Forty Under 40 Awards South Africa (Governance and Government Agencies category).

As a Master of Public Policy graduate, Tsholofelo exemplifies the kind of conscious leadership the public sector needs. In her critical role as Deputy Director: ICT Multilateral Affairs at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), she is actively driving South Africa’s digital transformation agenda and representing the country on regional and global platforms.

This is what it means to translate policy education into actionable, real-world impact.

Congratulations, Tsholofelo, on this well-deserved honour. WSG and the broader University community thank you for your continued dedication to purposeful leadership and for helping build a digitally empowered future for South Africa. 

Read more about Tsholofelo in her own words:

As a seasoned Public Policy, Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, with a keen interest in policy making, stakeholder engagement, and South African politics, I possess a wealth of experience in these areas. Holding a Masters Degree in Public Policy, with a minor dissertation titled "Participatory Research in South Africa Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Systems (SEIAS)," I have acquired significant expertise in research, stakeholder management, and lobbying and advocacy.

My extensive knowledge of the dynamic nature of policy making, combined with the ability to manage competing interests and provide strategic guidance, has allowed me to effectively engage with key stakeholders on emerging policy issues. Through my strategic stakeholder management, I have successfully built and maintained strong relationships with policymakers, resulting in a high level of engagement and successful lobbying and advocacy on policy issues in South Africa.

I am proficient in conducting environmental scanning and monitoring, resulting in the identification of policy, legislative, and regulatory issues that may impact business operations. I have a proven track record of proactively managing stakeholders and keeping them informed of regulatory developments, providing relevant strategic guidance.

My skills in policy management and thought leadership positions have contributed positively to regulatory decisions and industry issues. I am also adept at resolving regulatory issues in a timely manner in line with regulatory requirements, ensuring that my organisation's interests are protected.

Overall, my expertise in research, stakeholder management, and lobbying and advocacy, combined with my academic background and keen interest in public policy making, has led to a successful career as a Public Policy, Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist.