TIPS Staff
- Position Executive Director
Dr Saul Levin joined TIPS in April 2013 and was appointed Executive Director in December 2014. He has a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Johannesburg, with his thesis on industrial financing. He has a Master’s and Honour’s Degree in Sociology as well as a BCom from the University of Witwatersrand. Saul was previously a chief director in the Economic Development Department (EDD) with oversight of the Development Finance Institutions reporting to EDD, including the Industrial Development Corporation and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency. As part of his responsibilities he oversaw the merger of the small business finance…
- Position Senior Economist
Neva Makgetla has undertaken extensive research into South African economic issues, published widely, and contributed to a number of national economic policy processes and debates from 1994. Until 2015, she was Deputy Director General for economic policy in the Economic Development Department. Before that, she was Lead Economist for the Development Planning and Implementation Division at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. She has worked at a senior level in the Presidency and other government departments, and for seven years was head of the COSATU Policy Unit. She has a PhD in economics and before 1994 worked for over 10 years as an economics lecturer.
- Position Senior Economist
Liako Mofo joined TIPS in July 2019. She holds a Master’s Degree in Development Economics from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics and Economics as well as a Certificate in Statistics, both from the National University of Lesotho. She has more than 16 years of experience in economic research, policy development and analysis, development of national strategic development plans, sector-specific investment plans and project cycle management in the public sector, and development in the regional and international context. Prior to joining TIPS, she served as an Economist at the Lesotho Millennium Development Agency (LMDA)…
- Position Senior Economist: Sustainable Development
Muhammed Patel joined TIPS in 2017. He holds a Masters in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his thesis focused on the relationship between income and health in South Africa. Muhammed’s background spans work in industrial development, and competition and regulatory economics. While completing his Master’s degree, Muhammed worked as a junior researcher at the School of Development Studies conducting research on the manufacturing sector of eThekwini. He also lectured undergraduate economics students over this time. In 2015, Muhammed joined competition and regulatory consultancy Genesis Analytics, where he spent two years working on competition and regulation cases. Notably, his…
- Position Senior Economist
Nokwanda Maseko is a Senior Economist at TIPS. Her work at TIPS is at the intersection of industrial policy, gender and the just transition. Her recent publications include an analysis of the petroleum-based transport value chain for the Sector Jobs Resilience plans and technical reports for the Presidential Climate Change Commission on gender and inequality in the just transition. Before joining TIPS, she worked as a Budget Analyst at the National Treasury and Assistant Director at the national Economic Development Department (EDD) focused on industrial policy.
- Position Centre Manager: Just Transition Labour Centre
Matthew (Lev) Grant is the Manager of the Just Transition Labour Centre. He graduated UCT with a Masters in Sociology and subsequently completed a Diploma in Occupational Health. He previously worked for the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) as the National Health Co-ordinator and was previously the Research and Policy Co-ordinator for the South Africa Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU). He has also worked for a variety of labour service NGOs and in medical research, focusing on workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, and climate change.
- Position Head: PMU
Lunga Msengana has over 20 years of experience in project environments. He had the opportunity to work in both private and public sectors. started his career as a Professional Engineering Technologist Engineering. He obtained a BSc Hons in Applied Science (with specialization in Electronic Engineering). Years later, his passion for projects led him to formally studying Project Management, which he obtained a Masters of Commerce in Project Management (Cum Laude) with Cranefield College of Project and Programme Management.He then completed his PhD in Commerce and Administration with the same institution in 2017. He is also a Project Management Professional (PMP®)…
- Position Senior Economist
Gillian Chigumira joined TIPS in 2014. She has a Masters in Commerce – Development Theory and Policy. She has an Honours in Commerce, an Honours in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Anthropology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Gillian has more than eight-and-a half years of experience as an economist, policy advisor and strategy analyst in the field of industrial development and inclusive economic growth for South Africa and the greater SADC Region. Her work fundamentally targets research and policy development for government departments, regional and international organisations. Her expertise cuts across national masterplans…
- Position Senior Economist
Lesego Moshikaro-Amani joined TIPS in July 2019. Lesego earned a Master’s degree in Economics specialising in Development Economics from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Prior to joining TIPS, Lesego worked as a Crisis Response Fund (CRF) researcher and data analyst at CIVICUS and as a graduate research assistant at the Land Restitution Evaluation Study (LRES), launched by SALDRU. Her expertise lies in industrial policy, battery energy storage value chains and the emerging sector of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in South Africa, including a strong emphasis on skill development within the NEV industry. Other areas of focus include skills development…
- Position Senior Project Manager – Forestry Master plan
Jeanette Mosia graduated from UCT with an Honours degree in Construction Management and Master’s Degree in Project Management. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and a Professional Construction Project Manager registered with the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP). Her background is in implementation of infrastructure projects within the public and private sector. She has transitioned into implantation of Sector Masterplans including the Sugar Industry Masterplan and the Forestry Sector Masterplan. She has just completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with the Gordon Institute…
- Position Project Manager – Steel Master Plan
With over 20 years of experience, Lionel is a trusted program and project manager known for delivering high-impact initiatives across engineering, infrastructure, and digital transformation. His work is grounded in disciplined execution, strategic stakeholder alignment, and a commitment to long-term, sustainable outcomes. Lionel combines the strengths of traditional project management with a progressive, future-focused mindset—helping organizations navigate complexity and achieve measurable results. Outside of his professional pursuits, Lionel is passionate about personal growth, wellness, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
- Position Researcher: Sustainable Development
Elize Hattingh joined TIPS in November 2020 as a Researcher: Sustainable Growth. She has a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development and Management from Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership in partnership with the Sustainability Institute. Elize has been actively involved in promoting the sustainable development agenda for more than 15 years. Research work included a Future Fit Career Guide for University of Stellenbosch Business School during 2017. Her work at Fetola as Head of Business Development included research for seda and DSBD to develop a BDS and Incubator EcoSystem Map for South Africa (2018-2020). Her work in circular economy and…
- Position Economist: Sustainable Development
Seutame Maimele is an Economist: Sustainable Growth at Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS). His work focuses on global climate change policies and trade, designing climate compatible value chains for carbon-intensive industries for South Africa and Africa. He also works extensively on the just transition in South Africa. He holds a Master's degree in Local Economic Development from the University of Johannesburg. Prior to joining TIPS, Seutame worked at the Western Cape Government (WCG) and for OneWorld Sustainable Investment (OneWorld). At WCG, he supported the drafting of the economic recovery plan for the Western Cape Province post COVID-19, as well…
- Position Economist: Just Transition Labour Centre
Lisa Ally is a dedicated and forward-thinking policy expert with extensive experience in developing interdisciplinary solutions to national sustainability and climate challenges. With a strong background in energy policy, international human rights, and sustainable development, Lisa has a proven track record of delivering high-impact, research-backed policy analysis that informs both national and international strategies. Their work spans gender equity, climate resilience, and just energy transitions, with a particular focus on advancing environmental sustainability across the country. Lisa brings deep expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and systems thinking, consistently driving innovative, equitable solutions in complex policy environments. Their professional journey…
- Position Economist: Sustainable Development
Akhona Myataza is an Economist: Sustainable Development at TIPS. She has expertise in financial economics, macroeconomic research, and renewable energy policy advisory. She holds a Master of Philosophy in Economics (with distinction) from the University of Pretoria, with advanced knowledge of econometrics and financial market modelling. Akhona has worked as a consultant for ED Platform, supporting economic development components of renewable energy bids under South Africa’s REIPPPP, and as a macroeconomic researcher at SARS, where she contributed to policy briefs and model-based economic forecasts. She has also served as a part-time lecturer and econometrics tutor at Nelson Mandela University. Her…
- Position Economist: Sustainable Development
Sinazo Ntsonge holds a PhD in Economics from Rhodes University, where her research focused on evaluating the socioeconomic impact of environmental public employment programmes. She also has an MSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics from Rhodes University and a Graduate Certificate in Gender Analysis in Economics from the American University in Washington, D.C. Before joining TIPS, Sinazo worked as a consultant with The Presidency, collaborating with the World Bank, to contribute to the coordination and communication strategy for the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and youth employment policy. She also supported programme design for the PYEI’s National Pathway Management…
- Position Economist: Sustainable Development
Michael Hector holds a PhD in Political Science from Stellenbosch University, where his research focussed on the green economy and environmental governance in South Africa. Specifically, his thesis studied the use of ecological modernisation and market mechanisms (and the implementation thereof) in South Africa’s environmental and waste management policies. Following his Phd, Michael did a short post-doc at Stellenbosch University (Department of Political Science), while lecturing Global Political Economy and Foreign Policy.
- Position Economist
Danae Govender joined TIPS as an Economist in September 2024. He holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his dissertation examined the impact of trade openness on economic growth and the role of good institutions within this nexus, focusing on a panel of emerging market economies. During his postgraduate studies, Danae excelled, earning Certificates of Merit for Honours courses in Econometrics, Microeconomics, and Environmental Economics, as well as for Master’s courses in Econometrics and Sustainable Resource Usage. He is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, having been invited in 2019. Prior…
- Position Economist
Luthandolwethu Zondi joined TIPS as an Economist in October 2023. Prior to this, she served as a Junior Researcher at the Centre for Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII), where her focus was on conducting survey research related to Science, Technology, and Innovation. With an MPhil in Development Finance (Cum Laude) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School, Luthando's areas of expertise include inclusive economic development, financial inclusion, and sustainable development.
- Position Economist
Dylan Kirsten is an Economist who joined TIPS in April 2025. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Before joining TIPS, he worked as a Junior Development Economist and as a Researcher in the consulting sector. Dylan has gained experience across both microeconomic and macroeconomic disciplines, contributing to a range of projects from firm-level projects to national industrialization and policy development. His work has primarily focused on the manufacturing sector and the broader industrialization and policy space, with experience spanning local, regional, and international contexts.
- Position Economist: Just Transition Labour Centre
Chere Monaisa joined TIPS in 2025 as part of the newly formed Just Transition Labour Centre. Chere holds a Masters in Labour Policy and Globalisation from the Global Labour University (University of the Witwatersrand). His research focused on understanding the NUMSA’s evolving policies on the tole of renewable energy in South Africa’s mineral energy complex. He has more than fifteen years’ experience using evidence-based research to support advocacy, campaigns, and education about labour and other socio-economic rights. He is comfortable working with people from various backgrounds from travelling around the world (e.g., Botswana, USA, Germany, Brazil, India) for work and…
- Position Economist
Lucas Mthembu is a Researcher at TIPS. His research interests include industrial policy, global value chains, and socioeconomic development. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Development and Industrial Sociology and a BSocSc Honours in Social Development from the University of Cape Town. He is completing a Master's in Social Development at UCT. His dissertation explores the experiences of South African youth seeking investment opportunities through Easy Equities and contributions to their socioeconomic inclusion.
- Position Economist
Sakhile Ndlovu is an economist and researcher at TIPS, where he joined in 2024. His work at TIPS explores how industrial policy can support inclusive and sustainable development in South Africa. He holds a BA Honours in Political Studies and International Relations and an MPhil in Economics (specialising in industrial policy), both from the University of Johannesburg and completed with distinction. His Master's research examined accumulation in South Africa’s sugar industry through a political economy lens, highlighting how policy regimes and entrenched power dynamics shape industrial outcomes. His broader interests include macroeconomics, structural transformation, financialisation, and the political economy of…
- Position Assistant Researcher
Kelello Mashiane is assisting with the Foreign Direct Investment Project. She has a bachelor’s degree from UNISA and two years' work experience as a research assistant at the Economic Development Department. She worked on several data collection projects at EDD and provided research support to the Chief Economist.
- Position Project Coordinator
Daphney Mabuza joined TIPS in November 2013. She has 13 years' working experience in administration, including project administration and logistics management. Before joining TIPS she was at JSI Inc under the umbrella of National Department of Health (HIV/AIDS and STI Cluster) and at SAHCD for the retention study of the health workers within the SADC Region. She was at Cheadle Thompson & Hayom as the project administrator providing support for Land Tenure. She was also with the University of Pretoria Trust as an administrator at the Business Development Unit, responsible for the management and development of new business and the administration of…
- Position Project and Events Coordinator
Rozale Sewduth joined TIPS in 2010. Her portfolio at TIPS includes organising events and conferences and she co-ordinates the TIPS training workshop programme. She was involved with providing administrative support to the Community Work Programme (CWP) during the handover period from TIPS to the Department of Cooperative Governance and was part of the team that designed and implemented the TIPS Geographical Information System (GIS) community mapping tool. Rozale has more than 10 years' working experience. Her core capabilities are project coordination, contract management, customer relations, staff supervision, office management and personal assistant duties. She has extensive experience in managing events…
- Position Project Coordinator
Natasha joined TIPS in February 2013 as a Project Coordinator. She holds a Diploma in Office Administration and Personal Assistant, a Diploma in Business Computing and has a certificate in Project Management. She has over 13 years’ experience in administration including project administration and coordination, logistics management, contract management, customer relations, staff supervision, office management and operations, and personal assistant duties at both local and international level. She has extensive experience in office operations and managing conferences at a national and international level. Before joining TIPS she was employed at CIDA (Canadian High Commission Funded) and she was also with the City…
- Position Project Coordinator
Bongeka Ngcobo holds a degree in Social Science and an Honours in Social Science (Public Policy), both from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She has over five years of experience in donor-funded programmes. She also has an extensive background in administration , community development, youth empowerment and stakeholder relations.
- Position Project Coordinator: Just Transition Labour Centre
Sandra Khoza is a dedicated social justice advocate and Project Coordinator at the Just Transition Labour Centre housed within Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), a leading economic policy research organisation based in Pretoria, South Africa. In her current role, Sandra manages and supports a portfolio of projects that champion a fair and inclusive shift to a greener economy. Her work focuses on ensuring that the voices of workers and communities are central in the development and implementation of just transition strategies. Sandra brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at the Congress of South African Trade Unions…
- Position Project Coordinator: Sustainable Development
Zamaswazi Shabalala has over a decade of experience as a project coordinator and administrator across higher education, non-profit, and international development sectors. She has a proven track record in stakeholder management, project management and programme implementation, data management, logistics, budget management, and event coordination. She holds a Diploma in Office Management and Technology (majoring in Business Administration) from the University of South Africa (Unisa), and a Diploma in Information Technology (NQF 5) from Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (majoring in Business Management) at Unisa. She has completed short courses in Project…
- Position Project Administrator
Cynthia Olivia Jacobs thrives on leading multiple projects and training programmes. This includes drafting proposals, evaluating bids, drafting project contracts, monitoring projects, and implementing and closing out projects while staying within the project and delivering within time and budget. She has managed multiple national, international, youth development, training, policy, and events in government and private companies. Before joining TIPS, she was with YFCSA, Umsobomvu Youth Fund, now the National Youth Development Agency, Heartlines, and Volkswagen Group South Africa Training Academy. Her experience in projects stretches across national and international borders in Youth Development, Graduate Development Programmes, National Youth Service, International…
- Position Project Coordinator: Masterplans
Keabetswe Moloto joined TIPS in September 2022. Keabetswe earned her Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Economics at Unisa and has experience in project management administration. Her interests are in the development and the implementation of public policy. She provides project management support for the Steel Master Plan, Medical Technologies Master Plan and the National Cannabis Master Plan, under the Project Management Unit. Her experience includes providing administrative support for a policy research and management directorate at the National Department of Social Development and has also worked for African Bank Limited.
- Position Receptionist/Office Administrator
Ipeleng Motau joined TIPS in 2015. She has a Diploma in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. She completed a facilitation course followed by a Business Development course with the University of Pretoria in 2013. She started working as a voluntary administrator and programme assistance for a community development NGO known as Angels of Glory and then became an administrator.
- Position Office Assistant
Emily joined TIPS in 2004 and is responsible for office assistance and maintenance. She has two years' general secretarial experience and has completed a number of computer software courses, including Microsoft Word and Excel.