Chairperson

Dr Khuliso Kennedy Maimela is a distinguished academic and corporate leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning higher education, governance, and business leadership. He is recognised for driving organisational transformation, strengthening governance frameworks, and developing leaders across the public and private sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Vari Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Dr Maimela provides strategic leadership in corporate governance, organisational development, leadership development, business transformation, risk management, and executive coaching.

His academic contributions include teaching and training at leading institutions such as the Wits School of Governance, Wits Business School, the University of Venda, the University of Johannesburg, the University of Limpopo, and Georgia Southern University (USA). Dr Maimela has served on several prominent boards and councils, including the University of Venda, Letaba TVET College, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), Thaba Chweu Local Economic Development Agency (THALEDA), and the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA), where he serves as Chairperson.

A former President of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) and a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA), Dr Maimela brings both national and international perspectives to leadership, governance, and organisational excellence. Qualifications: Doctorate in Administration (Leadership), Master’s in Public and International Affairs, Honours in Public Administration, Bachelor of Social Science and Humanities, Foundations for Corporate Coaching, Operations Management Certificate, and Six Sigma Green Belt.