Leona Craffert

She commenced her career as a mathematics teacher, but after 3 years joined the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). During the latter period she participated in and managed various basic, applied and commissioned research projects related to People and Work and People and the Environment. Key national initiatives included, inter alia, the management of the research programmes Human Needs, Resources and the Environment, Developing Environments program (public participation in environmental decision making, environmental management/education policy processes) and Competitiveness of Technological Innovative Companies.

After completing her DPhil (Psychology) on organisational transformation, she joined a large ICT company, initially as change management consultant on system implementations and outsourcing projects, and later as member of the management team of the ERP Solutions business unit. In this role she took responsibility for human capital, change and knowledge management. After four years, she was requested to establish the Organisational Development function on Group level, which included responsibility for the change management methodology for the company, high performance organisational culture, leadership development and innovation. She participated in industry initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between business and academic institutions to develop talent and capacity for the local ICT market.

In May 2012 she joined the University of the Western Cape in the current role of Director. She is the author/co-author of more than 30 research reports and articles and the presenter/co-presenter of papers at national and international conferences.

Education

• Coaching for Development Graduate School of Business - University of Cape Town (2018 — 2018)
• University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria
• Master’s Degree University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika
• Bachelor’s Degree University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika
• University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria
• Bachelor’s Degree University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

Companies

• Adjunct Professor: Wits Business School Wits Business School (2020 — 2021)
• Director: CoLab for e-Inclusion and Social Innovation University of the Western Cape (2012 — 2020)
• Group Manager: Organisational Development Gijima (2006 — 2012)
• Manager: Resources and Change Management (ERP Solutions) AST (2002 — 2005)
• Senior Research Specialist: Group for Human Resources HSRC (Human Sciences Research Council) (1987 — 1999)
• High School Mathematics Teacher Hoërskool Gerrit Maritz (1984 — 1986)