FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Johannesburg, South Africa – Good Governance Africa (GGA), a not-for-profit company committed to improving governance performance across the continent, is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Vilakazi to its board of directors.
Ms Vilakazi is a highly respected social entrepreneur with a passion for solving the problems faced by women, marginalised communities and girl-children in Africa. With over 20 years’ experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board of GGA.
A passionate advocate for community development, gender equality and school leadership, she is a graduate of Wits University and has completed several professional short programmes and certificate courses in finance, human resource management, gender development and leadership.
She is a Fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and has worked across various sectors, including the private sector, state-owned entities, the development sector, local government, and academia.
She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the OR Tambo Foundation, where she raised funds and planned and coordinated the successful hosting of Tambo’s centenary celebration in 2017.
Additionally, she was the managing director of the Zanele Mbeki Development Trust, where she established the African Women in Dialogue Initiative, a platform that annually brings together one thousand women from across the continent for five days of dialogue, engagement, learning, and sharing, contributing to the development of Africa through the power of women.
Ms Vilakazi has been presiding over the Thebe Foundation Board since 2011 and has also served as an advisory board member of EPG/ARK, trustee of the Telkom Foundation, co-founder of the South African Student Solidarity Foundation for Education Wits (SASSFE), and committee member of the UNESCO Education Committee SA.
During COVID-19, she served on the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) COVID-19 Rapid Emergency Needs Assessment and South Africa’s Future Economic Outlook 20 Sounding Boards.
“We are delighted to welcome Linda Vilakazi to the board of Good Governance Africa,” said Mr Chris Maroleng, Chief Executive of GGA SADC. “Her extensive experience in business and social entrepreneurship, coupled with her passion for improving the lives of girl-children in Africa, make her a valuable addition to our team.”
He said Ms Vilakazi’s appointment to the board of GGA demonstrated the organisation’s continued commitment to empowering women and promoting social justice in Africa.
“I am honoured to join the board of Good Governance Africa and look forward to working with the team to drive positive change across the continent,” said Ms Vilakazi. “I believe effective governance is key to creating sustainable development and prosperity for all, and I am excited to contribute to GGA’s important mission.”
Good Governance Africa promotes transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in governance. The organisation conducts research, produces reports, and provides advisory services to governments, civil society organisations, and businesses.
For further information email lloyd@gga.org or gail@gga.org.
