Clara Sikelelwa Sodlulashe-Mwenze

My Background

I have passion for socio-economic development projects, politics and enjoy working with culturally diverse teams. I have served in various leadership positions in the space of public participation and governance, including the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) and South African Women in Construction (SAWIC) for over some time. From 2009 to 2014 I served as a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), I have served in the following portfolio committees, Local Government and Housing; Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Health and Social Development and the Petitions Standing Portfolio Committee. I have also previously served in Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities Standing Committee (GEYODI). My service as an MPL has allowed me to work closely with communities for the purpose of community development, poverty eradication and economic emancipation through income generating projects.

Serving in constituency office for as MPL has changed lives of many people that had challenges in their areas that some were successfully resolved more especial in Petitions committee that I have served in thereof. Since I have been at the Legislature, I have continued with my studies that were provided by government to all members, I have achieved the certificate in Leadership and governance with the following institutions, Palama, through UNISA, WITS and University of Johannesburg My involvement at GPL incorporates law making, oversight, governance and public participation have empowered me a lot. My experience involves stakeholder negotiations, engagement and a wide range of project management skills. I have also worked in community development projects through my role as a Research and Development Chairperson of SAWIC GP and later became Sawic GP Chairperson from 2016 -2019, having served in SAWIC Gauteng structures from 2012.

I was a member South African National Civic Organisation NPO, (SANCO). I am an assertive team player with exceptional analytical skills. My seasoned passion for community development and health programmes was inspired by my personal volunteering work through the South African Women in Construction (SAWIC) since 2003 where I was later awarded a project as a main contractor to build low cost houses in Palm Springs, Sedibeng during year 2004 to 2005. I have also mastered skills in Administration during my employment at BRELKO Engineering between 1995 to 2003 as creditors/debtors officer and later a payroll administrator. In 2015 I was appointed in Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation in the IGR – Inter-Governmental Relations and Stakeholder Sponsorships as an Assistant Director, I left the department to pay more attention to my business using the skills that I acquired in government.

KEY COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  •  Advance Governance and Public Leadership
  • Project Management Negotiation skills
  •  Stakeholder engagement for multiple stakeholder projects
  •  Training and Facilitation skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Analytical and conceptual thinker
  • Good customer service orientation
  • Problem solving skills
  • Experience in socio economic development projects
  • Knowledge of current political and socio-economic nuances
  •  Balanced emotional intelligence

 

I am currently registered with MANCOSA for a Business Management qualification.