Prof Marius Venter

Overview

EXPERIENCE Achievements: 1 September 2010- date: University of Johannesburg 2008: Founder and Director of the Centre for Local Economic Development (CENLED) based at the University of Johannesburg. 2008 to date: Administratively responsible for managing all aspects of CENLED in terms of its finances; marketing; contracts; and reporting. 2008 to date: Working collaborations were established with the following universities and external stakeholders: University of the Free State; University of Glasgow; University of Kwa-Zulu Natal; University of Limpopo; University of Maryland; Northwest University; University of the Western Cape (UWC); University of Zululand South African Local Government Association (SALGA); the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the Kagiso Trust. These stakeholders partake in projects and give feedback on the LED qualifications to ensure that students are equipped for the current workplace challenges. 2010: Conceptualised and developed a new career path for people working in local economic development (LED) for the Department Trade and Industry (DTI). 2010- current: Negotiated various national and other contracts to the value of approximately R80 million. 2011 to 2019: Appointed by the Minister of Small Business Development to the board of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), I served for 9 years and was the deputy chairperson. 2011/12: served as a QS-MAPLE Academic Advisory Committee member, QS-MAPLE is an international forum for globalizing higher education in the Middle East and Africa. 2013: Intellectualised and developed 20 short learning programmes. 2013- 2020: Conceptualised and developed an online Higher Certificate in LED, a professional master’s, and PhD degrees in LED (the first in South Africa). 2014: I was a representative on the Institutional Forum of UJ. During 2015: nominated for the UJ Dignitas Awards for the work I have done in LED and entrepreneurship. 2015-2023: Lectured the modules: Introduction to LED; Strategic Planning, Sustainable leadership in LED and Topics in Globalisation on the professional master’s in LED. 2015 to date: Appointed as the director for Africa as part of the PASCAL International Observatory. The PASCAL International Observatory is a global network of practitioners and researchers from higher education, regional government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations which fosters collaboration and innovation in regional development – economic, workforce, social and cultural. 2015- 2018: Founder and Chief Executive Officer UDEV (PTY) LTD. An economic development company for UJ, the main objectives of the company were: Economic upliftment; job creation; urban renewal; property development; and community development. 2016 to 2020, UJ Commercial Investment Committee. 2003- current acts as a supervisor and co- supervisor for some of these master’s students. 2018: Founder and chairperson of the Economic Development Council South Africa (EDCSA), the only professional body for persons working in the economic development field. 2019 to 2023: Was a visiting professor to Philippines Normal University and the Higher Polytechnic and Technology Institute (ISPOTEC). 2020: PhD in LED started. 2020: Appointed Associate Professor in Economics specialising in Local Economic Development. 2018 to 2020: International research project. In collaboration with the University of Glasgow: “Strengthening Urban Engagement of Universities in Asia and Africa (SUEUAA)”. The project was funded by the British Academy under the Cities and Infrastructure programme, which is part of the Global Challenges Research Fund. The project was led by the University of Glasgow and included international partners from Iran, Iraq, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The project addressed a core problem in emerging economies of strengthening the urban engagement role of universities, and ways they contribute to developing sustainable cities in the context of the major social, cultural, environmental, and economic challenges facing the global south. 2020- to date: Project leader, presidential project. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) represented by the Centre for Local Economic Development (CENLED) in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and the University of Zululand, received funding of R 4 179 800 from the British Council. A doctoral training academy will be established in 2020 with the aim of supervising permanent South African university staff members to achieve doctoral degrees, in the following fields: local development; entrepreneurship, sustainable development goals 1, 2 and 4, education and fourth industrial revolution technologies that will support municipalities in local development to improve the quality of lives of communities. Working Committees International 2011/12 served as a QS-MAPLE Academic Advisory Committee member until 31 May 2012. QS-MAPLE is an international forum for globalising higher education in the Middle East and Africa. National 2017- present, appointed by the Department of Higher Education as a member of the Committee of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Community of practice for Entrepreneurial Universities (CoP for EU); 2017 -2018, was a member of the Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development Committee (ECDC); coordinated by The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Co-operative Development under the auspices of the Services Seta; 2017 and 2018, appointed by SAICA Enterprise Development (previously the Hope Factory) as an Entrepreneur Advisory Board Member. Associate of the Beehive Entrepreneurship Development Centre- Northwest University Professional and other Bodies Professional registration Institution/body Year Founding member and Chairperson of the Economic Development Council of South Africa (EDCSA) EDCSA From 2015 Board member The Economic Society of South Africa From 2022 to date Principle Business Advisor Institute of Business Advisors (IBA) From 2001-2016 Municipal HR Practitioner Institute of Municipal Personnel Practitioners 2002-2004 Member Institute of Directors 2015-2020 Accredited Municipal Manager Institute of Local Government Management From 2015 to date Teaching Experience Most of my teaching duties (as a non-academic staff member) for the past 15 years have been devoted to conceptualising and developing new qualifications, for e.g., the Professional Master’s in Local Economic Development (LED); 20 short learning programmes in LED and an online Higher Certificate in LED to professionalise the careers of persons working in local economic development. The remainder of my time is devoted to teaching students modules on the Professional Master’s in Local Economic Development (LED) programme and as supervisor. Facilitates the 20 accredited LED short learning programmes (SLPs) nationally. 2011-2017, assisted the University of the Western Cape (UWC) to capacitate lecturers on the B. Econ. (LED) programme; 2018, assisted the School of Accounting to raise awareness in Entrepreneurship by developing a workshop in Entrepreneurship; From 1986 to December 2006. External examiner, guest lecturer; part time Economics Lecturer specialising in National and Local Government Finance, at RAU and the University of Johannesburg. I lectured public economics to 2nd year and Honours students, I also assisted master and doctorate students with their research and studies as required. As a part time lecturer at the University of Pretoria I have lectured Development Economics to the MPhil students in Entrepreneurship. Responsible for presenting the course, developing the study guide and examination papers. Research projects: National Research I conducted research on behalf of Dti and DSBD to inform the national policies for LED, namely in the NFLED 2013/2018 chapter 3 and formed part of a team of stakeholders giving input into the 2018/2028 Local Economic Development National Policy Framework. Master’s and PHD Acceleration Programme To assist and accelerate students to complete their research reports I conceptualised, facilitated funding, and introduced a programme in 2016 that entails the appointment of paid mentors and monthly colloquiums with structured writing assistance. Other I conducted and participated in research projects, compiled reports with findings and recommendations on the following during my work at Joburg municipaliy: “Electronic payment systems for the Johannesburg Transport Department” (1985-86) for the City of Johannesburg. The viability of introducing new bus routes and services to inter alia Randpark Ridge, Bromhof, Boskruin, Beverly Gardens, Malanshof and Meredale “(1986). “Methods that the Johannesburg Transport Department could introduce to improve productivity of employees.” (1986). “Developing a career path for bus drivers of The Johannesburg Transport Department” (1986). A study by me to investigate which possible training courses would be suitable to develop career paths for 500 bus drivers employed by the department. The certificate, advanced certificate, and diploma course of RAU’s Department of Transport Economics under Prof Jackie Walters were introduced and 135 students enrolled. “The viability to introduce smaller buses on non-profitable routes of The Transport Department of Johannesburg” (1987). “The privatisation of activities of the Johannesburg Transport Department of the City of Johannesburg” (1987/88): This report investigated the possibility to privatise the cleaning of busses, depots and offices, catering services, advertising on shelters, repairs. “The options available to privatise the administration of the Johannesburg Municipal Pension Fund.” (1988). The viability to privatise the City of Johannesburg’s:” parking garages, buildings, security unit, dog unit, horse unit, the different training departments, grass cutting, parks, cemeteries, golf courses (Huddle park), sport facilities, gas distribution.” (1988) “The privatisation of certain non-core activities of The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market looking at cleaning, ripening facilities, cold storage, security, the operation of the market, marketing function.” (1989/90) This research culminated into the M. Com degree which I completed in 1989. “The possibilities to deregulate the City of Johannesburg “(1991/ 92). I was a member of the project team conducting research under the chair Prof Louise Tager of the Law Review Project of Wits University. The research was also incorporated in The Promotion of Small Businesses Act 1994. ” A new approach to determine a formula for intergovernmental transfers between the provinces of South Africa” A report to the minister of Finance, (1992/93). “The amalgamation of Local Authorities” (1993) I was a member of the Local Government Negotiating Forum which prepared a report for the minister of finance. “The privatisation of The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market” (1995/96) “The development of an incentive package to promote the Western Metropolitan Council as an investment destination” (1997). A report to the mayoral committee of the City of Johannesburg. “The viability of developing the Greater Florida Lake area” (1997/98). A report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg and the Rate Payers Association of Florida, a development plan culminated from this which was accepted by the community. “An economic profile for the City of Johannesburg” (1999/2000). A report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg. This profile assisted the city to determine which sectors were important for development and strategic interventions. “Urban agriculture to assist unemployed persons in Leratong/ Tsepisong area. “(2001/2002). A report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg. The upgrading of Central Business Districts in the Western Metropolitan Local Council” (2002). A report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg. “Best practises for the nurturing of small businesses in the City of Johannesburg” (2003). A report to the mayoral committee of Johannesburg. ” Best practices for introducing local economic development projects to assist unemployed persons in the City of Johannesburg.” (2004). A report to the Mayoral Committee of Johannesburg. The perceived value of the Real Enterprise Development Programme and its contribution to the Western Cape Economy. (2008). Accredited Articles Hlatshwayo, M. Venter, J.P. Grundling and C. de Bruyn, 2025, “Temporary youth employment as a Local Economic Development (LED) mechanism in the Thuthukani Township, South Africa, DOI: https://doi.org/10.31920/2634-3649/2025/v15n1a3 de Bruyn, C. and Venter, M, 2025,“Digital Technology and Economic Development: The Case of the Regional Economy of Gauteng Province, South Africa”, Journal of Applied Business Research, 41(1). https://journals.klalliance.org/index.php/JABR/article/view/497 Hlungwani L, Venter M, Grundling J, de Bruyn C, 2025, “Enhancing local economic development through biofuel production in Limpopo, South Africa”. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development. 9(2): 10410. https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd10410. Steynberg, L., Grundling, J.P. & Venter, M., 2024, ‘Neo-Liberalism’s Shadows: Modern slavery in South African Higher Education’, Transformation in Higher Education 9(0), a405. Journal: Africa’s Public Service Delivery & Performance Review Volume 10, Issue 1, Challenges affecting Mzongwana cattle farmers to commercialise livestock production in Eastern Cape, from a local economic development perspective, Authors: Mthetheleli Baqwa, Elana Swanepoel and Marius Venter, 2022/9/21 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 20, Issue 5, Rethinking Local Economic Development for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Renosterberg Local Municipality, South Africa, Authors: Bianca Jordan, Naiefa Rashied, Marius Venter, Publication date: 2023/3/3. Journal: Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, Volume 10, Issue 1, Community work programmes as job creation mechanism: A case of Tshwane Metropolitan municipality, Authors: Keoagile C Kobedi, Elana Swanepoel, Marius Venter, Publication date: 2022/1/31, Publisher: AOSIS Journal of Contemporary Management, Issue 2, Pages 186-211, Corporate social investment as an enabler for local economic development in Gauteng, Authors: Murendeni Kevin Makhavhu, Elana Swanepoel and Marius Venter, Publication date: 2022/8/1 Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences, Vol. 14, No. 1, Economic empowerment of women in the informal African craft industry: The case of Tembisa, Louisa D. Jokia, Elana Swanepoel and Marius Venter, Published Online:7 Jan 2021 Journal of Economics and Financial Sciences, Volume 7 Number 3, October 2014, ISSN 1995-7076 (print), ISSN 2312-2803 (online), Marius Venter, From Lip-Service to service delivery in local economic Development: Guidelines to set up an agency for action; Journal of Public Administration, December 2019, M. Venter, Grundling, J.P, Steynberg, L. and Feng, X., “Perceived contribution of township enterprises on local economic development in Mabopane township, South Africa”. Journal of Public Administration, December 2019, Peter Baur and Marius Venter, “An analysis of a local economic development strategy in the arts and culture sector of the expanded public works programme within South Africa”. Journal of Public Administration, December 2019, Marius Venter, Elana Swanepoel, Khazamola Baloyi. “Inclusion of Mabopane youth –owned businesses into enterprise development programmes in Rosslyn Industrial Park”. Journal of Public Administration, December 2019, Kgotso Masola, Naiefa Rashied, Marius Venter, Nickey Janse van Rensburg. “The impact of shebeens on the local economy: Evidence from Soweto, South Africa”. Journal of the Institute of Municipal Treasurers, “The privatisation of local government functions with specific reference to the City of Johannesburg” (1989). Non-Accredited: Skills@work Guest Editorial February 2013: Change your mindset: Move from being and LED “Practitioner” to become an LED “Professional”. Book and Book Chapters Marius Venter, 2019. “Exploring Local Economic Development in South Africa”. Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd First Floor, Sunclare Building, 21 Dreyer Street, Claremont 7708 PO Box 14373, Lansdowne 7779, Cape Town, South Africa, ISBN 978 1 48513 063 5 (Print) ISBN 978 1 48513 064 2 (Web PDF), pages 330. 2018, Cross-Disciplinary Approaches to Action Research and Action Learning; © 2018 |Pages: 380; ISBN13: 9781522526421|ISBN10: 1522526420|EISBN13: 9781522526438|DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-2642-1 Venter & S. Hattingh (eds.), Learning for a Better Future: Perspectives on Higher Education, Cities, Business & Civil Society (Centre for Local Economic Development: Topics in Local Development Volume 1), AOSIS books, Cape Town. https://doi.org/10.4102/ aosis.2021.BK214.f1 Venter, M 2022, Promoting Sustainable Local Economic Development Initiatives: Case Studies, Centre for Local Economic Development: Topics in Local Development, vol. 2, AOSIS Books, Cape Town, https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2022.BK368.00 Venter, M & De Bruyn, C (eds.) 2023, Local economies and pandemics: Regional perspectives, Centre for Local Economic Development: Topics in Local Development, vol. 3, AOSIS Books, Cape Town. Centre for Local Economic Development: Topics in Local Development ISSN: 2789-7095 Series Editor: Marius Venter Printed and bound in South Africa DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2023.BK439 Meyer, N, Venter, M & Kruger, N (eds.). 2025. The role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in sustainable local economic development, Centre for Local Economic Development: Topics in Local Development Series, vol. 4, AOSIS Books, Cape Town DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis. BK527 De Bruyn, C & Venter, M. 2025. ‘Entrepreneurial ecosystems and local economic development: A systematic review’, in N Meyer, M Venter & N Kruger (eds.), The role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in sustainable local economic development, Centre for Local Economic Development: Topics in Local Development Series, vol. 4, AOSIS Books, Cape Town, pp. 1–21. https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025. BK527.01 Meyer, N, Venter, M & Kruger, N (eds.) 2025, The role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in sustainable local economic development, Centre for Local Economic Development: Topics in Local Development Series, vol. 4, AOSIS Books, Cape Town. ISSN: 2789-7095 Editorial Boards SKILLS @WORK: Theory and Practice Journal. This independent, interdisciplinary journal is dedicated specifically to skills development and related areas such as local economic development. The journal is fully refereed and is supported by an international Editorial Advisory Board and published by the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, College of Law, and Management Studies at the University of Kwazulu-Natal; UJ- Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences, 2014-2017. Guest editor, Journal of Public Administration, 2019. OVERSEAS VISITORS I hosted the following international visitors: Professor Slavena Tzoneva (2025), University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria. Professor Marcelo A. Cordeiro (2025), Centro Universtario Integrado, Brazil, Professor Kalyan Kolev (2024), University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria. Rui Alexandre Castanho |International Ph.D. on Sustainable Planning and Development, Vice-Dean for Sustainable Development at WSB University (Poland), EU Climate Change Pact Ambassador for Portugal. (2023) Professor Vladmir Zhechev (2022), University of Economics in Varna, Bulgaria. Professor Andrezej Sztando (2019, 2022). Wroclaw University, Poland. Professor Karol Marcela Vásquez Rodríguez (2019), Universidad Antonio Nariño Colombia. John Briggs, Clerk of Senate and Vice Principal, International Dean (Africa), University of Glasgow (2019). 2017: Professor Michael Osborne, Director of Research and Chair of Adult and Lifelong Learning, School of Education, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Nematollah Azizi, Professor of Education, and Azad Yazdani, Professor of Earthquake Engineering, University of Kurdistan, Iran; Kamal Ketuly, Associate Professor in Environmental Chemistry and Sizar Dosky, Lecturer in Mathematics, University of Duhok, Iraq; Zenaida Reyes, Professor and Vice President, University Relations and International Advancement, Philippine Normal University; Heriel Moshi, Lecturer in Restoration Ecology and Bioenergy; University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mpoki Mwaikokesya, Lecturer in Education, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Charles Nehera, Professor of Education, University of Zimbabwe; Professor Peter Kearns, Director of Global Learning Services, founder, and co-director of the PASCAL International Exchanges (PIE); Dr Rob Mark – Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Glasgow; Vice Chair (International) Universities Association for Lifelong Learning; Honorary Research Fellow, Higher Education Research Centre, Dublin City University; Editor, The Adult Learner Journal, National Adult Learning Organisation (AONTAS), Ireland; Dr Séamus Ó Tuama Director, ACE (Adult Continuing Education), University College Cork, United Kingdom; Dr Maria Liu Wong, Ed.D. Research Scholar, LearnLong Institute for Education and Learning Research. Dean, City Seminary of New York; Professor Josef Konwitz; retired, Paris; Professor Chris Duke, Centre for European Studies RMIT, Australia; Etienne Nel. Professor / Dept. of Geography, University of Otago, New Zealand; (2016). Tony Binns, University of Otago, New Zealand;(2016). Edward Blakeley; University of Sydney; (2015). Tracy Rogers and Joanne Dempsey from Northern Illinois University; (2015, 2016 and 2017) Mary-Helen Cobb and Mr. Jay Moon: International Economic Development Council; (2015). Jeff Finkle, President of the International Economic Development Council. (2014). Conference and other proceedings 2002, International:” Entrepreneurs on the move” (2002), Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the Commonwealth Meeting. 2008, “The perceived value of the Real Enterprise Development Programme and its contribution to the Western Cape Economy”. Value Conference, 2008. 2011, Speaker: 1st QS-MAPLE Conference, “The role of the University of Johannesburg in professionalising the careers of persons working in LED”; Dubai Knowledge Village. 2011, IEDC Annual Conference, Charlotte, panel discussant on “Partnerships for economic development”. 2013, IGNITE presentation, international conference, International Economic Development Council, Philadelphia. USA, ‘The UJ Values in economic development’. 2013, South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum, Annual Conference, Professionalising the LED career”. 2014, Speaker at the Faculty of Management’s Colloquia exploring UJ’s contribution to sustainability; “The new economy”; Johannesburg. 2015, Keynote speaker at LED symposium organised by Northwest University “Professionalising the careers of persons working in LED”. UJ Value Conference (2016); LED stream facilitator. 2016, Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) Stakeholder Session, panellist speaker, Rural and Urban Entrepreneurs. 2016, guest speaker, Lydenburg Mashishing Business Chamber, in collaboration with the Mining Forum and the Thaba Chweu Municipality, “Learning Cities project in Lydenburg”. 2016, Elgin Community College; guest speaker, Stakeholder Workshop and Graduation Ceremony, “New Venture Creation”. 2017, Capital City Business Chamber, keynote speaker; “Smart cities”. 2017, Co- hosted the PASCAL International Observatory’s conference in Pretoria; “Trends2017 - Which Way to Go?” 2017, Keynote Address at the “First Annual Lekgotla on Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education” March 2017; “How serious are we about Entrepreneurship”. 2018, ECDI (Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Institute) Inaugural Conference held on 01 March 2018, Riversands Hub, speaker and panellist, “Beneficiaries of action”. 2018, Session Chair: Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Lekgotla in Higher Education, June 2018, University of Cape Town. 2018, delivered paper, Competencies needed for sustainable local economic development, MBALI conference, August 2018, University of Zululand. ISBN: 978-0-7972-1729-4 2019, Marius Venter, E. Swanepoel and T. Nxumalo Paper presented and accepted for conference proceedings “Impact of government incentive grants on small business: A case of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality “, 13th International Business Conference, 22-25 September 2019. ARABELLA, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa, P.583-600, ISBN 978-0-620-853-23-1 2019, Marius Venter, J.P. Grundling and Nomakheswa Mjanyelwa, Paper presented and accepted for conference proceedings. “A territorial analysis on the predictive relationship of entrepreneurship skills development and business growth: The case of the Mantsopa Municipal Region in South Africa” 13th International Business Conference, 22-25 September 2019. ARABELLA, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa, P.518-524, ISBN 978-0-620-853-23-1 2019, Marius Venter. Paper presented and accepted for conference proceedings. “Learning Communities: The case of the Theewaterskloof municipality in the Overberg, South Africa”, P. 381 – 388 ICSS 2019-230, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa,10th International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSS), ISBN: 978-1-86822-688-7. 28 August 2019. Marius Venter. Keynote Address: Cities’ Vision Conference, Local Economic Development for Urban Pakistan, LED Concept and Global Practice, Islamabad, Pakistan. May 2022. M. Venter, Presenter: Exploring Local Economic Development in South Africa, pre and post Covid-19 pandemic August 2022, Local Economic Development (LED) & Covid-19: A systematic literature review, M Venter, C de Bruyn -Mbali International Conference, Conference proceedings, p.579-598, University of Zululand. 2022. M. Venter, Panel Discussant: Spotlight: How the University of Glasgow's Partnerships are Driving Sustainable Development Goal Impact, session at the Global Sustainable Development Congress, Glasgow. August 2023, Marius Venter and Chané de Bruyn. Digital technology and economic development: The case of the regional economy of Gauteng province, South Africa, Mbali International Conference, Conference proceedings, p.729-741, University of Zululand. February 2024, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Keynote address: “ Climate Change : Intersectional Perspectives”. August 2024, Phetole Sithole, Marius Venter and Marinda Pretorius. Failing Poverty alleviation strategies in the rural areas: A study of the Frances Baard District Municipality in South Africa. Mbali International Conference, Conference proceedings, p.853-874, University of Zululand. 2024. M. Venter, Speaker, Panel Discussant: 5th International Conference in Urban and Regional Planning and the 18th PASCAL International Conference on Learning Cities, Manila, Panel Discussion: Building Better Cities: Integrating Theory and Practice in Sustainable Urban Development and paper: Astro tourism and the implications for the Karoo town, Sutherland. Master dissertations and doctoral thesis External Examiner/ Assessor 2023, External Examiner: Faculty of Management Sciences, D. PHIL, Leanette Fanyana Ntuli, Leadership capabilities for improving financial management inefficiencies in the public sector, DUT. 2023, External Examiner: Ms Thobikele Zondi, M. Com dissertation: The Impact of Population Aging on the South African Economy: A Case of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, University of Zululand. 2021, Expert Assessor: Promotion Application, Dr Emmanuel Mutambara, promotion to the rank of Associate Professor at this University of KwaZulu-Natal. B. Machona, Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences – Leadership and Complexity: A Systems Approach for enhancing Entrepreneurial Leadership in Learning for Zimbabwe: The case of Hilbright Science College in Harare and Mutare, DUT. T. van der Schyff, PhD thesis: The development and testing of a measurement instrument for regional tourism competitiveness facilitating economic development, Northwest University. Expert Assessor: Dr Christopher Chikandiwa applied for promotion to the rank of Senior Lecturer at this University of KwaZulu-Natal. 2019; External Examiner: Ms C Strydom; M. Com dissertation: “Generation Y students’ intention towards ecopreneurship”, Northwest University. 2018: External Examiner: Ngake Machete; M. Com dissertation; “Reviewing Local Economic Development (LED) Projects”: The case of Mogale City Local Municipality, (MCLM), University of the Free State. 2018: External Examiner: M. Manqua; M. Com dissertation; “Analysis of freight movement activities related to economic growth in the Sedibeng region”, Northwest University. 2018: External Examiner; KN Molefe; Com dissertation; The identification of socio-economic challenges: A regional comparative study of the Emfuleni and Midvaal local municipal areas, Northwest University. 2017: External Assessor: R. C. Dalziel; PhD thesis: “Factors influencing South African female generation Y students’ purchase behavior of beauty products”, Northwest University. 2017, External Examiner: Lwazi Ncoliwe, M Com; “An investigation into factors that prevent small businesses in economically deprived areas from growing: A township case study in Site C, Khayelitsha”; University of Cape Town. 2017: External Examiner: J.R. Neethling; Com dissertation; “A comparative analysis of business owner’s perceptions of the creation of an enabling developmental environment in the Sedibeng Municipal Region”; Northwest University. 2015: External Assessor PhD thesis, Zondiwe Mkhabela, “The role of leadership in the developmental needs of the senior managers in a rural municipality: A case study in adult education at Bushbuckridge Local Municipality”, Stellenbosch University. 2014: External Examiner, O.N. Sentsho, master’s dissertation: “The impact of urbanisation on the basic service delivery by Municipalities in Gauteng”, Northwest University. 2014: External Examiner, M.B. Masuku, MBA dissertation, “Leadership with specific reference to the Ehlanzeni District Municipality”. UKZN 2012: External Examiner: Kwazulu-Natal Leadership School: PC Khambule, M. COM. (Coursework), “The Impact of LED conceptualisation: A Case Study of the UGU District”. 2012: External Examiner: Kwazulu-Natal Leadership School: Jim Matsho (210555458), M. COM. (Leadership), “Land Reform Projects as LED Contributors: KwaZulu- Natal Case studies”. 2012: External Examiner: Kwazulu-Natal Leadership School:TR Farisani Student No: 200106210 Degree: M-COM, dissertation: “Empowering Disadvantaged Businesses through LED Projects: A Practitioner's Approach”. External Examiner: D. Masuku: “The importance of human capital in the manufacturing sector of the SA economy”. (MA in Economics), RAU. February 2005. External Examiner: A. Phaahlamohlaka: “The impact of privatisation on the electricity industry with specific reference to Gauteng”. RAU. October 2006. External Examiner: S. Franzsen: “A marketing model for a Metropolitan local council”, MA, Public Management, University of the Free State. November 2001. Master’s study completed leader/ supervisor: 2025: Co-supervisor: S. Nthite, The South African indigenous cannabis industry as an LED enabler to empower women. 2024, Supervisor, Ms KB Mathumbu, The impact of load shedding on micro enterprises at the Babelegi industrial park. 2023, Supervisor, Mr SL Mqadi, The socio-economic impact of sugarcane as a renewable energy mechanism in South Africa. 2023, Supervisor, Ms FV Mdekazi, Job stability evidence from formal and informal businesses in Mulbarton. 2023, Co-supervisor, Ms MM Kanye, Challenges of a local economic development project in the City of Tshwane. 2023, Co- supervisor, Ms BM Jordan, Rethinking local economic development for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Renosterberg municipality. 2023, Supervisor, Ms LN Hlungwani, The effectiveness of biofuels production in the Limpopo region: A local economic development perspective. 2023, Supervisor, Nonkululeko Hlatswayo, M Com (LED), Temporary Youth Employment as a Local Economic Development Mechanism in the Thuthukani Township, UJ. 2020, Supervisor, Pitso Ramatlotlo. M. Com (LED), Investigating a bicycle share programme for UJ students from a local economic development context; UJ. 2020, Supervisor; Chika Chitambala, M Com (LED); The role of training and empowerment of automotive artisans: A case of Winterveld Enterprise hub; UJ. 2020, Co-supervisor; K.C. Mashoene, M Com (LED); “Factors leading to the decline in subsistence agriculture in Ga-Mphahlele village”; UJ. 2019, Supervisor; Z. Mjakada; Prof. M Com (LED); “Patterns of empowerment of unemployed youth in Khayelitsha”; UJ. 2019, Supervisor; Kgothatso Moerane, Prof. M. Com (LED); “The economic impact of the Dobsonville shopping centre on the quality of lives of the local community”, UJ. 2019, Supervisor; Mthetheleli Baqwa; Prof. M Com (LED); “Local economic development interventions to commercialise livestock production by Mzongwana farmers”, UJ. 2019, Supervisor; Vivian Nomakheswa Mjanyelwa; Prof. M Com (LED); “Patterns of empowering small businesses in Mantsopa through entrepreneurial skills development”; UJ. 2019, Supervisor; Vanessa Khoza; Prof. M Com (LED); “Empowering female-owned businesses trading at the Tshakhuma fresh produce market in Limpopo”; UJ. 2019, Supervisor; K. G. Baloyi; Prof. M Com (LED); “The inclusion of youth owned businesses into enterprise development programmes”, UJ. 2019, Supervisor; V. Nkuna; Prof. M Com (LED); “The impact of information scarcity on career choices: A case study of Mamelodi Youth”; UJ. 2018, Supervisor; R.I Molepo; Prof. M Com (LED); “An assessment of Emfuleni Municipality’s Local Economic Development Strategy Implementation Plan”; UJ. 2018, Supervisor; P.M. Molise; Prof. M Com (LED); “Incubatee development as a local economic development enabler: The case of Galashewe Village”; UJ. 2018, Supervisor; A. Mwanga; Prof. M Com (LED); “Perceived efficacy of the Riversands Incubation Hub through the lens of the incubatees”. UJ. 2018, Supervisor; L.S Nkwinika; Prof. M Com (LED); “Enterprise development, effectiveness of government funded incubators in Gauteng”, UJ. 2018, Supervisor; Sithole, Phetole Vincent; Prof. M Com (LED); “Enterprise development through business social responsibility: The case of mines in the Sol Plaatje Municipality”, UJ. 2017, Supervisor; E. M. Phatlane; M Tech: Entrepreneurship; “Personal Behavioural factors for promoting creative entrepreneurship in Groblersdal”, Tshwane University of Technology. 2015, Supervisor; Y. Burger. M-Tech in Entrepreneurship, “Place based approach to community led entrepreneurship on small holdings in Kameeldrift. Tshwane”; Tshwane University of Technology. 2013, Study leader: J. Naidoo, MBA dissertation, “ A study to determine the implications of introducing naturalistic driving studies in the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa”, MANCOSA. 2013, Study leader: L. Naicker, MBA dissertation, “An investigation into the impact of job satisfaction on job performance at Group X”, MANCOSA. 2012, Supervisor: X. Feng, M. Tech; “Impact of township enterprises on local economic development in Mabopane”; Tshwane University of Technology. 2008, Study Leader: J.W. Meyer, MBA dissertation: “The role of the accountant in assisting “Real Enterprise Development Centres.” MANCOSA. 2007, Co-supervisor, X.M. Mgxaji: M Com, “The role of local business support centres in small, medium and micro-enterprise development”, RAU. 2003, Supervisor, T.P. Matthane, M. Com: Business Management: “A critical evaluation of the South African intergovernmental grant system”.), RAU. 12.3 PhD Supervision in progress: 2020, Co-supervisor, Mr PV Sithole, A comparative analysis of local economic development projects to alleviate poverty and inequality. (In progress) 2020, Co-supervisor, Mr PN Sokhela, Digital transformation in small businesses as a tool for local economic development. (In progress) 2020, Co-supervisor, Mr IN Mthembu, A systems thinking approach to data modelling for local economic development: The case of Umkhanyakude District Municipality. (In progress 2023, Co-supervisor, Mr KN Molefe, Essays on domestic investments, economic growth, and employment: A regional study of Gauteng. (applied for a break) Book and Article Review Public Economics for SA students, November 2006. 2018: Reviewed articles for the following journals: Bulletin of Geography Socio-economic Series (BGSS). Title of reviewed article: Local economic development agencies and place-based development: evidence from South Africa and for SAJEMS: “Credit accessibility predicators among small and medium contractors in the South African construction industry.” Reviewer, 2019 ICSS Conference and IBC Conference. Employment before UJ 1 November 2008- 31 August 2010: Chief Executive Officer: Overstrand Local Economic Development Agency and Director: OLEDA. OLEDA was a private company owned by the Overstrand Municipality with an independent board of Director’s. The Agency served the areas of Hermanus, Gansbaai, Stanford, Hangklip/Kleinmond, Hawston, Pearly Beach and rural areas like Buffeljags and Baardskeerderbos. OLEDA: Acted as the operational arm of the municipality to implement economic, social, environmental policies and projects; Promotion and development of the economic potential of the area; Establishment of an investor help desk Development of entrepreneurial potential and activity, mostly tourism, which supports and drives economic growth in the area. The development of land and buildings to achieve its objectives. I was responsible for managing the company as a municipal entity. Achievements: Setting up of Agency as a Municipal Entity Ensuring compliance with municipal and company legislation Developing systems, procedures and policies as required Preparing a fully integrated development plan / strategic framework for the Overstrand Local Economic Development Agency with, and on behalf of, the Overstrand Municipality. Coordinating and facilitating the implementation of the OLEDA strategic plan, including its spatial, economic, and environmental dimensions, it’s regulatory, budgetary, financial, and legal implications and its social and economic consequences. OLEDA received a clean audit from the Auditor-General for 2009/10 and 2010/11. The identification of projects and facilitating the preparation and evaluation of business plans. Managing relationships with potential investors and entrepreneurs. Managing and coordinating of stakeholders relations through effective communication. Acquiring of project funds to achieve the strategic objectives of the agency. Providing the Chairman of the Board and the Overstrand municipality with continuous up to date, accurate information. Providing innovative leadership to the Agency and its employees. Co-coordinating the daily, monthly, and annual functions of the Agency. Interacting with investors, councillors, Board members and employees of the Development Agency and with the Agency’ auditors, attorneys, and other professionals. Working irregular hours, independently and sometimes under pressure. Accessing funding from recognized Government and other sources which will include evaluating, structuring, and concluding project applications for finance with multiple partners including empowerment entities. Identification of new investment opportunities by networking all relevant stakeholders. Maintaining and promoting the Agency’s relationships at every key level Preparation of business plans, funding proposals and reports. MAY 2007- OCTOBER 2008: UJ- SENIOR LECTURER Lecturing Public Economics (Honours) Founder: Centre for Local Economic Development (CENLED) Franchise Owner: OCTOBER 2006- APRIL 2007: Part time: Run/Walk for life franchise. Franchise Owner: Cash Crusaders , Randfontein and Carlton Centre, 31 MARCH 2004- SEPTEMBER 2006: This entailed managing a retail business on business principles. The franchise concept entails the buying and selling of new and second-hand goods. Adhering to franchisor prescriptions and the responsibility for all business aspects relating to employees, legal aspects of a franchise, financials, and interaction with all suppliers. 1994 – 2004: CITY OF JOBURG: I had dual responsibilities: Executive Officer: Local Economic Development City of Johannesburg and Managing Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development: As Head of Economic Development my responsibilities included inter alia the following: To develop of capacity to enable the City of Johannesburg to plan and act strategically by: Gathering and analysing economic related information in a timely manner and to feed this into a strategic framework. Monitoring international, national, and regional policy initiatives, Legislation and economic trends to assess the possible local impact and to propose appropriate interventions to the Council. Developing an extensive, up to date, information database to disseminate information to potential investors. Monitoring the actions of major role-players. Co-coordinating and facilitating the actions of the various Council departments to shift from a bureaucratic approach to an entrepreneurial business approach to ensure customer service, minimize red tape and to guarantee responses within specified time frames which will boost investor’s confidence. Interacting with senior policy makers at national, provincial, and local level. liaised with the Department of Agriculture, Gauteng Finance and Economic Department; the Dobsonville, Johannesburg, Randburg, Roodepoort, Sandton and Soweto Chambers of Commerce and Industry; WESGRO; Investment SA; the Department of Trade and Industry; Ntsika Enterprise Development Agency; Metropolitan Councils of Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, etc.; financial institutions; universities; Technikon SA; the Industrial Development Corporation; CSIR National Productivity Institute; ESKOM; embassies; etc. I also served on the Board of Directors of the Gauteng Economic Development Agency, the Executive of the Roodepoort Chamber, and The Gauteng Local Authority Association Small, Medium, and Micro enterprise (SMME) Working Group. To market economic opportunities to potential local and foreign investors through exhibitions, seminars, conferences, etc. To promote local goods and services. To ensure that the regulatory environment nurtures economic growth and development incentives to complement the national incentives to attract investments. Developed an incentive package to attract local, national, and international investments for e.g., tax rebates and rebates on contributions. To facilitate innovative, institutional arrangements such as public/private partnerships, privatisation, etc. I was part of the team co-coordinating and implementing a project “The Greater Florida Lake Water Based Development”, developments of more than R2 Bn were envisaged. Responsible for the Capital and Operational Budgets. To facilitate job creation programmes such as urban agriculture. Beneficiaries were identified; soil and water tests were completed, as well as the feasibility study. Beneficiaries were trained in all aspects of cultivation, marketing of produce, financial management etc. To facilitate small, medium, and micro enterprise development. In this respect a partnership was formed with Technikon SA and the Department of Trade and Industry. A Local Business Service Centre was established. The Centre acted as a one-stop shop to assist entrepreneurs in respect of all aspects related to managing your own business. The Council’s procurement procedure was changed to speed up local economic development. The Centre was chosen to pilot the Ntsika Mentorship programme secondly the Banking Council of SA piloted their financial assistance programme to SMME’s through the Centre. International links were established with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and The Community Business Resource Centre (CBRC) in Ontario, Canada and The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development in Nova Scotia, Canada. An Entrepreneurship online course was negotiated with CBRC. The Centre assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs. January 2002 to March 2004, Managing Director of CEED (SA) the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development and the Head of Local Economic Development for the City of Johannesburg. Founder, CEO and board member: CEED (SA) was a Section 21 company and was founded by the City of Johannesburg and Technikon SA. CEED (SA) to run programmes which contributed towards economic growth and job creation in South Africa. CEED (SA) equipped people and communities with skills that allowed them to enter the world of trade and business, and start up their own businesses, most importantly ensuring that these new businesses were successful in the long run. Programmes that were developed for CEED (SA) by Prof. Venter: development business skills; legal aspects pertaining to your business; mentorship programmes; AIDS awareness program; substance abuse prevention programme; life skills programmes; basic computer literacy courses; bylaws education and transformation; youth programmes e.g., assisting youth who had problems with the law with entrepreneurial skills; Partnerships included: Dept. of labour; Business Skills for SA Foundation; Banking Council; Business Beat (Deloitte & Touche); National Business Initiative; Kagiso Business Consultants; NAMAC; RAU- Community Outreach; Print Media SA; Tsoga Youth; Umsobomvu Youth Fund. The programmes of CEED (SA) were aimed at marginalised people, entrepreneurs; young people; underdeveloped communities; unemployed graduates; employees of the City of Johannesburg and employees of Technikon SA. 1994: Deputy Director: Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, responsible for operations, marketing, the Capital Operational Budgets, Cold Storage and Ripening facilities. The turnover of the fresh produce market exceeded R850 000 million p. a. Largest market in Africa. Responsible for liaising with producers, buyers, wholesalers, all. National Markets etc. Was a Member of the Institute of Market Masters. 1993: Assistant City Treasurer, Boksburg Town Council, responsible for investments, capital and operational budgets, and special projects. 1992: Department of Finance, as advisor to the Minister of Finance and Minister of Local Government. Was a member of a project team that developed a new formula for intergovernmental grants, Member of the Local Government Negotiating Forum on Finance. 1985 – 1991: Johannesburg City Council, various departments with the last position as Asst. Director: Pension Fund, responsible for investments and privatization projects. Subject field related training Trainer for Business Skills South Africa facilitating the following modules: Your approach towards Business; legal Aspects pertaining to starting and running your business; practical marketing; practical pricing and costing skills; effective financial management; customer care; basic bookkeeping; understanding VAT; business plans Qualified facilitator for The Institute for Health Training and Development: Managing Substance Abuse in the workplace developed by Start and Improve Your Business funded by the International Labour Organisation. Internationally accredited facilitator for the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (Canada): Business for a day; Second Chance. As the Head of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (South Africa) I have developed the following study material: Practical tendering; Local Economic Development. Qualifications and Professional Development B-Com. (Law), 1983, majors Economics, Contracts and Law of Delict; B Com Hons (Economics); 1986; M-Com. (Economics), 1989. “Privatization of Local Government functions”; D-Com. (Economics),” The contribution of the informal sector to the economy of Johannesburg”. All qualifications were obtained at Rand Afrikaans University. 2018, Certified Associate, Blackboard, Digital Teaching and Learning Series (DTLS); 2015, passed 30 credit supervision course “Strengthening Postgraduate supervision”, accredited by Rhodes University; 2015, Attended workshop on “The science and art of postgraduate supervision and assessment”; 2014, attended workshop: "Learning 3.0 - the implications of Web 3.0" for learning in the 21st Century- Personal Learning Environments in the context of Rhizomatic learning”. 2013, attended workshop on “Supervising Action Research”; 2013, attended seminar on the “Grounded Theory Method”, presented by Dr. Dan Remenyi; Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, Explorer, E-mail; and Completed a training course in basic Zulu Hobbies Qualified Western Province Netball Umpire Chairperson of Overberg pigeon union Assisting business startups; pigeons; running. CONTACT DETAILS: Cell phone: 082 464 9636, mventer@uj.ac.za Residential address: 38 3 rd Avenue; Sandbaai, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. Postal Address: POSTNET 204; Private Bag x16, Hermanus, 7200.