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With a First-Class degree in Third World Development and Economics, Neil has over 10 years’ experience in capacity building and skills development. Supporting SMMEs, NPCs, Associations, and Private Sector Businesses across South Africa and Namibia. His experience is grounded in providing Business and Operations Management services across the Private Sector, Development Sector and Government Sector.
A tech-savvy individual, Neil has supported companies and consultants in improving their operational procedures through the online tools and integrating workflow automation. Demonstrating his skills and expertise in Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Canva, Miro, Monday.com, and Notion.
As a facilitator, mentor and advisor, Neil has worked throughout Namibia and South Africa engaging with key stakeholders in the Private Sector, Development Sector and Public Sector. Maintaining strong working relationships with key individuals and entities comes naturally to Neil.
Passionate about community development, youth empowerment, and conservation, Neil supports entities that uphold a similar commitment and ethos.
<aside> 🗓️ August 2022 – Present
Board Member & Consulting Partner
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As a Board Member and Consulting Partner, Neil steered the initial developments of Vuma Sikuncede's NPC through strategic financial planning, programme design, and stakeholder engagement, empowering their mission to improve governance amongst Non-Profit Companies.
<aside> 🗓️ November 2017 – Present
Director & Principal Consultant
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As a passionate advocate for organisational growth and sustainability, Neil combines his expertise in feasibility studies (financial forecasting, budgeting, logistics, and implementation strategy) and eco-tourism development to empower diverse clientele. Over the past 6 years, Neil successfully delivered impactful projects like crafting eco-tourism plans that supported 15 micro-enterprises across Namibia’s Communal Conservancies and 40 SMMEs in Limpopo Province, leading to increased tourism revenue and the development of sustainable tourism initiatives. His dedication to strategic systems, business optimisation, and resilient business creation has driven positive change across sectors, from cultural tourism roadshows engaging 300 delegates to supporting biosphere reserves in marketing, communication, and programme design. Eager to partner with organisations seeking to unlock their full potential and create lasting impact, particularly through community development and upliftment programs.
<aside> 🗓️ July 2016 to July 2017
Operations Manager
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Championing sustainable tourism and empowering communities, Neil expanded Open Africa's footprint into Namibia, securing support from the Ministry of Urban Development and coordinating the Millennium Challenge Project to fruition. He managed multi-million Rand projects in South Africa, driving tourism revenue, fostering youth entrepreneurship, and empowering SMMEs through capacity building workshops. Neil's relationship-building prowess extended to forging crucial partnerships with the Minister of Tourism, EU delegates, and private sector representatives, fuelling community development and entrepreneurial initiatives.
<aside> 🗓️ June 2013 to June 2016
Project Manager
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Transforming tourism routes into sustainable social enterprises, Neil skilfully leveraged his business acumen and marketing finesse as Project Manager. He strategically secured contracts and funding through partnerships with national and provincial government, private tourism operators, and international donors, fostering enduring collaborations that transcended his time at Open Africa. These partnerships led to revamped marketing strategies for five Northern Cape routes, still thriving under the integrated marketing strategy adopted by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, a testament to Neil's ability to build relationships that drive lasting impact.
<aside> 🗓️ February 2011 to September 2013
Project Coordinator
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Leading sustainable development efforts in Namibia's Kunene Region, Neil transformed his initial project coordinator role into comprehensive program management for IRDNC within two years. This rapid promotion entrusted him with overseeing all operations and a team of up to 25 staff and consultants across five key departments. He demonstrably strengthened the field staff's capacity in compiling Technical Assistance and Facilitation Feedback reports, enhancing donor reporting accuracy and streamlining communication with HQ. Simultaneously, Neil revamped financial support services within Institutional Governance, leading to improved communal conservancy financial management practices. This success story resonated, with many conservancies now willingly investing in these services, reducing their reliance on donor funding, and fostering their long-term financial sustainability.
<aside> 🗓️ January 2010 to February 2011
Executive Officer
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Passionate community development advocate Neil leveraged his academic foundation in microfinance to gain invaluable practical experience at DEVRA. He honed his administrative, fundraising, and research skills while managing diverse tasks, supporting project proposals, and contributing to website development. A four-month field engagement across Nepal and Southern Africa showcased Neil's versatility and impact: he supported MEL activities, explored program expansion and funding opportunities, played a key role in an income-generating project, and facilitated collaboration among organiSations. Neil's commitment to sustainability shines through his work, making him an asset in any community development endeavour.
STUDIO.WHY Digital Ecosystem Development**
Cultural Tourism Capacity Building Workshops**
Building Sustainable Tourism Ecosystems**
Stakeholder Engagement Workshops**
Youth Tourism Development**
Design & Facilitate SMME Capacity Building Workshops**
Enterprise Development Training**
Institutional Governance Training**
Project Management
Business Planning & Financial Management**
Book Chapter**
Unpacking Ethical Transactions through Cultural Tourism: Practitioners Reflections (pending)