Common Purpose announces the incoming CEO of Common Purpose South Africa

Common Purpose is delighted to welcome Kubeshni Govender as Chief Executive Officer of Common Purpose South Africa and Operations Lead for Africa.
 
Kubeshni brings over 20 years of leadership experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Through her consultancy, Black Earth Consulting, she has led complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives focused on leadership, governance, innovation, and organisational change.
 
Her career includes senior roles such as Director of the Joburg Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, Head of Communications and Ministerial Support at South Africa’s Department of Public Service and Administration, Independent Advisor at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and Policy Review Advisor to the South African Parliament.
 
Kubeshni has also worked extensively with civil society, particularly through the Kagiso Trust, and was a founding member of Gender Links, a regional NGO focused on gender justice. A certified coach and organisational development practitioner, she draws on Gestalt methodologies in her leadership practice.
 
Above all, Kubeshni is deeply committed to people development and ethical leadership. She is an alumna of Common Purpose and a long-standing supporter of the organisation’s work.
 
Kubeshni formally takes up the role on 1 April. To ensure continuity and strong relationship management, the incoming and outgoing CEOs will work closely together during an intensive transition period in February and March, and as needed thereafter. This will include collaboration through the launch of the Lighthouse senior leaders programme in April and the Africa Venture emerging leaders programme in July.
 
Please join us in warmly congratulating Kubeshni on her appointment. With your continued support, Kubeshni and the Common Purpose team will play a vital role in shaping the future of leadership across Africa.