The New South Institute (NSI) is excited to announce the appointment of Yoliswa Makhasi as the new Head of our Public Service Reform programme. With over two decades of experience in public sector governance, strategic leadership, and policy development, Yoliswa brings invaluable expertise and a deep commitment to driving transformational change within South Africa’s public sector.

Throughout her distinguished career, Yoliswa has held influential leadership roles, including her recent tenure as the Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) from 2020 to 2025. In addition, she serves as the Vice President for Southern Africa at the African Association for Public Administration and Management.

Yoliswa’s extensive background in policy development, change management, and strategic oversight makes her a perfect fit for leading the Public Service Reform programme at NSI. Her work aligns closely with our mission to strengthen governance, foster impactful policy development, and create a more efficient and transparent public administration.

With a passion for youth empowerment and leadership development, particularly for young women, Yoliswa will also use her coaching expertise to mentor the next generation of leaders. Her academic credentials, which include a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from the University of Manchester (UK) and further studies at prestigious institutions like INSEAD and the London School of Economics, add to the depth of knowledge she brings to NSI.

We look forward to the significant contributions Yoliswa will make as she leads our efforts to shape public service reform in South Africa and beyond.

Welcome to the team, Yoliswa!