John currently serves as Chief Director at the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism—a role he has held with distinction for over 16 years. In this capacity, he leads three critical portfolios: enterprise development, municipal economic support, and red tape reduction. Notably, he established South Africa’s first and only dedicated red tape reduction unit in 2011. Under his leadership, this pioneering initiative has become a national benchmark, positioning the Western Cape as a leader in ease of doing business.
John’s career in public service is grounded in a deep commitment to entrepreneurship and local development. He began as an educator in accounting and business economics before transitioning into government, where he was instrumental in conceptualising and launching the province’s Red Door business support programme. He also served as the first Provincial Manager for the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) in the Western Cape, where he led the expansion of SEDA’s presence through branches and satellite offices across the province.
His contributions have also extended into human settlements, where he oversaw PHP housing and contractor development as a director in that department. Alongside his public sector accomplishments, John has walked the entrepreneurial path himself—as a co-owner and partner in a fuel service station for over five years.
In addition to his professional roles, John has contributed to higher education, lecturing part-time in entrepreneurship, management, and marketing at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, empowering the next generation of leaders in engineering, IT, and consumer sciences.
Academically, John holds a suite of qualifications including a B.Com, B.Com Honours in both Management and Economics, a Master’s in Commerce (Entrepreneurship), and a Higher Diploma in Education.
Outside of work, John lives life to the full. He is a sports photographer, an avid motorcycling enthusiast—especially of superbikes and adventure bikes—and an ultra-distance runner.
