Kosie Haarhoff was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He studied Education and Public Management at CPUT and Stellenbosch University and graduated with a PhD in Public Management in 2019. During his studies he studied at periods at the Vrije University and The Hague Academy for Local Governance in the Netherlands. He is a seasoned public servant and local government leader who values dedication, service and excellence. As an experienced government veteran, he brings unique perspectives gained from his 32 years’ experience in the public sector. Kosie started his career as public servant in the Provincial Department of Education as a teacher and as Economist in the Western Cape Provincial Treasury budget office.
After taking up a position as Director of Performance Monitoring in the Department of Local Government in 2012 he joined the Beaufort West Municipality as Municipal Manager from 2017 to 2021 and is currently working as Deputy Director: Strategic Growth and Development in the George Municipality where he is responsible for Economic Development, Integrated Planning, Performance Management, Tourism, Ward Committees, Public Participation and Investment Properties. His career has taken him to more than 35 countries where he engaged with foreign governments and businesses on issues such as public finance, public-private partnership, performance management, public value, stakeholder management and economic development.
Earning several awards for his superior public service career has proved this attitude and consistent mission of excellence. Kosie knows that excellence is a journey, not simply a destination. This perspective inspired him to teach, develop, inspire, and mentor hundreds of learners as an academic. He brings this same dedication to his work with government departments and business leaders as they strive to empower their teams and achieve greater success.
