Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Wits University, MSc. (Econ): Industrial Relations and Personnel Management (The London School of Economics and Political Science), B.Sc. Political Science and International Relations (Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, USA)

Currently Research Fellow at University of Johannesburg and former Group Chief Strategy Officer at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Dr. Sipho Sithole’s experience cuts across from being a gardener from the age of 12 to occupying executive positions in aviation and airport operations, telecommunications, broadcasting, sports administration, arts, culture and entertainment, transport and to Board directorships position in aviation, financial services, entertainment companies, film distribution/exhibition, as well as music and culture. He is an ardent speaker at international conferences on music and culture as well as management and leadership. A researcher and academic immersing himself in humanities and social sciences research. A corporate strategy and creative economy strategy consultant for both the public and private sectors, including non-profit organization.

Dr. Sithole has been involved in civil society initiatives and projects, ranging from working with UN-Habitat on creating awareness of the MDGs in 2004-2005, also chairing an international board of Music Mayday International (Netherlands) aimed at arming young people in Africa with the necessary skills and capabilities, particularly in the creative sector. Dr Sithole has represented the country in the arts and culture sector, at the International Cultural Summit in Edinburgh, as well as in France, and requested to operationalize the cooperation agreement between South Africa and France on music and film.

His work on civil society capacity-building initiatives has seen him being appointed to the boards of the National Arts Council of South Africa, the South African Cultural Observatory, the Joburg City Theatres, as well as the Southern African Music Rights Organisation. His involvement in the funding space has created a lot of job opportunities and the upskilling of the marginalised communities across all the cultural domains.