CUT | Executive Director: Resources and Operations

Mr Setumo Llale

Mr Setumo Llale was appointed Executive Director: Resources and Operations, effective 01 December 2024. With a robust professional background spanning 20 years, 15 of which have been dedicated to the higher education sector, Mr Llale brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

From November 2018 to November 2024, he served as Operations Director (Chief Operations Officer) at Wits Business School (WBS), where he was responsible for overseeing key operational functions, including Human Resources, Finance, Marketing and Communications, Facilities, and Information and Communication Technologies. His responsibilities included providing strategic direction, improving financial efficiency, and ensuring streamlined administrative processes to support the school’s growth and reputation. Under his leadership, Setumo played an important role in enhancing the WBS brand and converting teaching venues into hybrid learning spaces, ensuring that the school adapted to modern educational requirements.

At WBS, Setumo was a member of the Executive Committee (Exco) and chair of the school's Sustainability Committee, where he led initiatives to promote environmentally sustainable practices across the school. The committee's efforts helped to reduce the school's environmental footprint and conserve the school’s resources in alignment with sustainability goals.

Before taking on the role of Operations Director, Setumo was Acting Director of Executive Education at Wits Business School from May 2018 to April 2019. In this position, he led the development, delivery, and administration of Executive Education programs, designed to meet the needs of corporate clients and individuals seeking professional development.

Previously, Setumo was Finance and Business Manager for the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management at the University of Witwatersrand, from June 2013 to October 2018. In this role, he was responsible for the financial oversight of several schools and research centres within the faculty, ensuring full financial transparency and accountability. He has also served in various finance roles at Northwest University, including Finance Manager and Acting Director: Finance, where he was responsible for strategic financial planning, compliance, and budget management.

Setumo's leadership journey began as an Audit Supervisor at Gobodo Inc., where he supervised audit assignments and prepared annual financial statements. His academic qualifications include an MBA degree in finance from Northwest University and advanced leadership programs from Wits Business School and London Business School. With extensive experience in operations, finance, and management, he is well-equipped to lead CUT’s Resources and Operations division, focusing on strategic growth, sustainability, and operational excellence.

The Role of Resources and Operations in Enabling Institutional Success

The Resources and Operations portfolio is dedicated to creating an enabling environment that aligns with and supports the university’s mission. Through streamlined processes and the efficient utilisation of resources, the team ensures that core operations function optimally. By placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and pragmatic, results-driven solutions, Resources and Operations plays an important role in promoting conditions under which academic excellence and research innovation can thrive. The overarching goal is to establish a solid operational foundation that empowers the university to realise its strategic objectives.

Beyond Operations: The Support Services teams shaping our university environment

Communications and Marketing

Communications and Marketing is responsible for strategically positioning the university’s brand and managing internal and external communications. The team develops and implements marketing campaigns that promote academic programmes, research achievements, and institutional milestones. It oversees media relations, digital platforms, social media, public relations, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring consistent messaging and visibility that align with the university’s strategic objectives.

Estates and Infrastructure

Estates and Infrastructure oversees the development, maintenance, and optimisation of the university’s physical environment. This includes managing capital projects, facility upgrades, utilities, landscaping, and routine maintenance. The team plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with health and safety standards while driving sustainability through green building practices, energy efficiency projects, and smart campus infrastructure planning.

Human Resources (HR)

HR plays a critical role in managing the university’s workforce and building a high-performance, inclusive, and supportive work environment. Key responsibilities include talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, and wellness initiatives. HR ensures compliance with labour legislation, oversees remuneration and benefits, and supports organisational change, equity, and transformation initiatives.

ICT and Computer Services

ICT provides secure, innovative, and reliable digital infrastructure that supports the university’s teaching, learning, research, and administrative functions. This includes maintaining IT systems, enterprise applications, and networks, as well as ensuring cybersecurity and data governance. The ICT team supports digital transformation through automation, smart technologies, and user-focused solutions that enhance operational efficiency and academic delivery.

Protection Services

Protection Services ensures the safety and security of the university’s staff students, property, and reputation. The unit is responsible for physical security, access control, surveillance, incident response, emergency preparedness, and crime prevention. Through strong collaboration with internal stakeholders and external law enforcement, Protection Services maintains a safe and inclusive campus environment conducive to learning and research.