Mr Setumo Llale
Executive Director: Resources and Operations
Mr Setumo Llale was appointed to this role 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, focusing on strategic growth, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Professional Journey
Executive Leadership at Wits
From November 2018 to November 2024, Mr Llale served as Operations Director (Chief Operations Officer) at Wits Business School (WBS). He oversaw key operational functions, including Human Resources, Finance, Marketing and Communications, Facilities, and Information and Communication Technologies.
Under his leadership, he played a pivotal role in enhancing the WBS brand and converting teaching venues into hybrid learning spaces, ensuring the school adapted to modern educational requirements. Prior to this, he served as Acting Director of Executive Education (May 2018 to April 2019), leading the development and delivery of programmes for corporate clients and professionals.
Financial Oversight and Early Career
Previously, Mr Llale was the Finance and Business Manager for the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management at the University of the Witwatersrand (June 2013 to October 2018), ensuring full financial transparency and accountability for several schools and research centres.
He has also served in various finance roles at North-West University, including Finance Manager and Acting Director of Finance. His leadership journey began as an Audit Supervisor at Gobodo Inc., where he supervised audit assignments and prepared annual financial statements.
Sustainability Leadership and Qualifications
At WBS, Mr Llale was a member of the Executive Committee and chaired the school's Sustainability Committee, leading initiatives that successfully reduced the environmental footprint and conserved resources in alignment with sustainability goals.
He holds an MBA in Finance from North-West University and has completed advanced leadership programmes at Wits Business School and London Business School.
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
The Resources and Operations division comprises several critical professional services, each playing a vital role in shaping a safe, efficient, and innovative university environment.
Communications and Marketing
Strategically positions the university’s brand, managing internal and external communications, media relations, digital platforms, and stakeholder engagement to ensure consistent messaging and visibility.
Estates and Infrastructure
Oversees the development, maintenance, and optimisation of the university’s physical environment, driving sustainability through green building practices, energy efficiency, and smart campus infrastructure planning.
Human Resources (HR)
Manages the university’s workforce, building a high-performance, inclusive, and supportive work environment through talent acquisition, employee relations, learning and development, and transformation initiatives.
ICT and Computer Services
Provides secure, innovative, and reliable digital infrastructure, maintaining IT systems, enterprise applications, and cybersecurity while supporting digital transformation and operational efficiency.
Protection Services
Ensures the safety and security of the university’s staff, students, property, and reputation through physical security, access control, surveillance, incident response, and crime prevention, maintaining a safe campus environment.