Lulu Gwagwa
Book Lulu Gwagwa through African Speakers Bureau. Dr Nolulamo “Lulu” Gwagwa is a development planner, investor and board chair across public, private and NGO s…
Chair, Barloworld | Chair, Zutari • CEO/Principal, Lereko Investments
South Africa
Lulu Gwagwa is a professional African speaker available to book through African Speakers Bureau for conferences, leadership events, executive programmes, and organisational engagements.
About Lulu Gwagwa
Dr Nolulamo “Lulu” Gwagwa is a development planner, investor and board chair across public, private and NGO sectors. She is Chair of Barloworld and Zutari, INED at Woolworths Holdings, and CEO/Principal at Lereko Investments. Previously Deputy Director‑General in Public Works (1995–1998) and CEO of the Independent Development Trust (1998–2003). Founder of Mhakazi Trust and Traversing Liminality. Focus: spatial equity, infrastructure delivery, women’s leadership, and youth inclusion.
Key message
Inclusive growth requires spatial justice; Policy must translate into bankable, executable projects; Measurable youth representation is a developmental imperative; Women’s leadership pipelines need both structural and psychological support.
Speaking topics and expertise
- Spatial Equity in Practice
- From Policy to Projects
- Boardroom Pathways for Women
- Youth at the Table
Achievements
Chair, Barloworld; Chair, Zutari; Chair, FirstRand Foundation & FREF; INED, Woolworths Holdings; former Deputy DG Public Works; former CEO Independent Development Trust; Chair, FirstRand Foundation & FREF
Education
BA (Fort Hare); MTRP (UKZN); MSc cum laude (LSE); PhD (UCL); MPhil (St Augustine College).
Delivery style
Reflective, evidence‑informed and story‑rich; practical frameworks and case examples; facilitative Q&A; boardroom‑ready tone.
Why audiences listen
Bridges public policy and private‑sector delivery; former senior public‑sector leader and current board chair across major organisations.
What the talks address
Translating policy into bankable, executable projects; governance and capability for delivery; women’s leadership pipelines; measurable youth inclusion.
What participants will learn
Frameworks to move from policy to projects; inclusion metrics; board‑readiness checklist; de‑risking approaches for infrastructure programmes.
What audiences take home
Delivery checklist and risk prompts; inclusion metrics template; leadership reflection exercises; curated reading/viewing list.
Benefits for individuals
Clarity on leading through complexity; tools for self‑mastery and influence; board‑readiness insights.
Benefits for organisations
Stronger governance and accountability; inclusive leadership pipelines; improved project delivery and stakeholder trust.
To check availability or book Lulu Gwagwa, contact African Speakers Bureau.