Emma Patientia

Emma Patientia joined the DPRU team as a Communications Assistant in 2026. She holds an MBA from Regent Business School and a BCom in Marketing and Industrial Psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

With more than 20 years of experience across the public, private, non-profit, international development, and higher education sectors, Emerentia has worked in programme management, socio-economic development, stakeholder engagement, communications, and partnership development. Her professional experience includes senior roles in the Western Cape Government, Fairtrade Africa, and the banking sector.

Emma has a particular interest in inclusive economic development, labour relations, community empowerment, stakeholder engagement, and facilitating collaboration across diverse groups. She is recognised for her ability to build strategic partnerships, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and support initiatives that promote sustainable and evidence-based socio-economic outcomes.

Her current work at DPRU focuses on supporting research projects, policy engagement, communications, knowledge dissemination, and stakeholder coordination.

Areas of interest: Socio-economic development, stakeholder engagement, programme management, policy dialogue, labour relations, sustainable development, community development, and strategic partnerships.