Rathipana Mabeba

A Public Administration Honours graduate from the University of Pretoria, currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Administration and Management, with two years' experience at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Experienced in supporting bilateral cooperation initiatives between South Africa and partners in Europe and the Middle East, including coordinating international engagements, supporting agreement implementation, conducting research and facilitating stakeholder engagement. Possesses strong administrative, organisational, and report-writing skills, with the ability to draft briefing notes, submissions, and official correspondence for senior management.

Able to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining accuracy and committed to strengthening South Africa's international partnerships through effective bilateral cooperation.

Overseas Bilateral Cooperation: Europe and Middle East - Department of Science, Technology and Innovation

(2024-07)

• Facilitated and coordinated bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including SADC, AU, EU, UNESCO, and trilateral initiatives, applying science diplomacy to promote South Africa in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Research and Development (R&D) investment.
• Coordinated international partnerships and MoUs, including the finalisation of agreements with Bulgaria, and drafted submissions seeking legal opinions on MoUs with Italy, UAE, Türkiye, and Malta, supporting referral to DIRCO, DoJCD, and the Presidency.
• Provided high-level administrative and operational support in managing international cooperation programmes, ensuring effective execution of strategic plans and agreements.
• Liaised with key stakeholders, including embassies, high commissions, government departments, and international organisations to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
• Supported and participated in Joint Committee Meetings (JCMs) and bilateral forums with countries such as Belarus, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Russia.
• Conducted in-depth desktop research and country profiling to identify international best practices, partnership opportunities, and areas of strategic cooperation.
• Monitored economic trends, trade policies, and geopolitical developments to inform bilateral engagements and support decision-making.
• Contributed to policy and strategic documents, including departmental reports, submissions, and risk registers.
• Presented on South Africa's Decadal Plan and national priorities, supporting alignment with international cooperation strategies.
• Drafted high-quality briefing notes, ministerial submissions, reports, and official correspondence for senior management and international counterparts.
• Prepared comprehensive briefing packs and agendas for ministerial and high-level bilateral engagements, including G20-related meetings.
• Maintained accurate records, databases, and documentation systems to support reporting and knowledge management.
• Provided regular progress updates and analytical reports on international engagements and cooperation initiatives.
• Facilitated stakeholder consultations and engagements with government departments, research institutions, and international partners.
• Supported capacity-building initiatives and knowledge exchange programmes, including student exchanges and institutional collaboration.
• Promoted international collaboration and partnerships, including innovation, research, and development initiatives.
• Coordinated high-level international visits, delegations, and events, including Deputy Presidential and Ministerial engagements.
• Played a key role in organising Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) and other international platforms to promote South Africa globally.
• Managed logistics, protocol, and administrative arrangements for international engagements, ensuring smooth execution.
• Led coordination of delegations and international engagements, including managing stakeholders, logistics teams, and the visit agenda.
• Served as Italy Country Coordinator for the G20 Research and Science Ministerial, contributing to planning, coordination, and implementation.
• Provided guidance and coordination across teams and stakeholders, demonstrating emerging supervisory and leadership capabilities.

School of Public Administration and Management: Class representative - University of Pretoria

(2025-03 - 2025-11)

• Spoke on behalf of the master's cohort during meetings with lecturers, programme coordinators, or faculty leadership.
• Presented collective concerns, suggestions, or academic challenges raised by students.
• Ensured student voices are heard professionally and constructively.
• Share important announcements from lecturers or programme administrators with the class.
• Keep students updated about schedules, assignment deadlines, seminars, workshops, consultations, and academic changes.
• Helped maintain smooth communication between students and staff.

Master of Administration - Public Administration & Management - University of Pretoria (2025)

Bachelor of Administration Honours - Public Administration & Management - University of Pretoria (2024 - 2024)

Bachelor of Administration - Public Administration, Human Resource Management, Labour Relations, Global Politics, Administrative Law and Public Policy - University of Limpopo (2021 - 2023)

National Senior Certificates - Mathematics, Life Sciences, Life Orientation, Physical Sciences, English First Additional Language, Sepedi, Economics - XXXX High School (2016 - 2020)