Janet du Preez is a senior social development leader and governance expert with more than four decades of experience spanning government, civil society, and international development. Trained as a social worker, her career has been defined by leadership roles focused on strengthening public systems, advancing child and family wellbeing, and guiding organizational transformation at national and international levels.
Janet has held senior management positions within government and civil society in South Africa, including executive leadership roles within the provincial Department of Social Development, where she provided strategic oversight of social welfare services and sector reform. She has also led and advised organizations on institutional strengthening, organizational development, change management, and strategic planning, working closely with public institutions, funders, and nonprofit organizations across the social sector.
In addition to her executive and advisory roles, Janet brings extensive experience in governance and board leadership. She has served on multiple philanthropic, community, and development-focused boards and trusts, with a particular focus on early childhood development, child protection, and services for vulnerable populations.
Janet holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of the Witwatersrand Business School, with a focus on public policy and development management, and is professionally registered as a social service practitioner in South Africa.