Marietjie Engelbrecht

Marietjie Engelbrecht is the Group Chief of Staff at UVU Africa Group, a strategic partner of ASEB. With a robust background spanning over 23 years in marketing, communications, and public relations, she has honed her skills in the corporate sector and cause-driven organizations, particularly in finance, asset management, and investment. Her career has progressively focused on roles that enhance societal impact and innovation.

Professional Experience:

UVU Africa Group: Currently the Group Chief of Staff, Marietjie plays a pivotal role in overseeing group alignment, fundraising, partnerships, and external relations. Her strategic responsibilities include the oversight of ecosystem development, marketing, and branding. Prior to this, she was the Head of Marketing, Ecosystem, and Township Economy at UVU Africa, focusing on startup ecosystem development and entrepreneur support—key areas that align with UVU Africa’s core missions.

CapeNature: Served as Senior Communication Manager, leading strategic communications and enhancing organizational visibility and stakeholder engagement across various media platforms.

Earlier Roles: Developed expertise in strategic communication, public relations, and marketing through impactful roles at various organizations, directing communication strategies and managing stakeholder relationships.

Education:

Graduated from PU for CHE, where she cultivated a foundational knowledge base that supports her strategic and communication skills.

Achievements:

• Led product launches that became household names in South Africa, demonstrating her capability in large-scale marketing campaigns.
• Has been a driving force behind communications strategies that significantly boosted public engagement and support for various causes.

Skills and Expertise:

• Expert in strategic communication, brand management, and developing startup ecosystems.
• Highly skilled in leading diverse teams to achieve strategic marketing objectives and community engagement.
• Proficient in building and sustaining strong relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Role at ASEB: As a board member of ASEB, Marietjie leverages her vast knowledge in startup ecosystem development and entrepreneurial support to enhance ASEB’s strategic objectives. Her previous experiences, especially in marketing and ecosystem development at UVU Africa, equip her with unique insights that are crucial for driving ASEB’s initiatives aimed at nurturing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across Africa.

Vision for ASEB: Marietjie is committed to fostering a vibrant environment that supports and accelerates startup innovation and growth across the continent. Her goal is to ensure that ASEB remains a catalyst for creating opportunities and promoting sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship in Africa.