​Londeka Thanjekwayo is making her mark in the field of urban development and planning. Londeka is the Deputy Director for National Programme Liaison, Policy and Intergovernmental relations (IGR) in Human Settlements and recently had the honour of representing the City at the seventh World Engineers conference in Prague, Czech Republic.

The international conference attracted professionals in the built environment across the world. It focused on engineering through technology and capacity development towards sustainable development goals. Londeka’s paper was selected to be presented at the conference. The well-received paper looked at the challenges of implementing sustainable low-cost housing through innovative building technologies.

Her solution proposed the use of 3D innovation, a concept presented collaboratively by the Department of Science and the University of Johannesburg.

Her paper highlighted the potential of innovative building technology to contribute to sustainable urban development.

In her current role in the City, she oversees intergovernmental relations, international relations, innovation and knowledge management.

This aligns with her passion for exploring international conventions and conferences.

The portfolio established a knowledge management portal and research publication to share the impactful work being done.

What she loves most about her job is the opportunity to think outside the box and explore different approaches.

Her passion for the field was ignited during an open day at the University of Witwatersrand, where she studied Urban and Regional Planning. She was intrigued after seeing a model city.

Londeka hails from the East Rand. She holds a Master’s in the Built Environment from the University of Witwatersrand and a postgraduate diploma from the University of Rotterdam focusing on Developing Social Housing Projects.

Her career started with an internship in town planning at City of Ekurhuleni, which helped her understand the practical side of theory she studied.

In 2014, she was appointed as an Assistant Director and Research in the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements.

This was followed by a promotion to Deputy Director in 2017. In 2021, she joined the City in her current role.

Beyond her official duties, Londeka actively engages in workshops and conferences, deepening her understanding of development issues and international practices.

Her involvement in the Young Planners Association and the receipt of the Young Professional Planner award in 2018 speak to her commitment to professional growth.

She also co-authored a chapter in a book, Understanding African Real-estate Markets.

A belief she lives by is to never let anyone tell you that things can’t be done and be willing to explore new platforms.

Londeka loves trying new things. She recently entered a pageant, Miss Bachelorette South Africa, to challenge herself in the social space.

The pageant’s purpose is to fight gender-based violence and encourage women to pursue their dreams.

She describes herself as a serial optimist, collaborator and explorer. Londeka is already thinking about her next big move.

​She would like to create a platform where professionals are able to engage internationally.