Chief Executive Officer - Liliesleaf
Thabiso Motau is a seasoned public sector executive, diplomat, and heritage leader whose career spans more than two decades of service to South Africa—at home and abroad. With a foundation in public administration and a Master of Business Administration from Cardiff Metropolitan University, Thabiso has built a reputation for strategic foresight, institutional transformation, and principled leadership.
From the corridors of the Department of Home Affairs to diplomatic postings in China and Bulgaria, Thabiso has represented South Africa with distinction on the global stage. As First Secretary at the South African Embassy in Bulgaria, he played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives. His diplomatic acumen is matched by a deep understanding of governance, honed through senior roles in the Department of Tourism and Brand South Africa, where he led executive operations, policy development, and international cooperation initiatives.
Today, Thabiso serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Liliesleaf Museum and World Heritage Site—an institution central to South Africa’s liberation history. Under his leadership, Liliesleaf is being reimagined as a dynamic centre for dialogue, peacebuilding, and public engagement. His vision bridges the past and future, ensuring that heritage is not only preserved but activated as a catalyst for social cohesion and national renewal.
Beyond the public sector, Thabiso is the founder and Managing Director of Motau Farming Project (Pty) Ltd, a diversified agricultural enterprise rooted in sustainability, food security, and rural development. His commitment to community upliftment and economic inclusion is evident in every facet of his work.
Fluent in English and Setswana, and conversant in several South African languages, Thabiso is as comfortable in diplomatic negotiations as he is in grassroots community forums. Whether drafting high-level policy submissions, mentoring emerging leaders, or managing complex stakeholder landscapes, he brings a calm, principled, and solutions-driven approach to leadership.
Thabiso Motau is not only a steward of public institutions but a bridge-builder—connecting people, policies, and purpose in service of a more inclusive and resilient South Africa.