The DTIC is yet to comment on the reasons for the departure of former National Cannabis Master Plan John Jeffery, who resigned unexpectedly on the eve of the National Cannabis Dialogue on 26 August 2026.
Whatever the official reason, the real reason for Jeffery’s decision to quit, was that the job portfolio was structured as such that he had no executive authority to back up his discussions with stakeholders over how inclusive cannabis reform should unfold. That was pretty much the dilemma suffered by his predecessor, Garth Strachan.
The fact that the NCMP project manager job is a part-time, 12 days a month, advisory role with no authority or oversight function, is a design fault that goes to the heart of government’s approach to cannabis reform.
Applications for the new project manager role closed on 23 September 2026 and should be announced to the public in the next month. However, judging by the selection criteria and scoping in call for candidates, it is the same ‘poisoned chalice’ handed to Jeffery and Strachan before him. Note that understanding the cannabis and hemp sector is not a prerequisite for the position, just an added advantage. Note too that there is no authority that comes with the position.
This is what was posted on the TIPS website before applications closed.
Project Manager: Hemp and Cannabis Master Plan
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies is looking for a Project Manager to lead the implementation of the Hemp and Cannabis Master Plan on a two (2) year fixed term contract. The TIPS approach to sector development involves a research and evidence-based methodology to policy, regulatory reform, programme design and implementation. This is carried out through building collaborative, conditional relationships with external stakeholders to secure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Further information in this regard can be accessed at www.tips.org.za.
Qualifications, Experience and Competencies Required
•A Postgraduate qualification; preferably with an economic or industrial policy focus.
•A Project Management qualification and at least 5 years of working experience in project management or closely related work.
•Hold a proven track record and skills set in multi-layered programme and project design, planning, management and implementation, ensuring delivery against time, quality and budget/ resource parameters.
•Possess the appropriate qualifications undertake policy, regulatory and operational programme and project management in a complex environment.
•Possess appropriate management experience in managing a multi- task/skills, Project Management Unit, supporting public sector programmes and projects. This will require the application – of project design, management and implementation against time, quality and budget resource parameters.
•Be experienced in the management and coordination of inter-departmental teams comprising diverse technical skills and responsibilities.
•Possess the appropriate communication skills for reporting to and building collaboration with departmental office bearers and senior officials as well as senior representatives from business, labour and communities.
•An understanding of the cannabis and hemp sector and infant industry development will be an added advantage.
Scope of Work
•The candidate will be required to work in a complex policy, regulatory and operational environment where research, analytical and operational management skills will be required. This will require, inter alia, proactive problem-solving capabilities, self-motivation, a strong work ethic and a willingness to be accountable for individual and team performance management.
•Offer support for the regulatory changes that are required.
•Provide strategic management while managing competing demands and resource constraints.
•Facilitate collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders in order to achieve the objectives of the master plan.
•Monitor and control the activities of the master plan
•Providing support for the economic development initiatives underway.
•Contribute to the consolidation of the master plan reports to stakeholders.
•Champion open communication focused on project execution and speedy resolution of issues.
Who we are:
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) is an independent, non-profit, economic research institution based in Pretoria. It was established in 1996 to support economic policy development, with an emphasis on industrial policy, in South Africa and the region. Its areas of focus are trade and inclusive industrial policy, and sustainable development. TIPS’s main objectives are to undertake in-depth economic analyses, especially at the industrial level; to provide quality research as the basis for improving industrial policy as well as broader economic development strategies; and to support an increasingly dynamic and evidence-based discourse on industrial policy and inclusive growth with academics, other researchers and stakeholders. TIPS offers high-quality quantitative and qualitative research, project management, dialogue facilitation, capacity building and knowledge sharing. TIPS undertakes commissioned research, as well as policy papers and think pieces around industrial policy and economic development.
#
