Biography
Experienced in higher education governance, De Koker has facilitated training programmes through the Cape Higher Education Consortium and contributed as a principal author of the Registrar’s Handbook, a key resource for operational excellence in the sector. Driven by a passion for strategic leadership, innovation and institutional integrity, he serves on the Legal Advisory Committee of Universities South Africa (USAf), advising on policy and legal matters across the higher education landscape. In addition, he serves on the Registrars’ Forum that is a community of practice within USAf.
Before joining Nelson Mandela University in 2019, De Koker served as Deputy Registrar: Secretariat and Policy Management at the University of the Western Cape, where he oversaw governance processes and institutional policy. His early career included service at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa (1996–2003), where he gained expertise in legislative processes and public administration.
De Koker’s academic foundation is anchored in public administration and the humanities. His postgraduate academic credentials include a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Warwick (UK). He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration in Higher Education Management at the University of Bath (UK), reflecting his commitment to continuous professional growth and further strengthening his expertise in the strategic management of complex educational environments.