Tessa Dooms

Director of Programmes

Rivonia Circle aims to revitalize democracy in South Africa, change its political culture, and build South Africa 2.0.

About Rivonia Circle

Rivonia Circle is a political think tank that fosters the political agency of citizens. It does research on the political state of the country and needs of citizens, community engagement through workshops that promote learning about democracy, and communications that encourage people to participate in democratic processes. Rivonia Circle provides information about important political issues and reflects the challenges and possible solutions for democratic change.

Tessa Dooms's Bio

Tessa Dooms is a sociologist, development practitioner and political analyst. Having started her career in academia as a sociologist, Tessa has worked in diverse sectors, including government, NGOs, and the private sector, where she did work that aligns the objectives of various institutions and programmes with developmental objectives for the advancement of Africa. She has 15 years’ experience as a development worker, trainer and researcher with expertise on governance, youth development and innovation, and has worked in over 10 African countries. In 2015 she was appointed to the National Planning Commission to advise the President on the implementation of the National Development Plan of South Africa. Tessa is a Trustee of the Kagiso Trust. She holds a Masters of Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Focus Area in Democracy
  • Promoting free, fair and trusted elections
  • Cultivating informed, empowered, and engaged citizens and voters