South Africa – The National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced the appointment of Dr Thandi Mgwebi into its top leadership structure with effect from 1 February 2024 .
Mgwebi is re-joining the organisation to assume the role of Group Executive: Business Advancement .
Over the last six years, she served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University and Tshwane University of Technology .
During her tenure at the NRF, she served in senior management roles, including Director of Human Capital Development .
Through these roles, she has gained extensive experience and is an internationally recognised leader in higher education .
“As a seasoned professional, Dr Mgwebi will contribute to the international agenda and diplomacy, and will help drive the NRF’s business strategy in support of the national science system .
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The NRF said the professional has championed partnerships with many international organisations in and outside Africa for the national science and innovation system .
In her previous role at the NRF, Mgwebi led partnerships with institutions such as Fulbright, the British Council, and the Newton Fund .
She completed postdoctoral research in Virology at the University of Cape Town and holds a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Cape Town, a Tertiary Educational Management degree from the University of Melbourne and a Management Development Programme certificate from the University of Stellenbosch Business School .
She received her undergraduate BSc degree from the University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University) .
Recently, she obtained a certificate in Business Sustainability from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom .
NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, congratulated the newest member of his executive team .
“This appointment shows the NRF’s commitment to excellence, transformation, and inclusivity .
Dr Mgwebi has a proven record in academia, management, and strategic leadership .
The NRF is proud to welcome such a high calibre executive as it continues to make significant contributions to the National System of Innovation .
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The NRF is an independent statutory body established under the National Research Foundation Act .
Its mandate is to support and promote research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities .
