The National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced the appointment of Dr. Thandi Mgwebi as the new business advancement group executive, effective from February 1, 2024.
- Dr. Mgwebi brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served in senior management positions at the NRF, including as the human capital development director.
- Over the past six years, she held positions as the Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nelson Mandela University and the Tshwane University of Technology.
- Dr. Mgwebi is internationally recognized as a leader in higher education and has played a pivotal role in forging partnerships with various international organizations, such as Fulbright, the British Council, and the Newton Fund.
- Her appointment is seen as a significant boost to the NRF’s business strategy, specifically in supporting the national science system and driving the organization’s international agenda and diplomacy.
- Dr. Mgwebi holds a PhD in cell and developmental biology from the University of Cape Town, along with a tertiary educational management degree in higher education management from the University of Melbourne.
- The NRF expressed its confidence in Dr. Mgwebi’s expertise and leadership, emphasizing her proven track record in academia, management, and strategic decision-making. The organization believes that her appointment will further strengthen its contributions to the National System of Innovation.