The National Research Foundation (NRF) has appointed Dr Thandi Mgwebi as its business advancement group executive, with effect from February 1, 2024.

She re-joins the NRF to assume the role. Over the past six years, she served as Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nelson Mandela University and at the Tshwane University of Technology.

During her prior tenure at the NRF, she served in senior management roles, including human capital development director. Through these roles, she has gained extensive experience and is an internationally recognised leader in higher education, the organisation said.

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, it said.

“She 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.”

Mgwebi completed postdoctoral research in virology at, and holds a PhD (Medicine) in cell and developmental biology from, the University of Cape Town; a tertiary educational management degree in higher education management from the University of Melbourne, Australia; and received a management development programme certificate from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

She received her undergraduate BSc degree from the University of Transkei, which is now the Walter Sisulu University. Recently, she obtained a certificate in Business Sustainability from the University of Cambridge, UK.

“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,” said NRF CEO Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo.