Dr Olebogeng Selebi, from the University of Pretoria’s Department of Business Management, is Deputy Director of the Centre for the Future of Work. Her research and advisory work focus on shaping future work environments in response to technological, economic, and social change. A specialist in strategic communication, she promotes research-driven strategies aligned with stakeholder needs. She has taught over 2,000 students annually and held a visiting lectureship in the Netherlands. She serves on the boards of Momentum FundsAtWork and GIBS, and formerly co-ordinated the South African SDG Hub.

Mr Tseliso Mohlomi is the Senior Director for the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Institute for Future of Work. He has over twenty years of experience in global senior management roles, spanning the NGO, corporate, and public sectors. He also served as Vice President: Africa Operations at the American-based Christian publishing company, Our Daily Bread/ Discovery House Publishing. In this role he oversaw operations in Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. He led a process of change management through developing business processes, governance structures, human capital development strategies, business development and financial management. At TUT, he is responsible for spearheading the university’s initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry. This is to aid the university in its quest to produce high impact research, develop high tech solutions in partnership with the industry and to produce future ready graduates. He joined the university direct from the public sector, where he worked for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development as the Director: Strategic Partnerships, Special Projects, and International Relations.

In this role, he was responsible for sourcing and forging strategic partnerships between government and the corporate sector, as well as lobbying for the integration of SMMEs into the mainstream economy through market access initiatives. He also liaised with the embassies, multilateral, and bilateral development agencies to facilitate collaborations and leverage foreign direct investment. Mr Mohlomi is also a freelance Executive Coach/Consultant focusing on intercultural leadership and integration. freelances for organisations such as Dwellworks University in New York, Cartus Intercultural and Language Solutions (UK) and NetExpat (UK). In this capacity, he offers training and coaching to Senior Executives coming to South Africa or going out of South Africa to work with the Multinational Companies.

Ms Tshiamo Legoale is employed as a Social Manager in the Projects Environment Section of the Project Management and Implementation Division at the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA). She is responsible for the integration of social sustainability in projects, through amongst others developing organisation-wide social policies, strategies and frameworks as well as providing social management technical guidance during the planning, design, implementation, and close-out of projects. With an academic background in Environmental management, Mineral Resource Management and Geology, she has been communicating science to large infrastructure affected communities for 15 years.

This started in the mining sector, where she was responsible for technology development and transfer to small scale miners. During that time, she was crowned the South African Famelab winner and went ahead to represent the country in the International Famelab competition, where she was crowned the 2017 Famelab winner.

Ms Yolanda Mbalentle Mngcongo is a Master’s Candidate in Environmental Health (Nanomedicine) at Nelson Mandela University, conducting her research in collaboration with the CSIR. Her work focuses on developing eco-friendly nanoparticles using indigenous medicinal plants to improve healthcare air quality and reduce healthcare-acquired infections. Yolanda is also a passionate science communicator who believes that research should be accessible and meaningful to society. She is the 2024 winner of the South African FameLab competition, 2024 First Runner-Up, and Audience Choice of the FameLab International competition, where she shared her work on green nanotechnology in a way that engaged and inspired the public. Through initiatives such as the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, she mentored young learners and sparked their interest in STEM fields. Her journey reflects a commitment not only to scientific innovation but also to bridging the gap between research and communities, ensuring that science contributes to healthier environments and brighter futures.

Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni currently serves as the Interim Director: Research and Postgraduate Support at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). With a deep commitment to fostering a robust research culture at DUT, Dr Mthombeni leads strategic initiatives aimed at increasing research output, enhancing postgraduate supervision, and strengthening partnerships locally and globally.

Associate Professor Kirti Menon is the Programme Director for the University of Johannesburg - Department of Higher Education Future Professors Programme Phase 2. She is the Project Lead for UJ on the EU funded project the Potential of Microcredentials in Southern Africa. Until 2024, she was the Senior Director of the Division for Teaching Excellence at the University of Johannesburg. She has served on several national task teams, and her research focus is higher education with a focus on access, exclusion and redress.

She is a Research Associate affiliated to the UJ Faculty of Education. She is widely published in the field of higher education, curriculum transformation, social exclusion and access. More recently, publications include a focus curriculum transformation commissioned by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) based on institutional audit reports.

Dr Andrew Kaniki is a part-time Academic Advisor for the University of Johannesburg-managed Future Professors Programme Phase 2 (FPP2). He is also a Research Associate of the UJ SARChI in Teaching and Learning (PSET). In addition, he operates as an independent Research Management and Higher Education Consultant. He retired from the NRF in 2021, having served for over 19 years as an executive responsible for a variety of portfolios at different times in research funding, capacity development and reviews. Prior to joining the NRF he worked for 11 years at the then University of Natal (now the University of KwaZulu Natal) as Professor of Information Science, and for the last three years of service (2000- 2002) served as Pro-Vice Chancellor and later Acting Deputy Vice
Chancellor: Academic Affairs. He also taught at the University of Zambia. He worked as Science Information Specialist at Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh USA. Dr Kaniki holds a PhD and Agricultural Information Specialist Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh, Master of Science in Information Science, University of Illinois, USA and Bachelor of Arts degree, University of Zambia. Over the years he has served on several boards and expert committees including among others: as Ministerial appointee on the Council of the University of Zululand (2018- to date); the TENET Board; CHE Board; HEQC the SALI Trust; Chaired the National Council for Library and information Services (2015-2018); President of the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association - SARIMA (2003-2006). Most recently, Dr Kaniki served on the CHE writing team that prepared the National Review of South African Doctoral Qualifications: 2020 – 2021.

Mr Tebogo Digwamatje is an Employee Wellness Service Coordinator at NRF. He is passionate about the wellbeing of the diverse and believes that a wholistic healthy individual creates a healthy environment for all and this has a ripple effect that reaches organisation and life’s bottom line.

Dr Nozipho Gumbi is a Senior Lecturer of Membrane Science and Technology at Unisa’s Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability at the University of South Africa. She also serves as a Communications and Marketing Specialist for University of South Africa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Dr Gumbi is a seasoned science communication practitioner, who advocates for sciences to reach wider non-expert audiences. She has previously received several Awards and Scholarship grants. Her passion for Public Speaking has seen her Represent South Africa and young African scholars at international events such as FameLab International Finals in Cheltenham (United Kingdom) and at the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT2019) opening ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris (France). She has facilitated various panel discussions locally and internationally, including the annual Stockholm World Water week discussion held in Stockholm, Sweden.

Dr Prudence Makhura is the senior manager for International Grants and Partnerships at the National Research Foundation. She has been with the NRF for over 10 years. Over the years she has gained invaluable knowledge not only about the organisation, its values and vision as a national funding agency, but also about building lasting networks among researchers. Her work includes building partnerships and connecting South African researchers with the global research community.

Her role is to facilitate the collaboration between South Africa and the rest of the world. Connecting South African researchers with global expertise and resources is crucial for driving research excellence and human capacity development in the country. Dr Makhura is doing her work to the best of her ability and always put the interest of the organisation and the South African NSI first. She simply believes in the mandate of the NRF and the difference it makes in the lives of South Africans.

Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli, is the Chief Strategist in the Office of the CEO at the NRF. Prior to joining the NRF, Dr Luruli was the Executive Director of Research Development and Support at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in South Africa. In this leadership role, she was responsible for the university’s research initiatives, driving its commitment to advancing research, innovation, and technological development. Her responsibilities included the promotion of cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and the establishment of partnerships with industry stakeholders and other academic institutions. Under her leadership, UJ has strengthened its reputation as a prominent research institution in South Africa and globally. She played a vital role in the facilitation of high-impact research that addresses critical societal challenges and driving the University’s research strategy.

Dr Luruli holds a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST), as well as an MSc (cum laude) in Conservation Ecology, both from Stellenbosch University. Her professional career in Research Management and Administration, in fact, started at the NRF more than 17 years ago, and since then, she has worked in senior positions at institutions such as the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). She has also worked as a Consultant in Research Administration for a private university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In these roles, she has remained committed to the advancement of innovation in higher education, technological development, and societal impact. Dr Luruli is passionate about creating an inclusive and diverse research environment that supports emerging scholars. Her leadership emphasises mentoring, capacity building, and enabling early-career researchers to reach their full potential. She actively cultivates collaborations with local and international research organisations, government agencies, and the private sector. These partnerships are essential for advancing large-scale research projects and securing funding for ongoing innovation efforts.

Prof Thandiwe Sithole is an Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, where she also serves as Vice Dean: Global Engagements. Her research focuses on waste valorization, circular economy, and wastewater remediation, transforming industrial waste into sustainable construction materials. She is driven by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Prof Sithole holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, and is currently pursuing an MBA.

She’s a recipient of the NRF Research Excellence Award and a finalist for the SAWISA Distinguished Young Woman Researcher Award, recognised for her groundbreaking work in environmental sustainability and her commitment to mentoring emerging researchers.

Prof Buyisiwe Sondezi is a groundbreaking South African physicist and the first African woman to earn a PhD in experimental physics of highly correlated matter. Her research focuses on quantum criticality and the behavior of rare earth magnetic materials under extreme conditions such as ultralow temperatures and high magnetic fields2.

She lectures at the University of Johannesburg, where she also serves as Head of the Physics Department. Raised in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, Prof Sondezi’s journey from a rural school with no lab to global recognition is a testament to her resilience and brilliance. She’s been honored with the Department of Science and Technology’s Women in Science Award, featured in Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, and celebrated for her contributions to transformation in STEM.

Prof Nomali Ngobese is an Associate Professor in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom campus. A plant physiologist, she holds a PhD in Bioresource Systems from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her expertise lies in agronomy, with a focus on the production of both staple and underutilised food crops. Her research addresses the optimisation of widely cultivated crops, such as potatoes, under climate change, while highlighting the role of underutilised crops in building resilient food systems that enhance food and nutrition security. Recognised for her contributions to food security and agriculture, she was named one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2022 and received the 2023 Community Engagement Awards from NWU’s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. She is an NRF rated researcher. Prior to joining NWU, she served as a Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of the Botany and Plant Biotechnology Department at the University of Johannesburg.

Dr Sello Manoto a seasoned research professional with over ten years of experience across medical diagnostics, biophotonics innovation, and research management. Currently, he serves as Manager of the Next Generation and Emerging Researchers (NGER) Unit at the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, where he led a team of research management experts. In this role, he oversees the acquisition and strategic deployment of funding instruments totalling R200 million annually. These initiatives are designed to strengthen research infrastructure at public institutions and enhance access to national and international research facilities, thereby supporting the development of globally
competitive, locally relevant research.

Dr Manoto’s responsibilities also include the development and implementation of strategic policies aimed at expanding and renewing the researcher and scholar base within South Africa’s public research institutions. He acts as the primary liaison between the NGER Unit and a broad network of stakeholders, including funding bodies, industry partners, academic institutions, and international collaborators. Prior to joining the NRF, he was a Senior Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where his work focused on biophotonics, bionanophotonics, micro/nanofabrication, lab-on-achip technologies, microfluidics, biosensing, and their applications in drug discovery, health diagnostics, and mobile point-of-care systems.

He recognised for his expertise in point-of-care diagnostic technologies and received specialized training as a visiting scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, which resulted in the development of a smartphone-based biosensor demonstrator at Technology Readiness Level 6. Dr Manoto’s research has been published in peer-reviewed international journals and presented at numerous conferences. He has supervised postgraduate students and mentored emerging researchers. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on Biophotonics, as well as executive education qualifications from Wits Business School and Stellenbosch University in management and strategic development.

Dr Bloodless Dzwairo is the Research Grants Manager at the Durban University of Technology, within the Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate, Grants Management Division. She has an academic affiliation as a Research Associate in the Department of Civil Engineering, Durban University of Technology. She is also an Adjunct Professor at BiT-BDU, Ethiopia. Her water research is mainly targeted at South Africa’s three river basins: Vaal, uMngeni, and Limpopo. She has collaborated with major water utilities such as Rand Water, Sedibeng Water, and Midvaal Water, and her supervision of students is mainly in Civil Engineering water, with strong multi-disciplinary alignment.

Her systems-thinking approach and commitment to environmental sustainability make her a key figure in shaping South Africa’s water futures. She has collaborated with India, Brazil, Ethiopia, Italy, Norway, Sweden, as well as East and Southern Africa. She holds NRF C2 rating and has published since 2006, looking at groundwater pollution from pit latrines, acid mine drainage, and water resources/water quality modelling. She has been awarded fellowships and scholarships as follows: UNESCO-IHE MSc grant, NRF doctoral scholarship, NRF postdoctoral fellowship, SASAC High-level System Analysis Capacity Strengthening grant, and CV Raman International Visiting Scientist Fellowship at IITB.

Ms Zamambo Afrika is a dynamic operations executive with over 15 years of experience leading transformation and driving operational excellence across petrochemical, telecommunications, and research sectors. As Operations Manager at the CSIR, she oversees strategic planning, operational excellence, and business process optimization for the Manufacturing & Mining Cluster, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s objective and innovation goals. Her career is defined by her ability to deliver high-impact outcomes—streamlining operations, restoring critical systems under pressure, and securing strategic partnerships that enhance organizational resilience and growth. Zamambo excels in leading cross-functional teams, embedding digital tools for real-time decision-making, and fostering collaboration across government, industry, and research ecosystems.

She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from the University of Cape Town, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from UNISA, and a BSc (Hons) in Industrial Engineering from The University of the Witwatersrand. Zamambo is passionate about enabling inclusive industrial development through data-driven strategies, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation.

Professor Keo Motaung is a leading Biomedical Scientist, Full Professor, and Chair Holder of the FALF-FREF-NMU Research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion at Nelson Mandela University. She is also the Founder and CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd. With over 26 years of experience in higher education, her work bridges research, innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship especially in empowering women in STEAMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Innovation). A passionate researcher and mentor, Professor Motaung is known for transforming scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. Her company, Global Health Biotech, is best known for La-Africa Soother, a plant-based anti-inflammatory ointment developed from her pioneering research into medicinal plants and musculoskeletal injuries. Her work exemplifies the integration of indigenous knowledge and biotechnology for accessible, sustainable healthcare.

She serves in national leadership roles including Chairperson of OWSD South Africa, Board Member of the Technology Innovation Agency, Chairperson of the EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research, and Chair of NIPMO’s Advisory Board. Research Fellow at the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University, reinforcing her commitment to interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation. Professor Motaung continues to influence policy, foster inclusive innovation ecosystems, and champion gender equity in science making her a transformative force in South Africa’s knowledge economy. For her ground-breaking innovation, she has received recognition from a wide spectrum of institutions because she has thrown the gauntlet in bridging the gap between science, commercialisation and entrepreneurship.

Dr Moloko Mathipa-Mdakane is a postdoctoral fellow and policy researcher affiliated with the CSIR and NRF. Her work focuses on research equity, capacity building in HDIs, and bioengineered probiotics. She’s a published author and advocate for inclusive research ecosystems. She’s a published author in the South African Journal of Science and a passionate advocate for inclusive research ecosystems and evidence-based policymaking.

Dr Tanya Hughes is the Capacity Development Manager: Research & Technology at Sasol. Through this position, she interacts with universities across the country focussing on skills development in the Science and Engineering fields and bridging the gap between academic and industrial research. Her involvement in this area has created a platform for industrial participation at the NRF and DSI, creating opportunities for funding that increase academia-industry collaboration.

Tanya is an avid Scientist with a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Johannesburg. She has over 12 years of experience in various disciplines within the Petrochemical Industry. She is passionate about science and how science holds the key to changing the energy landscape. She is committed to support Capacity Development not just within Sasol, but in the broader South African Landscape. She is a devoted wife, and loving mother, with a love for reading and running. She also believes that everything is better with coffee.