Former NRF Board Member, Dr Namane Magau, passes away

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of a former National Research Foundation (NRF) Board Member, Dr Namane Magau. Dr Magau, who died at age 70, served on the NRF Board from 2008 to 2014. She was a specialist in human resources, education, and women’s development and served in various capacities and roles for key institutions in society. She obtained her Doctorate from Harvard University where she served on its Board for Educational Review.

Dr Magau also served at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC); and the former University of Durban-Westville. She participated in the development of national strategies such as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) after South Africa’s democratic transition.

In addition to the NRF, Dr Magau has served on several Boards including NECSA (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation); Murray & Roberts; Merrill Lynch South Africa; and Santam. She was also the Board Chairman of NTP Radioisotopes, a subsidiary of Necsa, the Bertha Gxowa Foundation, as well as on the UCT Graduate School of Business Advisory Board.

Dr Magau was passionate about the development of others and remained active in several development programmes. In addition to mentoring young leaders, she was the past President of the Businesswomen’s Association (BWA) and of the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA).

A giant has fallen, and we have suffered a great loss as a country.

The NRF extends its condolences to all who knew Dr Magau or had an opportunity to be positively impacted by her excellence. We also extend our deepest sympathies to Dr Magau’s close friends and family.