NRF Appoints Dr Thandi Mgwebi to top leadership structure

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is delighted to announce the appointment of leading executive, Dr Thandi Mgwebi,into its top leadership structure with effect from 01 February 2024.

Dr Mgwebi re-joins the NRF to assume the role of Group Executive: Business Advancement. Over the last six years, she served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University and at Tshwane University of Technology. During her tenure at the NRF, she served in senior management roles including occupying the position of Executive Director, Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence.  Through these roles and those in higher education, she has gained extensive experience and is an internationally recognised leader in the higher education and science landscapes.

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.

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, Dr Mgwebi led partnerships with institutions such as Fulbright, the British Council, and the Newton Fund.

Dr Mgwebi completed postdoctoral research in Virology at the University of Cape Town and holds a PhD (Medicine) in Cell and Developmental Biology from UCT; a Tertiary Educational Management degree in Higher Education Management from the University of Melbourne, Australia; 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 WSU). Recently, she obtained  a certificate in Business Sustainability from the University of Cambridge, UK.

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.”