New CEO for National Research Foundation
The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor, and the Chairman of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Board, Prof. Loyiso Nongxa, have announced that, in terms of section 10(3) of the NRF Act, and following endorsement by Cabinet, Dr Molapo Qhobela has been appointed as CEO of the NRF for a five-year term.
"It is a great pleasure to announce that Dr Qhobela will be joining the NRF as its CEO. He brings with him a wealth of experience gained in leading the development of a significant number of policies and strategies, at the Department of Education and at the Department of Science and Technology, which have shaped the nature and operations of the South African university and education system. He has exceptional knowledge of South Africa's higher education system and national innovation agenda, which will serve him well in his new position," said Minister Pandor.
Prof. Nongxa said: "The appointment of Dr Qhobela comes at an opportune time for the NRF, as we have just adopted a new strategy, Vision 2020. A good strategic leader and a seasoned executive, with extensive policy and administration experience, Dr Qhobela is well placed to lead the organisation as it rolls out its new strategy. We congratulate him and look forward to his contributions as CEO of the NRF and member of the NRF Board."
Dr Qhobela is currently Vice Principal for Institutional Development at the University of South Africa. His prior appointments include Deputy Director-General, Human Capital and Knowledge Systems at the Department of Science and Technology (2010–2011); Deputy Director-General and Acting Director-General at the Department of Higher Education and Training (2007–2009); Chief Director: Higher Education Policy and Development Support and Acting Deputy Director General: Further Education and Training Department of Education (1998–2007); Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of Cape Town (1993–1998) and at Rhodes University (1991–1993); and Research Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marketing, Lesotho (1984–1990).
