Former Department of Science and Technology Deputy Director-General announced as the new CEO of the National Research Foundation
Minister of Science and Technology Mrs Naledi Pandor and the Chairman of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Board, Professor Loyiso Nongxa are pleased to announce that, in terms of Section 10(3) of the NRF Act and following an endorsement by Cabinet, Dr Molapo Qhobela has been appointed as CEO of the NRF for a five year term.
“It is indeed 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 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 the South African Higher Education System and the National Innovation agenda which will serve him well in his new position” said Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Pandor.
“The appointment of Dr Qhobela comes at an opportune time for the NRF when 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 Dr Qhobela and look forward to his contributions as CEO of the NRF and member of the NRF Board,” said Professor Nongxa, Chairman 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, 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: Microbiology, University of Cape Town (1993–1998; ) Lecturer: Microbiology, Rhodes University (1991–1993); Research Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Marketing, Lesotho (1984–1990).
Enquiries:
Palesa Mokoena
Tel: 012 481 4958
E-mail: palesa.mokoena@nrf.ac.za
