Yesterday the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, inaugurated the newly appointed National Research Foundation (NRF) Board at an event at 15 On Orange Hotel in Cape Town.
Minister Pandor recently appointed the NRF Board as required by the NRF Act, 1998 (Act No. 23 of 98), as amended by the Science and Technology Laws Amendment Act, 2014 (Act No. 7 of 2014).
The new Board has been appointed for four years, from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2018.
The Board comprises the following members:
- Prof. Loyiso Nongxa (Chairperson)
- Ms Gail Campbell
- Dr Peter Clayton
- Prof. Murray Leibbrandt
- Mr Ronney Sibisi
- Prof. Sunil Maharaj
- Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke (representative of the Council on Higher
- Education)
- Dr Vatiswa Papu-Zamxaka
- Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng
- Prof. Mala Singh
- Prof. Ari Sitas
- Prof. Errol Tyobeka
- Ms Joanne Yawitch
- Adv. Louisa Zondo (representative of the National Advisory Council on
- Innovation)
- Dr Albert van Jaarsveld ( ex officio);
The NRF was established in terms of the NRF Act, which outlines its mandate as supporting and promoting research through funding, human resource development and the provision of the necessary research facilities and infrastructure in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including indigenous knowledge, thereby contributing to improving the quality of life of all South Africans.
In wishing the new Board well, Minister Pandor said she had provided the NRF with human capital development transformation guidelines for awarding bursaries and fellowships.
"Transformation should be a priority at both postgraduate student and researcher level. The Board needs to assess the effectiveness of the NRF's interventions to promote equity, particularly at emerging researcher level," said the Minister.
Among the key priorities that the newly appointed Board has to fulfil is the appointment of a new CEO, as the current incumbent, Dr Van Jaansveld, has resigned to take up the position of Vice Chancellor and Rector of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Minister Pandor thanked Dr Van Jaansveld on behalf of the government for his sterling work during his tenure as CEO of the NRF.
For enquiries, please contact:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry of Science and Technology
Tel: 021 469 5005
Cell: 082 566 0446
