By Mpho Moloi
The Minister of Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, announced the appointment of Gugulethu Zwane as the Acting Director-General (DG) of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), effective 1 October 2024. The appointment comes as the department continues its mission to drive innovation, technological advancements, and scientific research that will propel South Africa into the forefront of global development.
Zwane brings with her over 20 years of diverse experience in government, public entities, and scientific research. The DSI described her as a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of policy, governance, and organisational planning. She takes over the position from Daan du Toit, whose tenure as Acting DG has concluded.
Gugulethu Zwane: A Leader with a Rich Career in Science and Innovation
Gugulethu Zwane began her career as a microbiologist in a laboratory setting before transitioning into government roles in 2002. She initially joined the DSI while it was still known as the Department of Arts, Culture, Science, and Technology. Over the years, she has taken on various responsibilities, acquiring skills in strategy and policy development, organisational performance, business development, project management, and audit and risk.
Zwane’s career trajectory has seen her serve in several senior and executive-level positions within state-owned entities, which have equipped her with a holistic understanding of the inner workings of public administration. Her expertise extends across areas such as business process, culture change, and institutional governance, making her a well-rounded leader with a keen eye for operational excellence.
Her Role as Deputy Director-General and Contributions to Science and Technology
Prior to her appointment as Acting DG, Zwane held the position of Deputy Director-General (DDG) responsible for Institutional Planning and Support. In this role, she led several critical functions within the DSI, including overseeing the governance of the department and its affiliated entities. She was instrumental in driving the department’s organisational realignment process and was closely involved in coordinating the Decadal Plan activities.
One of her key achievements as DDG was spearheading the inter-ministerial committee responsible for South Africa’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) efforts. Zwane also played a pivotal role in organising the inaugural Presidential Plenary on STI, which aimed to foster collaboration across government departments and ensure that science and technology are at the core of the country’s socio-economic development strategies.
The Decadal Plan and South Africa’s Science and Innovation Strategy
As Acting DG, Zwane is expected to further strengthen the DSI’s focus on implementing the Decadal Plan. This plan outlines South Africa’s vision for science, technology, and innovation over the next ten years, with a focus on using science and technology as a means to achieve the country’s developmental goals. The plan aims to address some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, including unemployment, inequality, and healthcare, by harnessing the power of innovation.
Zwane’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the Decadal Plan is successfully implemented, particularly through the coordination of various stakeholders, including universities, research institutions, private sector partners, and government departments. Her appointment also comes at a time when the DSI is focusing on fostering public-private partnerships to enhance the country’s innovation ecosystem.
Gratitude for Daan du Toit’s Service and Leadership
Minister Nzimande expressed his gratitude to Daan du Toit for his dedicated service as Acting DG. Du Toit has been a key figure in promoting South Africa’s international collaborations in science and technology. His contributions to strengthening South Africa’s global scientific partnerships and advancing the country’s role in international science diplomacy have been widely acknowledged.
In his statement, Minister Nzimande remarked, “The Minister wishes to express his sincere gratitude to Mr Du Toit for his support and dedicated service to the department. We wish Ms Zwane well on her appointment as Acting Director-General and have full confidence in her ability to lead the department as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
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