The National Research Foundation (NRF) has congratulated Dr Thandi Mgwebi, Group Executive for Business Advancement and Global Partnerships, on her appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of Walter Sisulu University (WSU).
She will assume her new position starting 1 January 2026.
Mgwebi has had a long association with the NRF, serving in various senior management roles, including Director of Human Capital Development.
She also led collaborations with institutions such as Fulbright, the British Council, and the Newton Fund.
According to the NRF, her previous senior executive roles include serving as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation at both Nelson Mandela University and the Tshwane University of Technology.
She holds a PhD in cell and developmental biology from the University of Cape Town, where she also completed postdoctoral research in virology.
Mgwebi also completed an educational management degree from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Her illustrious career spans over 20 years as an internationally recognised leader in higher education, including more than 10 years’ experience in research, innovation, and internationalisation.
“Dr Mgwebi’s strengths lie in strategic and inspirational leadership, strengthening partnerships, and resource mobilisation. This includes developing systems and strategies that involve management and mentoring multicultural teams, as well as establishing and guiding multi-sectoral partnerships and networks,” the statement read.
The NFR stated that her contributions go beyond her current role within the organisation.
Mgwebi continues to serve on several national committees and boards, where collaboration and people-centred skills are essential for translating strategic insights and high-level foresight into effective operational planning.
These include her current involvement as a council member of the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences and an appointment by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) to lead the review of Doctoral studies in South Africa.
During 2023, she was appointed as an Advisory member of the Carnegie Diaspora Fellowship Programme.
The CEO of NRF, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, added his well-wishes to those already expressed by several stakeholders within the National System of Innovation.
“We are immensely proud of Dr Mgwebi as she returns to her alma mater, WSU, where her academic journey first began when it was still known as the University of Transkei.
“We wish her the very best in this new role and look forward to deepening our partnership with WSU under her leadership,” Fulufhelo added. – SAnews.gov.za
