The Academy of
Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the nation’s premier scientific advisory body,
has announced the appointment of a new Council to guide its mission of
promoting science for societal benefit. As an entity under the Department of
Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), ASSAf plays a pivotal role in
advising government and stakeholders on critical scientific issues, providing
evidence-based insights that shape policy and public initiatives. The new
Council’s leadership comes at a crucial time, reinforcing ASSAf’s commitment to
advancing science, education, and innovation across South Africa.
ASSAf stands as
the only national science academy formally recognized by the South African
government. Its mandate includes facilitating high-quality research, fostering
national and international collaborations, and promoting scientific thinking
across disciplines. To support these objectives, the Academy is governed by a
13-member Council. Twelve of these members are elected by ASSAf’s membership,
while one is appointed by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
as a representative of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI).
The newly
appointed Council will be led by Professor Thokozani Majozi, Executive Dean of
the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and Professor in the
School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of the
Witwatersrand. Known for his contributions to engineering and science, Prof.
Majozi brings a wealth of experience and leadership to ASSAf as it continues to
influence policy through scientific evidence and expertise.
Supporting
Prof. Majozi are two Vice-Presidents:
- Professor
Roseanne Diab, an Emeritus Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal,
known for her work in environmental science and policy.
- Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy
Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at Stellenbosch University, whose
academic contributions have advanced learning and innovation in South Africa.
Professor
Christian Pirk, a respected figure in zoology and head of the Social Insects
Research Group at the University of Pretoria, has been appointed General
Secretary, a role essential for steering the Academy’s administrative and
research agenda. Professor Julian May, Director of the NRF-DST Centre of
Excellence in Food Security at the University of the Western Cape, takes on the
role of Treasurer, bringing his expertise in research funding and program
management to the Council’s financial oversight.
The Council’s
elected members include a diverse group of scholars who represent a range of
disciplines and research interests:
- Professor
Nithaya Chetty, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of the
Witwatersrand.
- Professor
Loretta Feris, Vice-Principal: Academic and Professor of Law at the University
of Pretoria, known for her expertise in environmental and human rights law.
- Professor
Irvy (Igle) Gledhill, Visiting Adjunct Professor of Flow Physics at the
University of the Witwatersrand.
- Professor
Murray Leibbrandt, UCT Research Chair in Poverty and Inequality Research within
the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the
University of Cape Town.
- Professor
Janice Limson, Professor of Biotechnology at Rhodes University, who is
celebrated for her advancements in biotechnology and science communication.
- Professor
Shireen Motala, DST/NRF South African Research Chair in Teaching and Learning
(Post-School Education and Training) at the University of Johannesburg, a
leader in education research.
- Professor
Linda Richter, Distinguished Professor in the Centre of Excellence in Human
Development at the University of the Witwatersrand.
ASSAf expressed
deep gratitude to the outgoing Council members, acknowledging their invaluable
service and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and policy in South
Africa.
