Gugulethu Zwane appointed as Acting DG of Department of Science and Innovation

The Minister of Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has announced the appointment of Gugulethu Zwane as the Acting Director-General (DG) in his department, with effect from 1 October 2024. The department has described Zwane as a seasoned professional with extensive experience obtained in a variety of fields over 20 years. According to the department, Zwane started her career in the laboratory as a microbiologist but then ventured into government in 2002, where she joined the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) while it was still the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. 'She then had the opportunity to work for several State-owned entities at senior and executive level. This enabled her to gain a wealth of experience in such areas as strategy and policy development, project management, business process, audit and risk, culture change, business development, organisational planning, and performance, among others.' Zwane is currently the Deputy DG responsible for institut ional planning and support. In this role, the newly appointed Acting DG oversees the governance of the DSI and its entities, the department's organisational realignment process, coordination of the Decadal Plan activities, including the inter-ministerial committee and inaugural Presidential Plenary on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). 'The appointment of Ms Zwane implies that the tenure of Mr Daan du Toit, as Acting Director-General, comes to an end. 'The Minister wishes to express his sincere gratitude to Mr Du Toit for his support and dedicated service to the department and wishes Ms Zwane well on her appointment as Acting Director-General.' Source: South African Government News Agency