Cabinet recently renewed the contract of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) CEO Dr Sibusiso Sibisi for a third five-year term with effect from 1 October.

The renewal was approved following the CSIR board’s recommendation to the Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor.

“The renewal for a further five-year term bears testimony to the confidence that we as the board, Minister Pandor and her Cabinet colleagues have in the CEO's leadership and the associated performance of the institution as a whole,” said CSIR Board Chairman, Prof Francis Petersen.

In her letter to the Board, Minister Pandor remarked: “I am confident that Dr Sibisi will continue to lead the CSIR with the same level of commitment, passion and understanding of national and global scientific challenges”.

“The Board shares this sentiment wholeheartedly, and is fully committed to supporting the CEO and his Executive Team. I personally do not doubt that the CSIR will continue to grow from strength to strength,” said Prof Petersen.

Dr Sibisi said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to continue at the helm of the CSIR, not least because of the committed people that he has had the pleasure to work with.

“Together we have made great strides in developing and deploying science and technology for the greater good. I wish to continue being part of that journey as we take the CSIR, and the country, to even greater heights through the content and impact of our work,” he said.

Dr Sibisi sits on the Boards of the Liberty Group, Murray & Roberts and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. He was awarded the Order of Mapungubwe: Silver by President Thabo Mbeki in September 2007. National Orders are bestowed on South Africans who contribute to the betterment of the country in their respective fields and represent the highest award that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens. The Order of Mapungubwe represents ingenuity and excellence, and is awarded for exceptional achievement.