Director-General's Office
Meet the administrative leadership driving the strategic implementation of science, technology and innovation initiatives in South Africa.
Dr Mlungisi Cele
Director-General: Science, Technology and Innovation
Contact Details
Dr Mlungisi Cele was appointed as Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation on 1 June 2025. He is an accomplished academic, science policy specialist and senior state technocrat, with extensive professional experience spanning over two decades.
As the Accounting Officer and head of administration for the Department, Dr Cele ensures strategic implementation of government priorities in science, technology and innovation, driving operational excellence and effective resource management.
Professional Experience
Dr Cele has worked in several reputable organisations including universities and government, at middle and executive level. His areas of expertise include:
- Strategic planning and institutional governance
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Foresight and science diplomacy
- Higher education and science & technology policy
- Social science research
Previous Leadership Roles
- Chief Executive Officer of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
- Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation (Acting) at DSTI
International Engagements
Dr Cele serves on a number of local and international academic and science bodies:
- G20 Scientific Advisors
- OECD Research and Innovation Advisory Panel
- BRICS Science and Technology Council
- African Union High-Level Panel on Research and Innovation
- European Union High-Level Panel on Research and Innovation
Key Policy Contributions
Dr Cele has played a pivotal role in shaping some of South Africa's principal science policies:
- 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation
- 2023 New Strategic Management Model for STI
- 2022 Decadal Plan for Science and Technology
- NACI-led South African Foresight Exercises for STI 2023
"Dr Cele brings with him a wealth of experience, strategic expertise and dynamic thinking, all of which are essential for repositioning the DSTI, with the view of ensuring that our public science system is agile and responsive to our national priorities."
- Minister Prof. Blade Nzimande, on Dr Cele's appointment
Deputy Directors-General
The executive leadership team responsible for implementing the Department's strategic programmes.
Ms Gugulethu Zwane
DDG: Institutional Planning and Support
Office Contacts
Ms Nombuyiselo Mokoena
DDG: Corporate Services
Office Contacts
Mr Daan du Toit
DDG: International Cooperation and Resources
Office Contacts
Mr Imraan Patel
DDG: Research Development and Support
Office Contacts
Dr Mmboneni Muofhe
DDG: Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships
Office Contacts
Ms Khuliso Vele
Office Manager
Tel: 012 843 6418
Dr Kenny Tenza (Acting)
DDG: Technology Innovation
Office Contacts
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