The Minister of Science and
Technology Blade Nzimande has announced the secondment of Dr. Kenny Tenza from
the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to the Department of
Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Effective July 1, 2025, the
decorated scientist assumes the role of Acting Deputy Director-General:
Technology Innovation for a twelve-month period.
Minister Nzimande
highlighted Dr. Tenza's exceptional qualifications for the position, noting his
proven track record in commercializing scientific breakthroughs across critical
sectors including agriculture, food security, and healthcare. As CSIR's Business
Development Executive, he spearheaded initiatives translating laboratory
research into industrial applications, directly supporting South Africa's
reindustrialization agenda through science-led innovation.
"Dr. Tenza's
unique combination of academic excellence, private sector engagement
experience, and executive leadership makes him ideally suited to enhance our
technology innovation frameworks," stated Minister
Nzimande. The appointment comes as South Africa implements its revised Science,
Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan, which prioritizes bridging the gap
between research institutions and industry.
During his tenure,
Dr. Tenza will oversee the refinement of national technology transfer
mechanisms, intellectual property commercialization strategies, and innovation
funding instruments. His mandate includes strengthening partnerships between
DSTI entities like the Technology Innovation Agency and South Africa's
industrial base to accelerate solution deployment for pressing socioeconomic
challenges.
The secondment
reflects government's commitment to deploying top scientific talent where it
can maximize impact on national development priorities. Dr. Tenza's
cross-sector experience is expected to bring fresh perspective to DSTI's
efforts in positioning South Africa as a global competitor in advanced
manufacturing, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, and sustainable
industrial solutions.
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
