MUCKLENEUK CAMPUS

1 Preller Street
Muckleneuk
Pretoria

SCIENCE CAMPUS

Cnr Christiaan de Wet Road and Pioneer Avenue
Florida
Roodepoort 
Johannesburg

08:30 – 09:00

Arrival and refreshments

Foyer: Senate Hall and Link: Thamsanqa Auditorium

Programme Director 

Dr Gillian Arendse 

Manager: Communication and Stakeholder Relations
NRF iThemba Labs

Programme Director 

Dr Warren Joubert

Atmospheric Scientist
NRF South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

09:00 – 09:30

Welcome

Prof Puleng LenkaBula 
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Unisa

Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus 

Broadcast: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium, Science Campus

09:30 –09:45

In Context

Prof Mpho Ngoepe
Vice-Principal, Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation (Acting) 
Unisa 

Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus 

Broadcast: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium, Science Campus

09:45 - 10:30

Keynote Speaker 

Prof Sudesh Sivararu
DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Biomedical Engineering and Innovation 
Director
Biomedical Engineering Research Centre
University of Cape Town 

Venue: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium, Science Campus 

Broadcast: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

10:30-10:55

Q&A

10:55 - 11:25

Refreshments

Foyer: Senate Hall 

Link: Thamsanqa Auditorium

11:25 – 12:25

CNA 1

Marine Studies

Theme

Inclusive Science and Innovation for sustainable Ocean and Maritime Futures

Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Broadcast: Braamfischer Auditorium, Science Campus

CNA 2

Aviation and Aeronautical Studies

Theme

Future-Proofing African Aviation: Skills, Technology, Maintenance, Innovation and Rural Connectivity

Panel Tagline

Aviation as a Developmental Catalyst: Building Africa's Future Aviation Ecosystem Through Skills, Technology, Safety and Innovation

Venue: Thamsanqa Auditorium, Science Campus

Broadcast: Exam Hall 1, Muckleneuk Campus 

Session Chair:
Prof Godwell Nhamo
College of Economic and Management Sciences

Session Chair:
Prof Angelo Dube
College of Law

Panellists

Mr Leigh Kordom
Project Manager: Jacob’s Ladder
ǁHūri-ām-ǂGaob/Chief 

Brett Lucian Arendze
Paramount Chief
West Coast Chari-Guriqua

Ms Carmen Rodgers
Paramount Chief
West Coast Cochoqua Tribe

Ms Thandeka Mbambo
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment 

Ms Glory Semenya
Director 
Maritime Infrastructure Planning and Freight Logistics
Department of Transport (DFFE)

Panellists

Ms Amile Lihle Mavimbela

Beyond Now 

(PPL holder, Drone Pilot License holder, CPL candidate)

Adv Konanani Raligilia 
Leader 
Engaged Scholarship of the Rural Aviation Economy,
College of Law

Mr Murad Ismail
Chief Executive Officer
Afronaut Programme 
AMRHO Aviation 

Mr Michael Wright 
Managing Director
Savannah Aircraft Africa 

12:25 – 12:55

Q&A

Q&A

12:55 – 13:55

CNA 6

Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digitalisation

Theme 

Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digitalisation, Innovation and Commercialisation - Pathways for Africa

Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Broadcast: Braamfischer Auditorium, Science Campus

Session Chair:
Prof Charles Mbohwa
Distinguished Professor
College of Science, Engineering and Technology

CNA 3

Automotive

Theme

ICE to NEV: Securing South Africa's Export Future in a Decarbonising World

Venue: Thamsanqa Auditorium, Science Campus

Broadcast: Exam Hall 1, Muckleneuk Campus 

 
Session Chair:
Prof Mothibeli Pita
College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Panellists

Ms Kate Kleingeld
Team Leader 
Client Impact and Growth Team Lead  Optinum 

Dr Jabu Mtsweni 
Executive Cluster Manager
Next-Gen Enterprises and Institutions
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Mr Mabu Manaileng
Principal AI Engineer
Standard Bank Group

Dr Kamugisha Kazaura (TBC)
Director 
Infrastructure & Energy
African Union Commission

Panellists

Mr Zuko Godlimpi (TBC)
Deputy Minister: Trade, Industry and Competition
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)

Mr Renai Moothilal 
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM)

Ms Esther Buthelezi 
Director: Government Affairs & Transformation IMG Africa
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa

Mr Xolani Xaba
Senior Manager  
Homologation, Regulation and Technical Administration                                           Toyota South Africa 

Volkswagen Group Africa

13:55 – 14:10

Q&A

Q&A

14:10 – 14:40

Lunch

Venue: Exam Hall 2 and Link: Thamsanqa Auditorium

14:40 – 15:40

CNA 8

Health Studies/Medicine

Theme

Artificial Intelligence in healthcare

Sub-themes:

 Clinical Innovation, health systems and Patient-Centred Care

 Implementation, Technology, and Digital Health Ecosystems

 Ethics, Governance, and Trust in AI

Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Broadcast: Braamfischer Auditorium, Science Campus

CNA 4

Energy 

Theme 

SA-specific challenge in energy materials for mobile and stationary applications, advancing energy efficient solutions

Venue: Thamsanqa Auditorium, Science Campus

Broadcast: Exam Hall 1, Muckleneuk Campus 

Session Chair:
Prof Safia Mahomed 
College of Law

Session Chair: 
Prof Mahlanyane Mathe
Distinguished Professor
College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Panellists

Dr Mzulungile Nodikida
CEO
South African Medical Association

Dr Zaheer Moolla
General and Colorectal Surgeon
Busamed

Dr Yaseen Khan
Co-founder and CEO
EMGuidance

 Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Panellists

Mr Bain Viljoen
Chief Executive Officer
Lithium Batteries South Africa 

Mr Nick Singh
Head
Smart Grid Center of Excellence (COE)
Research, Teaching and Development
Eskom

Mr Vinay Somera
CEO
Isondo Precious Metals

Ms Mashudu Ndwambi
Senior Advisor Research, Teaching and Development
Eskom

 
Venue: Thamsanqa Auditorium, Science Campus 

15:40 – 15:55

Q&A Session

Q&A Session

15:55

End of Day 1

MUCKLENEUK CAMPUS

1 Preller Street

Muckleneuk

Pretoria

SCIENCE CAMPUS

Cnr Christiaan de Wet Road and Pioneer Avenue

Florida

Roodepoort 

Johannesburg

08:30 – 09:00

Arrival and refreshments

Foyer: Senate Hall

Link: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium

Programme Director 

Dr Gillian Arendse 
Manager 
Communication and Stakeholder Relations
NRF- iThemba Labs

Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Programme Director 

Dr Warren Joubert
Atmospheric Scientist
NRF-South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

Venue: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium, Science Campus

09:00 - 09:05

Welcome

Prof Les Labuschagne
Executive Director
Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, Unisa

Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Broadcast: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium, Science Campus

09:05 – 09:30

Keynote Address

Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli 
Chief Strategist in the Office of the CEO 
National Research Foundation (NRF)

Venue: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium, Science Campus

Broadcast: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

09:30 – 09:45

Q&A session

09:45 – 10:45

CNA 9

Feminist, Womanist, Bosadi Theorisations

Theme 

Relevance, Responsiveness and Societal Impact Beyond Academia

 
Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Broadcast: Braamfischer Auditorium, Science Campus

Session Chair:
Prof Darlene Miller
College of Graduate Studies

Panellists

Ambassador Ruby Marks
(formerly ambassador to Thailand, Sri Lanka and Benin)

Co-lead: Gender based Violence and Femicide working Group, Beijing+30 African Women’s Movement

Mr Lehlohonolo Majoro

Public Affairs and Sustainability Manager 
Bayer Africa

Ms Shereza Sibanda 
Director
Inner City Resource Centre (ICRC)

Ms Josephilda Nhlapo-Hlope
Acting Deputy Director General 
Sector Monitoring Services
Department: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME)

CNA 5

Space Study and Square Kilometre Array

Theme

Astronomy and Space Sciences for Sustainable STEM Education and Research

Venue: Thamsanqa Auditorium, Science Campus

Broadcast: Exam Hall 1, Muckleneuk Campus 

Session Chair:
Prof James Chibueze
Distinguished Professor
College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Panellists

Mr Takalani Nemaungani
Chief Director: Astronomy
Department: Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)

Ms Duduzile Kubheka
Outreach Coordinator
African Astronomical Society

Mr Ntoshane Mohlamonyane

Strategic Manager to the Chief Executive Officer
South African National Space Agency

10:45 - 10:55

Q&A session

10:55 – 11:35

Keynote address 

Dr Morné Mostert
Commissioner: National Planning Commission
The Presidency

Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Broadcast: Thamsanqa Kambule Auditorium, Science Campus

11:35 - 11:50

Q&A session

11:55 - 12:15

Refreshments

Foyer: Senate Hall

Link: Thamsanqa Auditorium

12:15 - 13:15

CNA 10

Student Support and Co-Curricular Activities

 
Theme 

From Learning to Earning – Future Skills and Employability in the Age of AI: Reimaging Student Support for a Changing World

 
Venue: Senate Hall, Muckleneuk Campus

Broadcast: Braamfischer Auditorium, Science Campus

 
Session Chair:
Prof Veronica McKay 
Distinguished Professor
College of Education 

CNA 7

Natural Sciences (Biotechnological Studies)

 Theme

Biotechnological Innovation for Health, Food Safety and Sustainable Futures

Venue: Thamsanqa Auditorium, Science Campus

Broadcast: Exam Hall 1, Muckleneuk Campus 

Session Chair:
Prof Patience Mthunzi-Kufa
Distinguished Professor and Head of Photonics Center
College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Panellists

Dr Shafika Isaacs
Chief of Section
Technology and AI in Education
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 

Dr Sibo Yawa 
Public Employment Services Official & Registered Psychologist  
Department of Employment and Labour

Dr TSE (Mic) Chi Sum
Directorate for Education and Skills
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 

Mr Ronnie Mulaudzi
Industrial Psychologist 
Organisational Development Practitioner

Panellists

Dr Charlotte Maserumule 
Senior Manager 
Biotech Innovation and Commercialisation
Market Access Africa

Prof Mohamed Said 
Head
Microbiology
National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)
University of Pretoria

Dr Mmboneni Muofhe
Deputy Director-General 
Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships
Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)

Dr Nomusa Dlamini
Principal Researcher and Research Group Leader
Nutrition and Food Safety Programme
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Prof Sudesh Sivararu
DSTI/NRF SARChI Chair in Biomedical Engineering and Innovation 
Director: Biomedical Engineering Research Centre
University of Cape Town 

13:15 – 13:30

Q&A

Q&A

13:30 – 14:30

Lunch

Exam Hall 2

Link: Thamsanqa Auditorium

11:30-13:00                                                                              ROUNDTABLE 2

Session Chair:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Newman Tekwa, College of Graduate Studies 

PANELLISTS

Postgraduate Students, Emerging Researchers and PDRFs 

CNA 2

Aviation and Aeronautical Studies

Dr Menelisi Ncube

College of Law

Adv Konanani Raligilia

College of Law

CNA 3

Automotive

Mr Tafara Makura

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

CNA 4

Energy

Ms Phindile Phakathi

College of Education

CNA 5

Space Study and Square Kilometre Array

Kopana Pheladi

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Dr Malebo Tibane

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

CNA 9

Feminist, Womanist and Bosadi Theorisations

Mr Rammala McDonald

Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs (TM-School)