MISTRA Refreshes Its Governance to Deepen Public Impact and Intellectual Leadership

New Board and Council appointments signal ongoing commitment to thought leadership and development

The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), a South African think tank dedicated to long-term, transdisciplinary research in the public interest, has announced several new appointments to its Board of Governors and Council of Advisors.

The changes in governance come as part of MISTRA’s regular Board rotation, an essential part of its commitment to good governance and institutional renewal. Now in its 15th year, MISTRA’s work has helped shape national debates on political economy, energy transition, education, geopolitics, and nation-building. In a time of deep social and economic uncertainty, the integrity and clarity of thought behind South Africa’s policymaking institutions matter more than ever. MISTRA’s work and the strength of its leadership help ensure that complex national challenges are met with intellectual rigour, independent analysis and strategic foresight. 

Professor Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo, Chairperson of the Board, welcomed the new leadership, noting that “the power of a well-structured and diverse leadership team lies in its ability to anticipate change and engage complexity with wisdom and nuance. This latest governance refresh strengthens MISTRA’s institutional DNA, drawing from a wide range of disciplines and experiences to guide the Institute’s strategic direction.”

The incoming Board and Council members bring a depth of experience across public policy, scholarship, governance, and activism. Their perspectives will support MISTRA’s expanding areas of work, particularly as the Institute sharpens its geopolitical analysis, deepens its national footprint, and engages with complex developmental challenges.

New appointments to the Board of Governors:

• Professor Itumeleng Mosala – A leading theologian, academic and former Secretary of the Zondo Commission, with a long-standing interest in social justice and ethics.
• Dr Reneva Fourie – A governance and macroeconomic policy expert with over two decades of experience in public service and development strategy.
• Professor Sarah Mosoetsa – A prominent sociologist and public intellectual, CEO of the Human Sciences Research Council and former CEO of the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS).

They join the following currently serving Board members: 

• Professor Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo (Chairperson) – Distinguished and Special lecturer
• Joel Netshitenzhe (Deputy Chairperson) – Former head of Government Communication and Information System and policy advisor in The Presidency, now serving on the board of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
• Andries Nel – Currently serves as Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. 
• Dr Bunguza Peter Vundla – Pioneer in South Africa’s advertising industry and seasoned non-executive director across business and civil society.
• Dr Claudelle von Eck – Governance and leadership specialist; former CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditors SA.
• Malose Kekana – CEO of Pareto Limited and expert in finance, property and youth economic development.
• Dr Mosibudi Mangena – Former Minister of Science and Technology, political activist and author with deep roots in the Black Consciousness movement.
• Dr Patricia Hanekom – Health scientist and policy strategist with experience in public infrastructure, tourism and health governance.
• Professor Shireen Motala – South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Teaching and Learning at the University of Johannesburg, with a distinguished record in education policy and postgraduate development.
• Dr Tshilidzi Ratshitanga – Public policy scholar and strategist; Chair of The Innovation Hub and founder of several African development initiatives.

New appointments to the Council of Advisors:

• Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba – Executive Director at Discovery and former Director-General of the Departments of Health and Foreign Affairs.
• Mandla Nkomfe – Governance expert, former Gauteng MEC for Finance and current Deputy Chair of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
• Professor Hein Willemse – Literary scholar and critic, Professor Emeritus at the University of Pretoria.
• Dr Tanya Abrahamse – Renowned environmentalist and science policy leader, now transitioning from the Board to the Council.

They join the following currently serving Council of Advisors: 

• Oyama Mabandla (Chairperson) – Corporate lawyer and executive previously with senior roles at SAA, Vodacom and JP Morgan; now Chair of African Phoenix.
• Luli Callinicos (Deputy Chairperson) – Historian and heritage specialist; author of several major works on South African social history.
• Dr Adrian Enthoven – Executive Chair of Yellowwoods; active in youth employment, education and social justice initiatives.
• Mathatha Tsedu – Veteran journalist and media trainer; former editor of major publications and leading advocate for press freedom.
• Dr Derrick Swartz – Former Vice-Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and long-time contributor to higher education and innovation policy.

Executive Director and Deputy Chairperson, Joel Netshitenzhe, said the appointments come at a critical time in the country’s development trajectory. “MISTRA exists to produce ideas that matter; ideas that not only inform decision-making but also elevate the national discourse. With the calibre of leadership joining our board and council, we are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the current moment without losing sight of our long-term developmental horizon.” He added: “This strengthened leadership structure reinforces our ethos of collaborative thinking across disciplines, sectors and generations. It is not simply about governance, it is about building intellectual and ethical infrastructure for South Africa’s future.”

Expressing his appreciation to the outgoing members for their service, Professor Vil-Nkomo concluded by saying, “We thank Jean-Marie Jullienne and Kgabelo Solomon Mapaila from the Board of Governors, and Dr Reuel Khoza, Ambassador Abdul Minty, and Jenny Cargill from the Council of Advisors for their immense contributions. Their insights and principled leadership have been critical in shaping the MISTRA we know today”.

For more on MISTRA’s research, governance, and public programmes, visit www.mistra.org.za.