The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Board of Trustees says it is delighted to announce Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi as the organisation’s new Chief Executive, after an intensive executive search that spanned over many months.
Buthelezi’s appointment is effective from October 1. The Foundation’s Board Chair, Professor Njabulo Ndebele has welcomed the appointment, adding that Buthelezi has an impressive and unique combination of scholarly, activist and managerial sensibilities.
“We are confident that he will lead the organisation decisively into the next phase of its development,” Ndebele says.
Buthelezi’s portfolio includes leading the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) over the past six years. He has been a prominent social commentator, and fulfilled the role of Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg, where he engages deeply with questions of justice, transformation, reparation, memory and archive.
His life journey and leadership has embodied former president Madiba’s ideals as he believes in liberation precisely by reckoning with oppressive pasts. “I am honoured to be entrusted with this position,” Buthelezi said.
He also said the Foundation has an important voice on the international stage in struggles for justice. “I believe that the Foundation has the potential to play a game-changing part in South Africa’s course over the next decade,” he said.
The outgoing Acting Chief Executive, Verne Harris expressed his support for the appointment of Buthelezi and assured the Foundation that he will remain available for as long as it is necessary. “This crucial appointment further strengthens the Foundation after a period of uncertainty; and will boost all aspects of the work we do,” Harris said.
IOL