Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa appointed as Deputy Chairperson of Advisory Council
Dr Mthunzi-Kufa is the Research Group Leader of the CSIR Biophotonics research. She is an esteemed member of the Order of Mapungubwe, one of the highest honours awarded to citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the country.
As the lead for biophotonics research at the CSIR, Dr Mthunzi-Kufa optically manipulates cells at the microscopic scale. Her work is making significant contributions to the field of biophotonics and is helping to improve healthcare in South Africa.
Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, a physicist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has been appointed as the Deputy Chairperson of the new Advisory Council on National Orders. This appointment was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who announced the new members on Sunday, 16 April 2023.
The National Orders are prestigious awards bestowed upon distinguished South Africans citizens by the President of South Africa. To aid in the execution of this crucial responsibility, the Advisory Council on National Orders evaluates nominations of deserving individuals and provides recommendations to the President.
Dr Mthunzi-Kufa is the Research Group Leader of the CSIR Biophotonics research. She is an esteemed member of the Order of Mapungubwe, one of the highest honours awarded to citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the country.
As the lead for biophotonics research at the CSIR, Dr Mthunzi-Kufa optically manipulates cells at the microscopic scale. Her work is making significant contributions to the field of biophotonics and is helping to improve healthcare in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the new members of the council and stated, "We welcome Mr Langa, the Chairperson, as well as the new team and look forward to working with them as we celebrate excellence, selflessness and the promotion of a common nationhood." The appointment of Dr Mthunzi-Kufa is a clear indication of the government's commitment to recognising and promoting excellence in scientific research.
Expressing her gratitude for the appointment, Dr Mthunzi-Kufa said, "I am honoured to be appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the Advisory Council. I am excited to work with the new team and contribute my knowledge and experience towards promoting the advancement of scientific research in South Africa."
This appointment is a significant step forward for the South African scientific community, and her expertise and leadership will undoubtedly be an asset to the council's efforts to promote scientific excellence and innovation in the country.