Dr Phil Mjwara, who recently retired as director-general in the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), has been appointed as South Africa’s full-time ambassador extraordinary to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande made the revelation at the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards. The event paid a special tribute to Mjwara’s contribution to the development of science, technology and innovation in South Africa. The gala event took place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Joburg on July 12.
Speaking at the event, Nzimande let out that President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken Mjwara out of his short-lived retirement. He is off to take up the role in Paris, France, as “South Africa’s first ambassador extraordinaire to Unesco”.
Minister broke the news at science gala
“I don’t know now if I’m going to break protocol because I’m not so sure whether I’m supposed to say this. If I say it, I will deal with the consequences,” said Nzimande.
He then continued to say, “Dr Mjwara has been appointed by the president of the republic to be our first full-time ambassador extraordinaire for South Africa to Unesco.
“The president couldn’t have chosen better. We know that it’s supposed to be your retirement, but then someone has said it’s too early for you to retire. You must complete this journey by going to represent the government. [Also represent the] country and the entire science community and beyond at Unesco,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, refused to comment on the appointment.
“I’m not in a position to confirm any appointment until such time as we make an official announcement,” he said. Asked when the expected time of the announcement was, Magwenya said: “I don’t know.”
Successful career at the department
Mjwara holds a BSc, MSc and PhD from Wits University. He served as director-general at the DSI for 18 years until he retired in March.
As DG, he was instrumental in the formation of South Africa’s key science institutions. These include the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African National Space Agency (Sansa).
“Dr Mjwara is not just a model public servant. He is also someone who has made an incalculable contribution to shaping both the policy and institutional architecture of our National System of Innovation,” said Nzimande.
NSTF chairperson Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele commended the former DG. He said it was through Mjwara’s strategic foresight, guidance and efforts that South Africa was able to launch sound policies. These were used to foster and support science and innovation.
He also credited Mjwara’s leadership for the country’s investment in world-class research infrastructure. Also for an ability to attract and build prestigious international partnerships.
“South Africa is very lucky to have a leader of your calibre and stature,” he said.
He highlighted some of Mjwara’s achievements over the past five years. Mphahlele mentioned the inaugural Presidential Plenary on Science, Technology and Innovation held in 2023.
Many innovative achievements in science & technology
He also credited Mjwara for identifying the societal grand challenges. These are listed as climate change, the future of education, skills and work, and the future of society.
“The STI [science, technology and innovation] decadal plan was adopted by the Cabinet in 2022. [Also] the 2019 White Paper on STI. The interministerial committee meetings on STI attended by STI-intensive and line-function government departments. [Lastly] the relevant clusters,” he said, listing some of Mjwara’s achievements.
“Bursaries that supported about 26,500 Master’s and Doctoral degree students during the period 2019–2024”
After the announcement that Mjwara will be joining Unesco, Aidan Gilligan, the CEO of SciCom, responded on X (Twitter).
“Delighted that former @dsigovza DG Phil Mjwara has been appointed SA ambassador to @UNESCO Paris, a clever move. There is still so much to give to science and social justice,” Gilligan wrote.
