NITheCS operates in an independent environment, with Stellenbosch University providing administrative support. This is critical in the South African (and African) context to ensure non-alliance with a particular institution and to maintain an independent identity.
The governance system of NITheCS is that of a national Centre of Excellence (CoE), which is subject to the notarisation of a binding contract between the granter, the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the grantee, namely Stellenbosch University.
Leadership structure
The leadership structure of NITheCS is designed to ensure strategic coherence, research excellence, and effective regional implementation.
It comprises three interconnected bodies:
Steering Committee
Steercom provides overall strategic and operational direction, setting the vision and priorities of the Institute while monitoring progress at a high level.
The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) works alongside Steercom. It shapes the Institute’s strategic direction, with a particular emphasis on guiding the focus and development of its research programmes.
Mary-Jane Bopape (National Research Foundation – South African Environmental Observation Network)
Sekazi Mtingwa (US Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
Adrian Mulholland (University of Bristol)
Petros Ntoahae (University of Limpopo)
Daya Reddy (University of Cape Town)
Spenta Wadia (International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, India)
Scott Woodley (University College London)
Executive Management Committee
The insights and guidance from both Steercom and the SAB inform the work of the Executive Management Committee (Exco).
This committee includes the NITheCS Director, Heads of the NITheCS Nodes, and the NITheCS Associate Representative. Exco is responsible for embedding NITheCS within South African universities and relevant institutions across its nodes, ensuring that regional activities align with the broader vision and mission of the Institute. The Heads of Nodes work closely with the Director to ensure that each Node contributes meaningfully to NITheCS’s goals, particularly in advancing multidisciplinary research, training, and engagement.
Director: Francesco Petruccione (Stellenbosch University)
Head of Node – Gauteng: Joao Rodrigues (University of the Witwatersrand)
Head of Node – KwaZulu-Natal: Sunil Maharaj (University of KwaZulu-Natal)
Head of Node – Eastern Cape & Free State: Azwinndini Muronga (Nelson Mandela University)
Head of Node – Western Cape: William Horowitz (University of Cape Town)
Head of Node – North: Du Toit Strauss (North-West University)
Based at Stellenbosch University, the Hub serves as the central coordinating unit and is responsible for:
Administrative operations and governance support
Communications and stakeholder engagement
Coordination of research, training, and capacity development initiatives
Organising seminars, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary programmes
Branches and Nodes
NITheCS includes branches at all public universities and affiliated research institutions in South Africa. These branches are grouped into five regional nodes to enhance coordination and regional relevance:
Gauteng
North
KwaZulu-Natal
Eastern Cape and Free State
Western Cape
This node structure ensures that NITheCS is locally active while remaining nationally integrated.
Heads of Nodes and Branch Heads
Each Node is led by a Head of Node, and each Branch by a Branch Head. Together, they play a central role in:
Facilitating NITheCS programmes and events in their regions
Engaging local research communities
Promoting collaboration aligned with NITheCS’s national goals
Contributing to multidisciplinary research, training, and public engagement
The Heads of Nodes work closely with the Director to ensure that each Node contributes meaningfully to NITheCS’s strategic vision. Under each Head of Node, Branch Heads manage the activities of their respective institutions.
