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Nodes & Branches

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.

Heads of Nodes and Branch Heads

Gauteng:

HEAD OF NODE:
University of the Witwatersrand
João Rodrigues

BRANCH HEADS:
University of Johannesburg
Maria Vivien Visaya

University of South Africa
Mantile Lekala

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Jeffrey Mabelebele

Tshwane University of Technology
Mandla Msimanga

University of Pretoria
Rebecca Garland

Vaal University of Technology
Tranos Zuva

North:

HEAD OF NODE:
North-West University
Du Toit Strauss

BRANCH HEADS:
University of Limpopo
Phuti Ngoepe

University of Mpumalanga
Naledi Nthite

University of Venda
Natasha Potgieter

University of Venda (alternative head)
Eric Maluta

KwaZulu-Natal:

HEAD OF NODE:
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Sunil Maharaj

BRANCH HEADS:
Durban University of Technology
Kevin Duffy

Mangosuthu University of Technology
Aroon Beesham

University of Zululand
Thulani Jili

Eastern Cape and Free State:

HEAD OF NODE
Nelson Mandela University
Azwinndini Muronga

Central University of Technology
Samson Mashele

University of Fort Hare
Graeme Bradley

University of the Free State
Glen Taylor

Rhodes University
Özlem Tastan Bishop

Walter Sisulu University
Winter Sinkala

Western Cape:

HEAD OF NODE
University of Cape Town
Will Horowitz

BRANCH HEADS:
AIMS
Ulrich Paquet

Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Joseph Kioko

Stellenbosch University
Francesco Petruccione

University of the Western Cape
Nico Orce