The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Board of Trustees has announced Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi as the new CEO of the organisation.
Buthelezi will occupy this position from October 1, 2024. Board chairperson Professor Njabulo Ndebele welcomes this new appointment.
“Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi has over many years impressed us with his 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,” he said.
Buthelezi has led the Public Affairs Research Institute over the last six years, been a prominent social commentator, and fulfilled the role of Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg.
He engages deeply with questions of justice, transformation, reparation, memory and archive. His life journey has embodied Madiba’s belief in creating liberatory futures precisely by reckoning with oppressive pasts.
“I am honoured to be entrusted with this position,” said Buthelezi. “I believe that the Foundation has the potential to play a game-changing part in South Africa’s course over the next decade. In this moment we need courage, imagination and a steely determination to prevail in making South Africa a better country for all.”
He also sees the foundation having an important voice on the international stage in struggles for justice.
Outgoing Acting Chief Executive Verne Harris expressed his continuing support for the foundation and Buthelezi. “This crucial appointment further strengthens the Foundation after a period of uncertainty; and will boost all aspects of the work we do,” he said. “I’ll remain available as long as the organisation needs me.”
The Star