Academic appointed as panel expert on the Presidency project

Bongani Ncube, Professor and SARChI Research Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions, Centre for Water and Sanitation Research, from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, “was taken by surprise” when she received a communication about her appointment as a panel expert on the Presidency and GIZ Sustainable Development Goals Initiative project, under the thematic area of Water Services and Sanitation.

The invitation to apply was sent to all universities by Universities South Africa (USAf). The call was for individuals with proven research experience and expertise to apply to serve on the panel. The panellists will provide research-informed policy briefs and advisory notes to assist in translating evidence for policymakers within the Presidency’s Policy and Research Services Branch. She had forgotten about the application and even assumed she was not successful.

“We applied back in April. In May, they said they were shortlisting, then silence. Last week, I was taken by surprise when we received the email that I was successful.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Ncube said: “I believe this is recognition of the importance of our research. The [appointment] ultimately elevates CPUT as an institution…I am excited because it means the work that we do, together with our partners, can now directly inform policy”.

Ncube’s career journey has been filled with detours, valleys, and “a lot of tears, but ultimately God has carried me through”. “I am a research professional driven by integrity, accountability, and reliability. When things get tough, I have to ask myself why I am doing the work.”

Asked about the significance of her appointment and why she’s looking forward to her duties, she said: “This job is a service to the country and its people, helping achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In the water sector, it's about access to safe, clean, and affordable water and sanitation, particularly for the underserved”.

In her congratulatory message, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships (RTIP) Prof Marshall Sheldon said: “On behalf of the DVC: RTIP office, I extend my warmest congratulations on your appointment as a panel expert on the Presidency and GIZ Sustainable Development Goals Initiative project, under the thematic area of Water Services and Sanitation”.

She continued: “This recognition is a testament to your expertise, dedication, and impactful contributions in advancing sustainable solutions within the water and sanitation sector. Your appointment not only brings honour to you personally but also reflects positively on our institution, reinforcing our commitment to addressing critical societal challenges.”

Sheldon said they’re confident that Ncube’s insights and leadership will make a meaningful difference in shaping strategies that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za