Local Organising Committee
Dr. Audrey Masizana is a distinguished computer scientist, academic leader, and advocate for open science and currently leads the development of Botswana’s Open Data Policy. She is the former Head of the Department of Computer Science at University of Botswana. She serves on the Executive Committee of CODATA (2021–2027), is a Fellow of the Botswana Academy of Sciences, a Global Health International Scholar at University of Pennsylvania, USA, and a founding member of the African Open Science Platform Technical Advisory Board. She chaired in the Local Organizing Committee for the 2nd International Data Week (IDW2018), hosted in Gaborone. She spearheaded the establishment of the current High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure at the University of Botswana, as part of a fostered regional framework (SADC CI) that aims at sharing compute and data infrastructure to strengthen scientific collaboration across Southern Africa. Dr. Masizana holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UMIST, UK (2004)
Edward Rakate is the operations manager for the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) which is one of the three pillars of South Africa’s National Integrated Cyber Infrastructure System (NICIS). He acted as the operations manager for CSIR Next Generation Enterprise and Institution (NGEI) cluster and recently for NICIS. In this roles, he was responsible for among others; creation of effective and efficient operations environment, enable the delivery of short and long-term operational goals and targets and efficient day to day operations. Ensuring that operations are effectively managed, and resources efficiently aligned to deliver value. Before joining the CSIR in 2013 he was a Deputy Director responsible for Cyber Infrastructure at the Department of Science and Technology (DST). He is currently also a project manager responsible for the implementation of SADC Cyberinfrastructure framework. He possesses extensive experience in governance, strategic management, planning, coordination, procurement and operational aspects. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Honours Degree in Economics and BCom Degree.
Ina Smith is a leading open science and open access advocate in Africa, with more than 20 years’ experience advancing equitable access to scholarly knowledge in the Global South. Her work spans open access publishing, repositories, journal platforms, research infrastructure, policy development and capacity building. She has played a pioneering role in the development of open scholarly communication infrastructure in South Africa, including UPSpace, SUNScholar, SUNJournals, Khulisa Journals, SciELO SA-related work and the African Scientists Directory. Since 2014, she has served at the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), where she has contributed to major national and continental open science initiatives, including the African Open Science landscape study, the ASSAf Open Science Policy and the ASSAf Science Engagement Strategy. Internationally, Ina serves as Community Manager and Senior DOAJ Ambassador for Africa and has contributed significantly to strengthening the visibility, quality and inclusion of African journals in global open access systems. She was also instrumental in supporting the recognition of DOAJ within South Africa’s DHET Research Outputs Policy. Her work is driven by a commitment to openness, equity, collaboration and the responsible use of digital technologies, including AI, to strengthen scholarly communication and open science in Africa.
Dr. Katlego W. Phoshoko operates at the nexus of science, cyberinfrastructure, and strategic leadership, transforming data into a national asset. As Data Services and Applications Manager at DIRISA, a vital component of the CSIR’s National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS), he drives the modernization of South Africa’s research data infrastructure, aligning platforms with global FAIR, CARE, and TRUST principles. Following a foundational career as a Principal Systems Scientist at the University of Limpopo leading high-performance computing, his mandate now balances infrastructure governance with national human capital development. Dr. Phoshoko holds a PhD in Physics specializing in Computational Materials Science, a multi-disciplinary BSc, and management credentials in Data Analysis, Project Management, Strategic Management, and Business Development. He drives innovation through active professional memberships in the Research Data Alliance (RDA), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the IEEE, and the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP).
Masilo Johannes Kgatle is the External Communications Events Manager at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Since joining the CSIR as an In-Service Trainee on 1 March 2007, he has built an extensive career in events management, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed major CSIR initiatives, including the CSIR Career Day and CSIR Youth Outreach Programme, both of which he initiated, as well as CSIR Biennial Conferences, CSIR Excellence Awards events, high-level visits, and national conferences. As Events Manager, he leads the planning and execution of internal and external events, ensuring alignment with the CSIR’s strategic objectives, brand, and stakeholder expectations.
Dr. More Manda is the Director for the Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA) at the National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS) at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research . He a scholar and expert in digital business and business strategy. He holds a PhD in Information Systems, an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a Master of Information Technology from the University of Pretoria, providing him with a strong foundation in both technical and leadership aspects of digital and information technologies. His professional journey spans various sectors, including Mining, Manufacturing, International Development, Public Sector, Civil Society, and Education. Prior to his current role at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), he was the Executive Manager of Information and Communication Technology at MINTEK, where he led the organization’s digital transformation strategy. Dr. Manda also serves on the board of the Global Centre for Risk, Innovation, and Internet Society, where he contributes to global discussions on digital risk and innovation. Additionally, as a Professor of Practice for Data Science at the University of Johannesburg. Dr. Manda’s extensive publications on digital transformation, e-government, and public policy offer valuable insights into how digital technologies can enhance business value, societal welfare and governance. His work continues to shape the future of digital innovation and its practical applications in the modern world.
Sarah Dikgale is a Laboratory Manager specializing in Wind Speed Metrology and Principal Wind Tunnel Technologist at the CSIR. With extensive experience in defence, aviation, and aerospace research, she has built a career grounded in instrumentation maintenance, precision measurement, calibration and then laboratory management. With Electrical Engineering background, she holds a Master’s degree in Operations Management (University of Johannesburg) and currently completing Masters of Engineering Technology in industrial Automation Engineering (Engineering Institute of Technology – Australia) and is recognized for her expertise in ISO/IEC 17025 compliance, quality management systems, internal auditing and process control. Sarah has led critical projects in wind speed calibration and instrumentation standardization, ensuring traceability and reliability in wind tunnel testing. Her work supports both national and international research communities by advancing measurement standards and fostering innovation in metrology. Sarah serves as the Chairperson of South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) Special Technical Committee for Flow Metrology (Liquid, gas and air speed), where she contributes to shaping national standards and strengthening measurement traceability. She also serve as the Council Member of the National Laboratory Association (NLASA). She also serves as the member of IEC South African National Committee as IEC Standardization Expert on Technical Committee 1 (TC1) for Terminology. Beyond her technical contributions, Sarah is passionate about empowering women in science, technology and laboratory leadership. She actively promotes professional development, mentorship and sustainable practices in laboratory environments.
Mulalo Mphidi is Regional Senior Adviser for the Data Economy and the Digital Investment Facility (DIF) at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in South Africa. Within the EU Global Gateway framework, he supports the structuring of bankable digital and sustainable infrastructure investments across Southern Africa, advancing the data economy, secure and green digital infrastructure, and regional digital integration. He works closely with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to strengthen the digital systems and data infrastructure underpinning South Africa’s climate governance, including national greenhouse-gas reporting. His career spans more than 17 years across financial services (FNB, ABSA), the public sector (CIPC), and international development cooperation, delivering large-scale digital transformation initiatives. He holds an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
Nox Moyake is a South African science communication specialist with over 22 years of experience in public engagements. She holds a journalism qualification from the University of Pretoria and an Honours in Journalism and Media Studies from Wits University. She earned her MPhil in Science and Technology Studies from Stellenbosch University, where her academic research focused on mapping public engagement activities within South Africa’s National System of Innovation. Currently, she serves as the Communications and Events Manager for the CSIR’s Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) in Cape Town. In this role, she is a writer, editor, and senior research marketer. Beyond managing high-profile cyberinfrastructure promotions, she has a proven global footprint, hosting workshops, writing and blogging for international initiatives like STEM-Trek and Top500. She is the Chair of the Communications, Marketing and Sponsorship Committee for the International Data Week, scheduled for Cape Town in September 2027.
Dr. Tshiamo Motshegwa is the inaugural Director of the African Open Science Platform (AOSP) with the strategic portfolio to direct and support the AOSP in its mandate to advance, coordinate and amplify impact of open science in Africa. AOSP convenes and coordinates the interests, ideas, people, institutions and resources for open science in and for Africa and aims to position African scientists at the cutting edge of data intensive science. In this role, Dr Motshegwa engages with communities of practice, institutions – and engages Nationally, in the African Union (AU) Regional Economic Communities (RECS) and with AU and UN systems, structures – including in committees and taskforces for policy frameworks. Dr. Motshegwa has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from City St Georges, University Of London, UK at the School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering.
Dr Sthembiso Mkhwanazi is the Head of Operations at NICIS-DIRISA, where he leads the operations team responsible for delivering critical support services to DIRISA. He holds a PhD in Commerce and Administration from Cranefield College, specialising in Programme and Project Management. Dr Mkhwanazi brings extensive experience in project and operations management, strategic planning, and the coordination of complex programmes within the national cyberinfrastructure environment.
Xolani Nk si is a Project Coordinator at NICIS DIRISA, a national research infrastructure hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. A highly reliable and resultsdriven professional, Xolani has extensive experience in project coordination,
stakeholder management, and event planning and execution. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for fostering productive relationships and delivering high-quality support across diverse stakeholder groups. In his current role, he works closely with universities across South Africa, coordinating service delivery and strengthening collaboration at various institutional levels. His ability to engage effectively with academic, government, and industry stakeholders has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of projects and initiatives. Prior to joining the CSIR, Xolani served as a Research Executive at Ipsos Markinor, a leading international market research company. In this role, he collaborated with both local and international clients, driving service excellence and maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. His experience in stakeholder engagement, and project coordination continues to inform his professional approach and commitment to delivering impactful outcomes.
Yoliswa Kleyi is an Executive Assistant within the NextGen Enterprises and Institutions (NGEI) Cluster at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Smart Society Division. She brings over 10 years of experience in fast-paced professional environments, with strong expertise in executive administration, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and office management. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours degree, a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Marketing and Business Management, a National Diploma in Business Management, an Advanced Programme in Project Management, and a Project Management Certificate. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Yoliswa is highly skilled in executive support, governance processes, meeting coordination, and the implementation of administrative systems and procedures. She is proficient in various business applications and is known for her strong attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to manage competing priorities effectively. Her experience includes building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders across multidisciplinary and multicultural environments. She is recognised for her strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as her ability to work independently and collaboratively in achieving organisational goals. She is committed to continuous learning, excellence, and contributing to operational efficiency and organisational success.