Marketing, Communications and Sponsorship Committee
Daniela has served as the Program Manager at WDS since July 2023. She holds a Ph.D. in Speech Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, obtained in 2017. Her experience includes roles in language research and research coordination within the Social Sciences field. At WDS, Daniela is spearheading initiatives to reinvigorate the Early Career Researcher community and coordinating Standards and Certifications interest group. She is committed to improving the resources and services for the data repository community by actively participating in their development and championing the community’s needs.
Gundo Ligudu is a Software Engineer and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner currently working at Data Intensive Research Initiative of South Africa (DIRISA). With experience in web application development, UI/UX design, and cloud-based solutions, Gundo has contributed to numerous digital projects across research and industry. Her professional interests include software engineering, data-driven technologies, digital transformation, and capacity building through technology and mentorship. In her current role, Gundo contributes to the development and enhancement of digital platforms that support research data management and access to research services. Her experience includes frontend development, responsive interface design, system integration, and application deployment, alongside supporting digital communication initiatives and technology-focused events. She is passionate about building user-centred digital solutions that improve accessibility, support research collaboration, and advance the use of technology in research and innovation.
Hana has been the CODATA Operations Manager since 2019, supporting strategic activities of the CODATA leadership, including coordination of selected events, projects and initiatives of importance to CODATA members. Her background is in business administration and management. Prior to working at the CODATA Secretariat, Hana has been managing operations of the GO FAIR International Support and Coordination Office and served as project manager to the ELIXIR research infrastructure. Earlier in her career, she worked for a decade at an international corporation.
Dr. Heloise Meyer is a senior member of the academic-sector CSIRT within the SANReN group. A passionate cybersecurity specialist with an interest in digital forensics, mobile security and anything cybersecurity-related. She is an NRF Y2-rated researcher and appointed Research Fellow at the Computer Science department at the University of the Western Cape. The lead organiser for the annual SANReN Cyber Security Challenge competition and a regular speaker at conferences on cybersecurity topics, such as student competitions, Deepfake cyberattacks, and protecting the South African NREN.
Irina is responsible for the planning and delivery of the RDA’s largest community events at the Research Data Alliance (RDA), a global research data community. Her background spans the 2014 Winter Olympics, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, academic and corporate conferences and events at the University of Edinburgh. At the RDA, she has delivered plenaries across multiple continents and online, welcoming 300-900 international attendees. She enjoys the complexity of large-scale international events and the diverse communities they bring together. IDW 2027 in Cape Town is her twelfth RDA plenary to organise.
Katherine Read is the Information Specialist for the World Data System and holds a degree in Telecommunication and Media from the University of Alabama. Her expertise lies in academic communications, data management, organizational support, media production, and research. She is dedicated to strengthening data stewardship practices and supporting the research community through open science.
Kediemetse Senokwane is an EVENTS Practitioner at CSIR and a member of the CSIR Women’s Forum Committee. She has extensive experience in event management, stakeholder relations, strategic communication, and outreach initiatives. As part of the organising team for the 2025 CSIR@80|G-STIC Conference, the first G-STIC Conference in Africa, she contributed to the planning and delivery of a leading international conference focused on sustainable technology and innovation. She has led and supported conferences, research facility launches, presidential visits, stakeholder engagements, and community outreach programmes. She is passionate about creating meaningful platforms for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation that generate lasting impact.
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.
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.
Obakeng Ratlhogo is a Communications professional with over a decade of experience in external and internal communications, public relations and stakeholder engagement within the public and state sectors. She has extensive expertise in developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives that strengthen organisational reputation, enhance employee engagement, and build stakeholder relationships. Her experience includes event management, media relations, corporate communications, executive communications, content development and reputation management. Obakeng is passionate about using strategic communication to support organisational objectives, foster collaboration and build public trust.
Xolani Nkosi 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 results driven 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.
Zandile Zungu is an experienced strategic project leader with a strong track record of driving ICT and digital transformation across government and corporate environments. Currently a Senior Project Manager at the CSIR, she leads large-scale, multi-stakeholder project spanning research, ICT, and data infrastructure. She specialises in developing innovation-led strategies, strengthening governance frameworks, and aligning technology initiatives with national priorities to improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery. Zandile holds an MPhil in Corporate Strategy (GIBS) and an MBA (Wits Business School), and is certified in Agile Project Management. She is recognised for stakeholder engagement, sound governance, and delivering measurable impact.