Dr Qhobela has over 33 years of professional experience in higher education, research, science and technology. This experience includes his current position and previous academic experience and as a senior executive in Government. His knowledge of the African and international education and higher education and research system is deep and extensive. He has proven ability to lead and manage large and complex organizations with dexterity and diplomacy. Equally, he has strong governance credentials having served and led several governing Boards. Dr Qhobela has also established an extensive network of contacts and partnerships locally and internationally in the knowledge industry.
As results driven individual, committed to the development of our Continent, Dr Qhobela’s knowledge, experience and capability can be of value to the African Union Commission in realizing Agenda 2063 and imbuing education and science into the work of the AU Commission.
The reasons can can thus be summarized as follows:
A dedicated consummate professional
Dr Qhobela has dedicated his professional career to the development of the South African and African higher education, research, science and technology systems. His knowledge of the African and international education and higher education and research system is deep and extensive.
Visionary and Transformative Servant Leadership
Dr Qhobela has led and managed with distinction, large and complex knowledge organizations with dexterity and diplomacy; and assisted other African counties to establish fit for purpose research support agencies. His ethical and exemplary leadership is anchored on accountability, transparency, excellence and good governance.
Commitment to Gender Transformation
During his tenure at the NRF, Dr Qhobela championed initiatives to advance a transformative gender agenda in ESTI. These include policies in the allocation of postgraduate bursaries, and the development of interventions to achieve gender parity in academic leadership. He currently serves on the Board of the Female Academic Leadership Fellowship programme (FALF). This initiative seeks to develop a pipeline of female academic leaders in tertiary institutions given the slow gender transformation at leadership level in tertiary institutions in South Africa.
Global Champion for African Science
Dr Qhobela has represented South Africa in the global arena and championed African science as the Chair of the Global Research Councils, including establishing the African Open Science Platform and expanding the Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Values and Results Driven
Dr Qhobela is a person of high integrity and strong governance credentials. He is results driven as exemplified by successful completion of complex projects, on time and on budget, such as the MeerKAT Telescope and the South African Isotope Facility. He is unwavering in his commitment to African scientific excellence and impact.
Technology and Digital Transformation
Dr Qhobela has a keen interest in technology, which led him to be elected as the Chairperson of the Tertiary Education Network (TENET), the South African Education and Research Network (eNREN). Technology is a key enabler of scientific research, as well as economic and social development
Commitment to Pan African Ideals
Dr Qhobela has a deep commitment to Pan-Africanism and the importance and potential impact of education, science and technology to transform lives and societies. He has lived in six African countries and is married with four adult children.