Leadership and Governance
Dr. Sandile Ncanana
Chief Executive Officer
Sandile has extensive experience in research, technology development and innovation environment, with number of years spent in senior management in both public and private sector. Sandile’s experience cut across many spheres of business including innovation management, strategic investment and portfolio management, and business development. Supported by his entrepreneurial characteristics and his background in technological innovation, Sandile believes that the relevance and sustainability of the organisations and enterprises will always be driven by their ability to solve real problems for their customers and stakeholders, establish appropriate synergies and partnerships as well the ability to understand market and environmental dynamics for the purpose generating sound business plans. Sandile has served in the number of boards and committees that include National Health Research Ethics Council, Medical Devices Committee of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, National Bioeconomy Strategy Co-ordinating Committee of the Department of Science and Innovation, currently serving in the board of Khwezela Investment Group among others. Sandile Ncanana holds a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering (University of Cape Town), MSc degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (University of Cape Town), and BSc degree in Microbiology (University of Natal). He has completed Executive Development Programs (Wits Business School) that included Grow Your Business Program, and Managing Turnaround Strategy and Corporate Renewal Program.
Mr Njodzi Zizhou
Executive Director: Operations
Mr Njodzi Zizhou (MSc Chemical Engineering, MBA). Njodzi has more than 10 years’ experience in process engineering and project management. He has worked for Cape Carotene in project management and for the Sugar Milling Research Institute in process engineering research and development. His experience includes:
- Bioprocess engineering including yeast and algal biotechnology.
- Extensive experience in industrial waste water treatment
- Specialist experience in biological treatment processes.
- Industrial process engineering and project management.
Mr. Mandla Dlamini
Executive Manager: Tlowana Magnesium Oxide Business
Mandla holds a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering, Project Management Diploma and MS Project certificate qualifications. He is responsible for general management of the MgO Business, supply chain, HR and strategy development and production. He has previously worked as a Process Trainer/Day Shift Foreman at Komati Sugar Mill – RCL Foods in 2018. Prior that, he has worked as a CEO of FNS Chem (PTY) LTD in 2017.Mandla also has a fifteen years solid experience in sugar manufacturing industry (Illovo Sugar Limited) as well as sugar and sugar cane research and innovation (Sugar Milling Research Institute – NPC).