The CSIR congratulates Dr Rachel Chikwamba, CSIR Group Executive for the Chemicals, Agriculture, Food and Health division for being recognised by Apolitical as one of the world’s 50 most influential people navigating disruption.

Dr Chikwamba is one of the four people recognised in the Collaborators category. She has been recognised for leading the implementation of the CSIR’s research, development and innovation strategy in various sectors, working closely with local and international partners to improve sectoral competitiveness and socioeconomic performance through innovation.

“It is an honour for me to be recognised as one of the 50 most influential people navigating disruption in the Collaborators category,” says Dr Chikwamba. “This recognition is in line with the Collaboration value in our CSIR EPIC values and is testament to how we live up to these values. The recognition is not just for me, but for the CSIR as a whole because it cites the work accomplished by Team CSIR and highlights our collaborative approach in delivering on our mandate of improving the lives of South Africans. I would like to acknowledge the support we receive from the Department of Science and Innovation in our efforts to deliver on our mandate,” she adds.

Another South African who has been recognised by Apolitical is the Deputy Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, under the Public Figures category of influential people navigating disruption.

Apolitical was founded by mission-driven entrepreneurs, backed by impact investors in Asia, Africa, Australasia, Europe and North America and supported by a European Union Horizon 2020 grant. It recognises the contributions of leaders in agile governance for navigating disruption, as well as seeks to laud politicians, civil servants, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs driving agility in governments, regulation and policymaking across the globe.