The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) congratulates Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, Research Group Leader for Biophotonics at the CSIR, for being appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the Deputy Chairperson of the Advisory Council on National Orders, effective 1 March 2022.   

“I am humbled to be appointed to this important role by the president, this appointment is a vote of confidence in my capabilities as a leader. The appointment is not just for me, but for the entire CSIR because when I execute my duties, I will also be representing what the CSIR stands for,” says Dr Mthunzi-Kufa.

National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa, through the President, bestows on citizens and eminent foreign nationals. The Advisory Council on National Orders processes nominations of deserving South Africans and foreign nationals and advises the President to assist him in the execution of this important responsibility.

South Africa currently bestows the following National Orders on distinguished persons:

• The Order of Mendi for Bravery
• The Order of Ikhamanga
• The Order of Luthuli
• The Order of Mapungubwe
• The Order of the Baobab
• The Order of the Companions of O R Tambo

In April 2012, Dr Mthunzi-Kufa was bestowed the Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze for her contribution to Biochemistry and Biophotonics by then President Jacob Zuma, making her the youngest recipient of such an honour.