Dr Kenny Tenza appointed to lead South Africa’s national innovation agenda

Tenza steps into a key interim government role to help shape and accelerate South Africa’s technology innovation strategy over the next year.

Dr Kenny Tenza’s secondment to the DSTI comes at a moment when South Africa is redefining its innovation priorities to match global standards and national imperatives. Image Credit: Twitter(@dstigovza)

Dr Kenny Tenza, a senior executive at South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has been appointed as the Acting Deputy Director-General for Technology Innovation at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). His appointment, effective 1 July 2025, is part of a 12-month secondment aimed at strengthening national innovation systems and policies.

The Deputy Director-General (DDG) role is one of the most strategic positions within the DSTI. It is responsible for overseeing public programmes that promote research-driven innovation, support industrial development, and stimulate the creation and commercialization of local technologies. In a country where innovation plays a crucial role in tackling social and economic challenges, this role directly influences how technology can be harnessed to drive growth.

Dr Tenza brings to the position a strong academic background and extensive leadership experience across both scientific and commercial spheres. At the CSIR, he currently leads business development and commercialisation within the Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences Division, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, food, health, and chemicals. His team is tasked with turning scientific breakthroughs into market-ready solutions, ensuring that public research investments generate tangible economic returns.

According to South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, Tenza’s new role is expected to help reposition government-led innovation programmes to better support the country’s re-industrialisation efforts. The Minister also praised Tenza’s ability to bridge scientific expertise with executive leadership, citing his skills in strategic planning, financial sustainability, and organisational performance.

As the DSTI continues to align its innovation agenda with long-term national goals, Tenza’s appointment is seen as a move to accelerate the implementation of more effective and industry-responsive technology solutions.