MUT congratulates one of its former students for the latest development to his professional career. Dr Titus Zwanani Mathe has been appointed as CEO at TIA (Technology Innovation Agency), a Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) entity. Dr Mathe, currently the Chief Executive Officer at SANEDI (South African National Energy Development Institute), will start his new role on 1 April 2026.
Responding to the appointment, Dr Mathe, a Chemical Engineering graduate at the University, said that the opportunity represents a natural progression in his professional journey, allowing him to contribute at a broader level within the national system of innovation while continuing to serve the public interest. “The role at TIA offers a platform to orchestrate a national system of innovation ecosystem to strengthen the translation of research and innovation into commercial products and services, contributing to sustainable economic growth and social development. In addition, this opportunity aligns strongly with my long-standing commitment to applied research, innovation, and commercialisation. Importantly, I leave SANEDI from a position of strength, confident in its leadership, governance, and trajectory, and proud of the foundation laid for sustained success.”
Dr Mathe said he was looking to the next chapter of his professional career with a strong sense of responsibility, carrying forward the same values of public service, integrity, collaboration, innovation, accountability, transparency, excellence and intellectual humility that have guided my leadership journey thus far.
Dr Mathe has worked at the following organisations: Eskom, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Sappi Saiccor, and SA Cyanamid. He has vast leadership experience. Dr Mathe holds a PhD from the University of Cape Town, a master’s in business leadership from UNISA, and a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Howard University in the USA. Dr Mathe is registered with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) and is a Professional Engineer.