Tiyani Chauke

Mr Tiyani Chauke currently serves as Stakeholder Engagement Manager at the National Research Foundation (NRF) within the Business Advancement programme. He establishes and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders and partners across Africa and globally. His responsibilities include developing and implementing programmes such as the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI); advancing One NRF stakeholder-engagement policies, frameworks and programmes; managing the One NRF partnership programme; mobilising resources; and supporting the NRF and its leadership with strategic stakeholder-engagement activities as required.

Mr Chauke has extensive experience in partnership, stakeholder and project management within South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI). Before joining the NRF, he served as Deputy Director for Shared Watercourses at the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). In this role, he managed and coordinated South Africa’s participation in multilateral transboundary water-cooperation programmes and partnerships, supporting equitable water sharing and benefits for South Africa and its partner countries. Prior to joining DWS, he was Manager for International Projects and Partnerships at the Water Research Commission, where he managed and implemented international programmes, projects and partnerships at national and international levels. Earlier in his career, he served as an Assistant Director in the Strategic Partnerships Directorate at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), with primary responsibility for implementing and managing projects between Europe and South Africa.

Mr Chauke holds a BSc in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Johannesburg, a Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Studies from Stellenbosch University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Technology and Innovation Management at the DaVinci Institute. His research reflects his passion for translating science, technology and innovation products into economically viable instruments. Mr Chauke has also held several leadership roles within the South African National System of Innovation and government. These include serving as an adviser to the National Water Youth Indaba and contributing to the conceptualisation and establishment of the South African Water and Sanitation Youth Network (SAWSYN).

Across these roles, Mr Chauke has developed a multidisciplinary profile that combines scientific training, strategic partnership management, international programme delivery and leadership within South Africa’s National System of Innovation.