Dr Pumza Zweni is the Executive Manager of RDI Operational Services at Mintek. She holds a BSc Honours in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Ottawa.
Dr Zweni began her career as a Scientist in a petrochemical company, where she applied her expertise in catalysis to the development of octane from ethylene. She has since built a distinguished career in research, development, and innovation, with significant experience in strategy development and execution. Dr Zweni has been instrumental in establishing new research centres and repositioning strategic research programmes.
In her role at Mintek, Dr Zweni ensures the organisation's efficiency by overseeing key functions, including planning and reporting, R&D management, business development, marketing, and safety and risk management. Her work is vital in aligning systems and processes to support Mintek's strategic goals.
Her extensive experience includes roles in Research & Development, Business Analysis, Institutional Review and Benchmarking, RDI Portfolio Management, IP Management, Stakeholder Management, Human Capital Development, and Operations Management.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr Zweni is committed to community development, having served as a trustee and director of community development entities in the Eastern Cape. Before joining Mintek, she enjoyed a successful tenure at the CSIR, where she served as Group Manager of Operations.