Mr Sibanda, took over the helm at The Innovation Hub in February 2011 and was mandated to reposition The Innovation Hub with a focus on innovation. After completing his first five year term in January 2016, he was offered a new five year term to continue with his mandate of repositioning the organisation.

During his tenure at The Innovation Hub, Mr Sibanda has established a steady, high performance management team, which has changed the landscape of technology and innovation in the Gauteng Province. Some of the achievements include the strong relationships built with reputable universities and research institutions, such as the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Water Research Commission (WRC), Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and National Research Foundation (NRF). Together with his management team, Mr Sibanda has managed to expand the priority sectors from what was commonly referred to as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to focus on new sectors aligned to the provincial and national priorities, namely; Smart Industries (ICT and Advanced Manufacturing), Bioeconomy (Health and Agro-processing) and Green Economy (Water, Waste and Energy).

The incredible work carried out by Mr Sibanda and his management team speaks volumes and does not go unnoticed. Upon his resignation, he said “The decision has not been an easy one, given the incredible team that we have assembled over the past few years to execute a bold mandate. As I leave, I am aware that much remains to be done to complete the vision of a fully developed and functional Science Park and indeed, an integrated innovation corridor that encompasses not only The Innovation Hub Science Park, but also the CSIR and the University of Pretoria. I am confident that the team will be able to carry this vision forward. I am extremely grateful for the amazing and unparalleled support received from the Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura, MEC for Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Lebogang Maile and their predecessors, the Gauteng Growth Development Agency, The Innovation Hub Board of Directors, staff, tenants and stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, who assisted in making sure that we realise our vision of building a stronger provincial innovation ecosystem and a leading science and technology park.”

On behalf of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) Group, we wish to thank Mr Sibanda for his great contribution towards our organisation. His legacy shall remain a cornerstone of our success to date and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

Whilst the Human Capital Division seeks to find a suitable successor, an interim CEO of The Innovation Hub will be announced in due course.