Media statement

South African Medical Research Council Board appoints Dr Ali Dhansay Acting President

The SA Medical Research Council (MRC) Board has appointed Dr Muhammad Ali Dhansay as the MRC Acting President for a maximum of six months, commencing 1 January 2010.  The position will be advertised in January 2010 and the new president should be in place by July 2010.

MRC Board Chairperson, Prof Kuku Voyi, said that “we are confident that Dr Dhansay will make a meaningful contribution in this post and wish him well in his capacity as Acting President.”

Dr Dhansay is currently the MRC’s Vice-President: Research. He replaces outgoing MRC President Prof Anthony Mbewu, who has resigned after 13 years with the MRC.  Prof Mbewu will be taking up the post of Executive Director of the Global Forum for Health Research based in Geneva, as of January 2010.

Dr Dhansay added, “I am looking forward to leading this world class organization, albeit for a short period!  I know I can count on the assistance of a dedicated team of MRC staff, both professional and support, to ensure that we fulfill our mandate of improving the health and quality of life of South Africans.”

Contact:
Julian Jacobs                                                                        
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