Full Name: Thulani Dlamini

Position: CEO of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Main Activity of the Company: Research and technology development

Date and Place of Birth: February 15,1970, Mariannhill, KwaZulu-Natal

Education: PhD (chemistry), University of the Witwatersrand; MBL, University of South Africa

First Job: Scientist at Sasol
Career History Prior to Current Position: VP: strategic research and technology, Sasol; group executive: research and development, CSIR

Size of First Pay Packet: R8 000 a month

First Job with Present Group: Centre manager, CSIR National Laser Centre

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: 2 800

Management Style: Democratic

Personal Best Achievement: Graduating with a PhD at the age of 28

Professional Best Achievement: Appointment as CEO of the CSIR

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My wife, Gugu

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Many people, including past managers, colleagues and people I have had the honour to lead

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Benjamin Zander

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Richard Branson

Philosophy of Life: Be tough minded and soft hearted

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Not stated

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Not stated

Hope for the Future: That we uplift South Africa from the ravages of poverty

Favourite Reading: Strength to Love, by Martin Luther King Jnr

Favourite TV programme: None

Favourite Food/Drink: Salmon

Favourite Music: Jazz

Favourite Sport: Golf

Favourite Website: Not stated

Hobbies: Running, golf

Car: Land Rover

Pets: None

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Self-centred peopl

Favourite Other South African Company: Sasol

Favourite Foreign Company: Appl

Married: To Gugu

Children: Lesedi, 16; Sihle, 6; Nathi 4

Clubs: Serengeti Golf Club