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