Lungelo Ntobongwana | Quality Assurance and Technology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Lungelo Ntobongwana – Quality Assurance and Technology – Best Researcher Award

 University of Johannesburg | South Africa

      Profiles

schopus

📍Current Position

Lungelo Ntobongwana [MBA, B-Tech Project Management, Analytical Chemistry] currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (Acting) at SABS (South African Bureau of Standards). In this role, he is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the organization, overseeing a combined revenue of R898 million, and ensuring compliance with governance regulations such as PFMA and the Company’s Act. He leads comprehensive initiatives aimed at improving organizational performance and fostering innovation, all while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships to manage the SABS’s reputation effectively.

📝Publication Achievements 

Throughout his career, Lungelo has contributed to internal reports and business proposals for various companies, including SABS, LuVest Group, and AVUNA Group. While his expertise lies more in strategic and operational leadership, he has overseen key industry partnerships, feasibility studies, and project development initiatives, contributing indirectly to academic and business literature.

🔍Ongoing Research

As an executive in diverse industries, Lungelo is deeply involved in research and development initiatives at SABS, particularly focusing on laboratory services, certifications, and business process optimization. His current projects include improving laboratory information management systems and collaborating with universities like the University of Pretoria to foster graduate trainee programs in industrial engineering.

🔬 Research Interests

Lungelo’s research interests span several key areas: project management, operations management, and business development. His focus is on enhancing operational efficiencies through process mapping, business process optimization, and integration of innovation into strategic planning. His work consistently reflects a dedication to stakeholder engagement and improving organizational structures through targeted management. .

🎓Academic Background

Lungelo’s robust academic foundation began with a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry from Technikon Northern Gauteng, followed by a Bachelor of Technology in Project Management (B-Tech) from Tshwane University of Technology. In 2018, he completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Wits Business School, cementing his leadership expertise. Notably, he also completed an Executive Development Programme (EDP) in 2020 from the same institution, honing his ability to lead and manage large organizations effectively.

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

While Lungelo has yet to be recognized by formal academic scholarship bodies, his success across multiple industries, including earning clean audit results for SABS and overseeing multimillion-rand projects, speaks volumes about his capabilities. His leadership achievements and milestones in project management are a testament to his expertise.

🧬Bioinformatics 

Although Lungelo’s background is not directly in bioinformatics, his expertise in analytical chemistry and business process management has equipped him with the skills to manage complex data systems. His leadership in laboratory services at SABS indicates a familiarity with modern data management and information systems, which indirectly link to bioinformatics.

🌐Professional Associations 

Lungelo has cultivated relationships with several industry associations, regulators, and government departments. These partnerships help align SABS’s infrastructure with the national economy’s needs, particularly in certification and laboratory services. He’s a trusted figure in his field, respected for his ability to foster innovation and drive organizational success through collaboration.

 📚Training & Workshops 

Lungelo’s continuous pursuit of professional excellence is reflected in his participation in several high-level training programs, including his Executive Development Programme at Wits Business School. Additionally, he has spearheaded numerous internal training and development workshops at SABS, including projects aimed at employee performance management, graduate trainee intakes, and customer journey experience improvements.

🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Lungelo has frequently presented at corporate board meetings, executive committees, and strategy sessions for the companies he has led. His clear communication skills and ability to present complex business models and strategic initiatives have been instrumental in securing buy-ins from key stakeholders. Whether leading a Section 189 consultation at SABS or presenting business proposals for LuVest Group, Lungelo excels at conveying ideas and inspiring confidence.

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

In his capacity as an executive, Lungelo has successfully overseen the implementation of multiple research-driven initiatives, including feasibility studies for new solutions, capex projects worth millions, and the execution of strategic partnerships with industry leaders. His work in aligning laboratory services with industry standards further demonstrates his research capabilities.

🚀Success Factors 

Key to Lungelo’s success is his ability to drive strategic thinking and foster a culture of innovation and integration. His experience in stakeholder management, contract management, and people management has allowed him to manage teams of over 350 employees and oversee multimillion-rand projects. His visionary leadership, combined with his commitment to continuous improvement, has set him apart in every role he has held.

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

While Lungelo’s contributions in laboratory services and business process optimization are more operational than academic, his efforts have led to groundbreaking improvements in laboratory infrastructure and process management systems. The Laboratory Information Management System rollout to 17 laboratories and the completion of business process mapping for 9 laboratories are highlights of his ongoing leadership.

🔍 Conclusion

Lungelo Ntobongwana stands as a dynamic leader whose career spans industries as diverse as conformity assessment services, property development, and chemical manufacturing. With a strong academic background, proven leadership in strategy development, and ongoing contributions to laboratory and operational services, Lungelo has built a stellar reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative executive. His ability to drive transformation and lead teams to success makes him a formidable figure in any business landscape

📚Publications

A critical review of global best practices elements in digital technologies: Advancing a theoretical architecture for quality engineering
             Authors: Ntobongwana, L., Telukdarie, A.

             Journal: Journal of Industrial Information Integration,