Daya Reddy, an Indian-origin South African mathematician has been elected as the new president of the International Council for Science. Reddy has been voted by representatives of ICSU's 120 national members and scientific unions attending the organisation's general assembly in Auckland, New Zealand.

The ICSU is a non-governmental organisation with a global membership of 121 national scientific bodies and 31 international scientific unions. South African Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor joined the science community in congratulating Reddy.

"It means a lot for South Africa and for Africa; it shows that our continent is being recognised for its skills, ability to lead and the role we are playing in global science," said Pandor.

"It is a great honour for South Africa, because it recognises the excellent work of our researchers and scientists and their contribution to global bodies," he said. Reddy said he was particularly keen to ensure that ICSU becomes as inclusive as possible, so that, as the voice of science, the body could involve the entire community worldwide.