The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will address aspiring young engineers at a graduation ceremony to be held in Johannesburg on Thursday, 09 October 2025.

Deputy Minister Gina will deliver the keynote address at the graduation ceremony of the Next Engineers programme, a global initiative aimed at enhancing college and career readiness while promoting diversity in the engineering profession.

The event is hosted in partnership with GE Vernova and PROTEC, together with the University of the Witwatersrand and the Kutitiva Foundation.

This engagement underscores the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) continued commitment to fostering youth participation in the National System of Innovation through strategic partnerships with industry and educational institutions, such as  GE Vernova and PROTEC.

The ceremony will honour 43 learners who have successfully completed the Johannesburg Engineering Academy, representing the second cohort to graduate from the programme.

Next Engineers, a programme originally funded by the GE Foundation in 2021, is designed to inspire and equip young individuals to pursue careers in engineering, thereby contributing to South Africa’s broader efforts to address the skills gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

EVENT DETAILS

Venue: Linder Auditorium, Education Campus of Wits University

Date: Thursday, 09 October 2025
Time: 09:00 – 12:00

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Members of the media are requested to confirm attendance by Wednesday, 08 October 2025, with Veronica Mohapeloa at 083 400 5750