The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) made significant progress in priority areas in the second and third quarters of the current financial year.

Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina briefed the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation in Parliament yesterday on the pdf DSTI's performance report against targets set in the Department's revised 2024/25 Annual Performance Plan (APP). (3.40 MB)

The 2024/25 financial year is the final year of the 2019-2024 Medium-Term Strategic Framework and brings government into the first year of the National Development Plan's third and final phase.

The APP was revised to ensure alignment with the priorities of the 7th administration and the Government of National Unity, as recommended by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. These strategic adjustments focus on driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the National Research Foundation, a DSTI entity, had exceeded its targets for bursary grants to support young and emerging researchers.

"Additionally, research grants awarded to black female emerging researchers exceeded expectations by 70%, reinforcing our commitment to equity and transformation in the science, technology and innovation landscape," she said.

In respect of advancements in space science and technology, the Deputy Minister was happy to report a significant milestone. This was the assembly of the first 15-metre dish for the Square Kilometre Array mid-frequency telescope (SKA-Mid) in the Northern Cape. The Southern African Radio Astronomy Observatory and the 54th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation are collaborating in this regard. The SKA-Mid's 197 dishes will cover frequencies from 350 MHz to 24 GHz, enabling a wide range of scientific studies.

"The project remains on track, with two additional dish structures ready for assembly and full-scale construction ramping up in 2025," confirmed Deputy Minister Gina.

She told the Portfolio Committee that "The South African National Space Agency continues to drive innovation in space technology, including through support for the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) in commissioning a sub-orbital sounding rocket launch facility in the Western Cape. ASRI's Space Propulsion Programme plays a crucial role in developing rocket propulsion systems and ensuring South Africa's sovereign access to space."

The DSTI's efforts to foster innovation and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) also reached a milestone with the launch of the Seed-Fund of Funds, recognising the challenges SMMEs face in securing early-stage product development funding.

"We have allocated R300 million to support these businesses," said the Deputy Minister. "This initiative bridges the gap where traditional funding institutions often perceive high risks, fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The fund aims to support at least 50 technology-driven start-ups, driving transformation and diversity in South Africa's tech sector while paving the way for sustainable economic growth."

Deputy Minister Gina acknowledged the challenges encountered in meeting certain targets, attributing some shortfalls to external factors and the transitional nature of the administrative period. However, she reaffirmed the Department's commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in achieving its mandate.

The performance reports shows that the DSTI spent only R7,039 billion of the R7,269 billion projected to be spent by the end of the third quarter. The Acting Director-General, Ms Gugu Zwane, acknowledged concerns about spending patterns and assured the Portfolio Committee that measures were being implemented to improve the situation.

The Deputy Minister concurred, saying, "I am confident that the Department that the funds will spent by the end of the financial year and will be used as planned."

Issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

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