MINISTER NZIMANDE ANNOUNCES THE MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION FUNDING (STI-WG)
Background
On 2 May, 2025, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande announced that he was in the process of appointing a Working Group on Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding (STI-WG), whose main purpose is to advise the Minister on the implications and impact of the recent withdrawal of funding by the USA Government from key research and development programmes in South Africa.
Terms of reference and role of the Working Group:
The terms of the reference of Working Group remain unchanged as per the Minister’s earlier announcement. They are reiterated as follows:
•To analyse the impact and implications of the USA withdrawal of funds to South African public research and innovation;
•To analyse the current geo-political risks related to STI and how South Africa should position itself to deal with the current situation; and
•To propose policy and strategic responses to enhance the long-term security and sustainability of the STI system and the role of the DSTI.
Members of the Working Group
Minister Nzimande is pleased to formally announce that the process of appointing the members of the Working Group has been concluded, and that the Working Group comprises of the following persons:
Dr Derrick Swartz: NMU – WG Chairperson
Prof Ari Sitas, Acting Director of the Institute of African Alternatives in Cape Town;
Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, CEO: Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
Dr Mlungisi Cele, CEO: National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
Prof Francis Petersen, Chair of Universities’ South Africa
Prof Thokozani Majozi, President and Chair: Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Stellenbosch University
Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO, South African Medical Research Council;
Dr. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO, National Research Foundation;
Professor Sibongile Muthwa, Vice-Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, South Africa;
Professor Xolisa Mtose, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zululand; and
Dr Thulani Dlamini, CEO, Council for Scientific, and Scientific Research (CSIR).
As stated in the Minister’s initial statement, the Working Group is expected to provide the Minister with its first draft report within 4 weeks after assumption of the task and the final report to the Minister is expected on 30 June 2025.
ENQUIRIES: Veli Mbele 064 615 0644 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION
