Minister Nzimande to deliver keynote address at the 2025 NRF awards, 7 August, Sandton
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards.
The NRF Awards are held annually as a celebration of South Africa’s research excellence.
This year’s awards event will be held under the theme ‘Innovating for a Sustainable Future,’ which aligns with the NRF’s Vision 2030 of Research for a Better Society.
The Awards are presented across two categories—the NRF Ratings-based Awards and Special Awards.
The specific award categories are: Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers, Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers, Focussed Research Advancement Award, Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation at a South African Higher Education Institutions Award, Public Engagement with Research Award, Science Team Award, Societal Impact Award and the Lifetime Achievement.
The other key speakers at the awards include the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, Prof. Mosa Moshabela, the Chairperson of the NRF Board and Dr. Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, the CEO of the NRF.
The media are invited as follows:
Date: Thursday, 07 August 2025
Time: 16:00 (Registration starts earlier)
Venue: NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel, Address: 138 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg
Ministerial media enquiries: Mr. Veli Mbele (Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister) @ 064 615 0644 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NRF media enquiries: Journalists who wish to cover the awards ceremony in person should contact NRF Media Relations Officer, Bongani Nkosi, on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 61 477 3064, for accreditation and/or any requests
The awards ceremony will also be livestreamed on the NRF YouTube account.
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION
