Celebrating 20 years of an impactful internship programme in science, humanities, and social sciences

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, will deliver the keynote address at a gala dinner in Johannesburg tonight, commemorating 20 years of the impact of internships in empowering South Africa’s young graduates.

Since 2005, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), together with its entity, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), has been implementing this programme, which has empowered more than 7 600 unemployed graduates in South Africa, with workplace experience and research skills, strengthening the country’s innovation system and advancing inclusive human capital development.
Tonight will see 131 interns receive certificates of successful completion of the programme, which provides work experience to unemployed graduates in Science, Engineering and Technology disciplines, as well as Humanities and Social Sciences.
Graduates participating in the programme are placed at various host institutions throughout the country for work experience and exposure under the supervision and guidance of mentors who are experts in their disciplines/fields.
The event kicks off the HSRC’s three-day Engaged Research Conference (22–24 October 2025), which brings together researchers, policymakers, and partners to showcase how research can meaningfully respond to national development challenges.
DETAILS OF THE EVENT
Date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Time: 18:30
Venue: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

For more information, please contact Veronica Mohapeloa at 083 400 5750 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.