National Science Month places science at centre of South Africa’s development

Deputy Minister Gina posing with the learners from Khanya Lesedi High School who came second in a debate school competition on the use AI and academic integrity.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, says science, technology and innovation must be seen as a practical tool for addressing unemployment, inequality, service delivery, health, climate change and economic growth

Dr Gina was speaking at the launch of South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month, at the Vaal University of Technology’s Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng, attended by learners, students, parents, educators, researchers, innovators and community members.

With an attendance of approximately 3000 people, the launch marked the expansion of National Science Week into a month-long national science engagement platform under the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation are for everyone”.

The day was a culmination of months of organisation by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), working with the implementing agency, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a business unit of the DSTI entity, the National Research Foundation (NRF), universities and other partners in the national system of innovation.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Gina said science must not be seen as a specialised field reserved for laboratories and universities only, but must be placed at the centre of economic transformation, job creation, industrialisation and improved quality of life.

“Science is more than a driver of discovery. It is a powerful engine of economic transformation, industrialisation and national competitiveness. Through National Science Month, we are saying clearly that science, technology and innovation must be placed at the centre of government, education, industry and society,” said Deputy Minister Gina.

Deputy Minister Gina said the month-long campaign will help raise more public awareness of the value of science in everyday life, while demonstrating why greater investment in research, development and innovation is essential for South Africa’s growth and competitiveness.

The launch featured over 130 exhibitions and more than 100 exhibitors from universities, science councils, government institutions, innovation agencies, science centres, civil society, and private sector partners. The exhibitions provided firsthand exposure to practical science, innovation opportunities, research careers, and locally developed solutions.

Coinciding with VUT’s 60th anniversary, VUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Ndlovu said the launch came at a time when the university was celebrating 60 years of inspiring thought and shaping talent.

“For six decades, VUT has committed to producing graduates equipped not only with knowledge but with the practical skills, innovation capacity and entrepreneurial mindset needed to advance our country,” said Prof Ndlovu, reaffirming the university’s commitment to ensuring ST&I become accessible to everyone in South Africa.

The university’s Science and Technology Park is emerging as a key innovation hub for the greater Vaal region, developing practical technologies such as affordable and environmentally friendly water purification solutions that can improve the quality of life in surrounding communities.

“It is fitting that we gather here at the VU Science Park. This is far more than a venue. It is an innovation ecosystem where ideas are transformed into solutions, research is commercialised, partnerships flourish, and entrepreneurship creates opportunities for economic growth and community development,” said Prof Ndlovu.

The programme highlights included a vibrant school's science debate arguing if artificial intelligence compromises academic integrity, which was won by Makgetse High School from Hammanskraal near Pretoria, who put up a strong argument that AI compromised academic excellence.

The learners from Makgetse and the runners-up from Khanya Lesedi High School from Ratanda received 3-D printed trophies manufactured at the university’s additive manufacturing centre and an all-expenses-paid trip to Cape Town’s science institutions.

Deputy Minister Gina revealed the new National Science Month logo to the audience. The logo was designed by Wandile Mgaga, a student at the University of Zululand, whose outstanding entry won first prize in a competition that attracted 100 submissions from across the country.

Deputy Minister Gina urged learners and young people to see themselves as future scientists, researchers, engineers and innovators. “You must never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot become a scientist. National Science Month is about ensuring that every child, parent and community knows that science, technology and innovation are for everyone,” said Deputy Minister Gina.

The North-West University, which will host the 2027 edition of National Science Month, was handed over the baton, also manufactured at the university.

National Science Month will run throughout July, with activities aimed at building a science-aware society and encouraging learners, educators, institutions, industry and communities to participate in science engagement across the country.

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

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