Latest news with #BladeNzimande
Zawya
3 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
South Africa: Minister Nzimande applauds National Research Foundation's (NRF) contribution to transformation at NRF Awards ceremony
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, praised the National Research Foundation (NRF) for making commendable progress in the area of transformation and for producing high calibre and impactful work. The Minister was speaking at the NRF Awards in Johannesburg on 7 August 2025. The Minister said that the pipeline for the next generation of researchers looked much healthier because the NRF had funded more women over the last 10 years. "I also think it is highly commendable and visionary on your part as the NRF that you have awards that focus on next generation researchers and early career/emerging researchers. This is critical for our human resource development needs," said Minister Nzimande. The Minister said that South Africa's public science system had not only produced excellent researchers, but also made the country a sought-after global platform for conducting astronomy, nuclear physics, palaeontology, medicine and social sciences research. The NRF Awards are held annually as a celebration of South Africa's research excellence. The awards are also meant to provide an opportunity to inspire emerging and early career researchers to pursue research excellence. The Minister further commended the NRF for their choice of theme for the event, "Innovating for a Sustainable Future". He said that the theme was thought-provoking and that the NRF rightfully elevated innovation and placed it at the centre of its efforts to build a responsive public science system and, most importantly, a sustainable future. "This is consistent with Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's newly adopted mantra, which is "Placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society." The mantra was introduced as part of the Department's efforts to align its work with the National Development Plan 2030 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan. It reflects a strategic vision to prioritise and integrate science, technology, and innovation into all aspects of national development. The Chairperson of the NRF Board, Prof. Mosa Moshabela, also expressed pride in the work of the NRF. "As the chairperson of the NRF board, I am deeply proud of the work that is done by the NRF to support and enable our vibrant and diverse research community. The mandate of the NRF is to promote and support research through funding, through human capital development and through the provision of research infrastructure. These remain critical in our collective pursuit of a knowledge-based economy and society," he said. "May we view this evening as a testament to what is possible when excellence meets opportunity. The individuals we celebrate exemplify academic rigour, intellectual curiosity and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether they are in the laboratory, in communities, or across global platforms, they are mentors, they are collaborators, they are trailblazers," Prof. Moshabela added. The Chief Executive Officer of the NRF, Dr Fhulufhelo Nelwamondo, highlighted the NRF's commitment to placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government. He said that the NRF took the call to action to heart given its mandate and the critical role it plays in the national system of innovation. The awards were presented in two categories, namely, Special Awards and NRF ratings. SPECIAL AWARDS Lifetime Achievement Award • Prof. Jill Farrant, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers • Mr Avela Sogoni, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology • Mr Mashite Tshidi, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand • Dr Riona Indhur, Department of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology • Ms Caressa Munien, Department of Chemical Engineering, Durban University of Technology • Mr Jonathan Oehley, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers • Dr Thulani Andrew Chauke, Department of Adult, Community and Continuing Education, University of South Africa • Prof. Kgaugelo Edward Lekota, School of Biological Sciences, North-West University • Dr Mbuzeleni Hlongwa, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal • Prof. Lebo Gafane-Matemane, Hypertension in Africa Research Team, North-West University • Dr Msizi Innocent Mhlongo, Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg • Dr Itumeleng Monageng, Department of Astronomy, University of Cape Town • Dr Busiswa Ndaba-Vatsha, Institute for Catalysis and Energy Solutions, University of South Africa • Prof. Musawenkosi Saurombe, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg • Dr Bonginkosi Allen Thango, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg • Dr Azile Nqombolo, Department of Chemical and Earth Sciences, University of Fort Hare Focused Research Advancement Award • University of Technology: Durban University of Technology • Historically Disadvantaged University: University of the Western Cape Public Engagement with Research Award • Prof. Leila Patel, Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg Champion of Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award • Prof. Namrita Lall, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria RATINGS-BASED AWARDS P-rated researchers • Dr Jesse Heyninck, Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town • Dr Simone Richardson, Antibody Immunity Research Unit, National Institute for Communicable Diseases • Dr Mitchell Cox, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand • Dr Mubeen Goolam, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town • Dr Daniel Hart, Department of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria • Prof. Laura Heathfield, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town A-rated researchers A-rated for the 6th time • Prof. Michael Wingfield, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria A-rated for the 5th time • Distinguished Prof. Philippe-Joseph Salazar, Department of Private Law, University of Cape Town • Prof. Igor Barashenkov, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town • Prof. Douglas Butterworth, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town A-rated for the 4th time • Prof. Thaddeus Metz, Department of Philosophy, University of Pretoria • Prof. David Richardson, Department of Zoology and Botany, Stellenbosch University • Prof. Dan Stein, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town A-Rated for the 3rd Time • Prof. Don A Cowan, Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics, University of Pretoria • Prof. Lewis Ashwal, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand • Prof. Don Ross, School of Economics, University of Cape Town • Prof. Isabel Hofmeyr, Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of the Witwatersrand • Prof. Harold Kincaid, School of Economics, University of Cape Town A-rated for the 2nd time • Prof. Kelly Chibale, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town • Prof. David McQuoid-Mason, School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal • Dr Curtis W Marean, Centre for Coastal Palaeoscience, Nelson Mandela University • Prof. Josua Meyer, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University • Prof. Philip Hallinger, Department of Education Leadership and Management, University of Johannesburg • Prof. Gary Maartens, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town • Prof. James Raftery, Department of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria A-rated for the 1st time • Prof. Andrew McKechnie, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria • Prof. Ralf Henkel, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape • Prof. Susan Harrison, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cape Town • Prof. Ernst Conradie, Department of Religion and Theology, University of the Western Cape • Prof. Matthias Bickelhaupt, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg • Prof. Bruce Biccard, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town • Prof. Jacek Banasiak, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria • Prof. Sally Archibald, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand • Distinguished Prof. Umezuruike Linus Opara, Department of Horticultural Science, Stellenbosch University • Prof. Alexander (Zander) Myburg, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University • Prof. Ivan Vladislavić, Department of Creative Writing, University of the Witwatersrand • Distinguished Prof. Charlie Shackleton, Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University • Prof. Harald Winkler, PRISM, School of Economics, University of Cape Town Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
South Africa: Brilliant university students tour innovation facilities during National Science Week
As South Africa celebrates National Science Week (NSW) 2025 under the theme "Science, technology and innovation are for everyone," 19 outstanding first-year university students embarked on an inspiring scientific journey across Gauteng and the North West. Launched over the weekend by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, NSW emphasises the importance of making science inclusive, accessible and relevant to all South Africans, regardless of age, gender, language or location. In line with this vision, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) hosts its annual Brilliants Programme, showcasing the nation's brightest young minds in science, engineering and medicine. The NSTF Brilliants are top-performing Grade 12 learners from each province, selected based on exceptional results in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Chosen in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, these students – two male and two female per province – are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The 2024 cohort toured cutting-edge research and innovation facilities from 27 to 30 July, beginning at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and concluding at North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom. Among the participants are future medical doctors, engineers, data scientists and innovators, including: • Sinothando Matsha (Eastern Cape) – MBChB at Stellenbosch University. • Sivikele Majebe (Eastern Cape) – BSc in Statistics, Data Science and Computer Science at University of Cape Town (UCT). • Susan Bender (Free State) – MBChB at University of the Free State. • Lehlohonolo Mokhothu (Free State) – BEng in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at UCT. • Kagiso Tele (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University • Ntsako Thato Ringane (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University • Matthew Christopher Wise (Western Cape) – BSc in Data Science at UCT • Kgopolo Danny Ibang (North West) – Computer Science at University of Johannesburg. Several Brilliants were also selected to represent South Africa internationally at the London International Youth Science Forum, a 15-day STEM summer camp held at Imperial College London. They are Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema, Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo, Takatso Obrey Sibanda, Jurie Johannes Blignaut, Andre De Boer, Lehlohonolo Mokhothu and Kagiso Tele. The four-day tour offered immersive experiences in South Africa's most advanced scientific environments. The first day started at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Agroprocessing Facility, where students explored technologies that convert raw agricultural materials into food products. They then visited Aditiv Solutions, a leading metal 3D printing company, to witness high-performance additive manufacturing systems in action. Day two was spent at Wits University's Tshimologong Digital Innovation Hub, an incubator for small businesses and tech startups. The young students engaged with innovations in gaming, animation and digital media. Other activities included visits to the National Aerospace Centre and the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, culminating at the Evolutionary Studies Institute, where students interacted with fossils and explored South Africa's rich paleontological heritage and the legacy of pioneers like Charles Darwin. Day three began with a sunrise game drive, followed by a visit to Jonker Sailplanes in Centurion – South Africa's premier manufacturer of high-performance gliders. Its co-founder and the Director of the School of Mechanical Engineering at NWU, Prof. Attie Jonker, led a full factory tour, showcasing the engineering excellence behind the design and assembly of sailplanes. The students were inspired by Prof. Jonker's message, "Passion is sometimes a decision – to decide that something is worthwhile and even fun, even when it's challenging. It's about mindset." The final stop was the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Infrastructure Centre of Competence at NWU. Led by Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov, HySA is a flagship Department of Science, Technology and Innovation programme launched in 2007 to position South Africa as a global player in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. Students learned about sustainable energy solutions, green hydrogen production, and South Africa's growing role in the global hydrogen economy. Reflecting on the experience, Mr Ntsako Thato Ringane said: "Most of the places we visited are doing extraordinary and unique work. I've learned the importance of following one's passion and staying curious." The NSTF Brilliants Programme not only celebrates academic excellence but also fosters a pipeline of future STEM professionals. By exposing high-achieving youth to real-world science and technology, the programme reinforces the message that science is for everyone, and that South Africa's future is being built by its brilliant young minds. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.
Travel Weekly
28-07-2025
- Travel Weekly
Visitor center opens at Cape Town observatory
The South African Astronomical Observatory Visitor Centre has opened in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in the country's National Astro-Tourism Strategy. The visitor center is expected to attract over 18,000 visitors annually and features interactive exhibits, historical telescopes and multilingual storytelling, including indigenous celestial narratives in isiXhosa and Khoekhoegowab languages. Visitors can participate in evening tours where they can view celestial objects through telescopes and learn about astronomy. • Related: South Africa tourism's sky-high ambitions "The SAAO Visitor Centre marks a major milestone in the implementation of the National Astro-Tourism Strategy," said tourism minister Patricia de Lille, who along with science minister Blade Nzimande officially opened the center. "The facility stands as a testament to how science and tourism can collaborate to unlock new frontiers in experiential and educational travel." • Personal Quest: Revisiting -- and rediscovering -- South Africa The center serves as a flagship initiative under South Africa's broader astro-tourism strategy, which aims to leverage the country's clear skies and rich astronomical heritage. The launch positions Cape Town as a new urban astronomy destination alongside the existing Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi, a large conservation area type of museum showcases and honors the knowledge and stories of the people of the Southern Kalahari..
The Star
28-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Blade Nzimande urges caution and due process in response to Mkhwanazi's serious allegations
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande says serious allegations made by the KZN Police Commissioner must be fully investigated, urging South Africans to avoid political grandstanding and allow due process to reveal the truth. Image: Picture: Siyasanga Mbambani / GCIS Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, says allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi must be taken seriously, especially given his seniority in the South African Police Service, but cautions against political opportunism and urges the public to allow due process to unfold. This comes after Mkhwananzi accused Mchunu of interfering in police operations and maintaining contact with criminal syndicates, aiming to undermine the Political Killings Task Team. He alleged that Mchunu, without authorisation from the national or provincial leadership, ordered the disbandment of the unit in March 2025 and the withdrawal of 121 active dockets - many linked to politically motivated assassinations. 'These dockets have been sitting idle at head office ever since,' Mkhwanazi said. In an interview on Newzroom Afrika, Nzimande made it clear that the seriousness of the allegations warrants a credible response from government and the judiciary: "My own stance really is that the president has issued a statement and made an indication that he takes this matter very seriously. I agree with that, that allegations of this nature are very serious. They need to be taken up." President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on Sunday evening. Nzimande says South Africans should wait to hear how the president intends to handle the matter. "We are hoping that out of that he will come up with a way of actually getting into the depth of this matter and leaving no stone unturned. ''We hope that the president is actually going to come up with mechanisms that are going to get into the bottom of this matter and avoid grandstanding as some political parties are doing, behaving as if all these things have been proven or not." On allegations involving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who initially denied any association with controversial figure Oupa 'Brown' Mogotsi, only to later admit he knew him, Nzimande said: "I think we need to be cautious on how we treat these things. I don't want a situation now, in the light of these allegations, to act as if conclusively Minister Senzo Mchunu has told a lie, we don't know. That actually needs to be proven itself." He added: "Yes, this thing, we must get into the bottom of them. ''But let's allow due process to actually go into this. Because maybe the good thing about what the provincial commissioner of the police has done in KZN is to raise these things, which then gives an opportunity for one to actually go right into it." Nzimande also reflected on historical abuses of state institutions, noting this might be an opportunity to uncover deep-seated problems across the security cluster. Some of these problems are not new, for instance. We know that in the past, organs of the state have been abused in many ways. The police, in the intelligence in the past, it was being used also even to fight internal party political battles in the ANC and the alliance. ''Maybe this is an opportunity then for the president to provide a way forward that will make us to go into the bottom of those things so that the police, the judiciary, everybody is able to do what is supposed to be done." He also addressed allegations involving the judiciary itself. "Some of the allegations is that some of the judges and some of the magistrates are possibly bought to be able to act in a particular way. This is an opportunity to go to the bottom of this matter. That's my view." Nzimande urged media and society to avoid sensationalism and let legal processes unfold. "All what I'm saying, it's important that the media as well, we allow due process to take its course." Reflecting on his own past surveillance during the Fees Must Fall protests, he added: "I myself have been a victim in the past of being listened to by intelligence agencies, being followed up as to where one goes and so on with a view of actually trying to discredit. I know this very well... But what came out of that in the end? Nothing came out of that." When asked whether he had counselled Mchunu, Nzimande said: "No. We are colleagues, you know, we come and attend similar meetings, you know, and so on. We haven't, I haven't on my side, you know, because what do I say? Do I say, hey, what is actually going on? He has himself actually said publicly that at an appropriate time he will be able to answer this, and I hope he does." "These allegations are very serious. But what is the best way of dealing with them? We shouldn't be tempted and say we choose the juicy part. The minister may have done this or has actually not done stance is that let's give due process to actually get to the bottom of this." The DA, uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK), and the EFF on have since lodged criminal complaints against Mchunu, accusing him of misleading Parliament and being linked to individuals allegedly involved in the capture of the SAPS. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel IOL Politics
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Minister Blade Nzimande undertakes extensive Science, Technology and Innovation visit to Tunisia and Algeria
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will lead a high-level South African delegation on an extensive science, technology and innovation visit to the Republic of Tunisia and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria from 14 to 17 July 2025. These visits are in response to invitations to Minister Nzimande by the Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Mondher Belaid and the Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Bidari. Through these visits, Minister Nzimande seeks to reinforce existing science, technology, and innovation bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia and Algeria as part of a broader commitment to grow the size and intensity of intra-Africa STI cooperation for development. Minister Nzimande's programme will include bilaterals with his Algerian and Tunisian counterparts and visits to key science institutions. In Tunisia, the Minister will visit the Borja Cedria Technopark, the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, the Bardo National Museum for arts and history and the City of Science Museum. In Algeria, the Minister will visit, the Centre for the Development of Advanced Technologies, the Saad Dahlab University, and the Great Mosque of Algiers. One of the highlights of Minister Nzimande's visit to Algeria will include a guest lecture organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific cooperation on Pan-African cooperation. Reflecting on the importance of these visits, Minister Nzimande stated that "Our visit to Algeria and Tunisia forms part of our long standing international relations strategy to strengthen meaningful science, technology and innovation cooperation with fellow African countries and to advance the objectives of the African Union's Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA).' 'Pan-African STI cooperation and development are of paramount importance given the current unstable geopolitical environment and the imperatives of securing the sustainable future of the continent. All our efforts are therefore aimed towards developing what we refer to as a sovereign science, technology, and innovation agenda for Africa,' added the Minister. The two visits will conclude with the adoption by the DSTI and counterpart Ministries, of two new comprehensive Plans of Action, aimed at intensifying cooperation with Tunisia and Algeria, respectively. This will be an immediate and concrete implementation of the ambitions for South Africa's science diplomacy, which Minister Nzimande had outlined in his Budget Vote speech last week. The Minister's delegation includes senior officials from the Ministry, the Department and the Entities of the Department such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), as well as experts from the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek) Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.
