Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has proposed a new cross-sector pact between government, universities, science councils and industry to strengthen South Africa’s research capabilities, develop skilled people and turn knowledge into practical solutions.
The Minister outlined the proposal at a high-level Presidential engagement with university Vice-Chancellors and national science councils, hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Tuesday.
The engagement was held under the theme: “Mobilising Universities and National Science Councils for the Developmental State, Economic Growth and Skills Revolution” and focused on harnessing knowledge, research, innovation and skills development to drive inclusive economic growth, create jobs and build a capable developmental state.
The Minister’s proposed pact seeks to bring together the DSTI, the Department of Higher Education and Training, universities, science councils and industry, including private-sector and state-owned enterprises.
“It must be a working agreement, not simply a declaration of goodwill,” Minister Nzimande said.
The proposed pact will establish clear responsibilities and named institutional leads, agreed contributions and milestones and arrangements for intellectual property, publication and access to research facilities.
Additionally, the Minister urged for cooperation to protect intellectual property arising from publicly funded research, supported where necessary by an overarching commercialisation strategy.
The domestic front
Against a backdrop of intensifying competition over frontier technologies, Minister Nzimande emphasised the need to strengthen South Africa’s own scientific and technological capabilities while maintaining international cooperation.
He urged universities to deepen partnerships across Africa and the Global South, measuring their value through researchers trained, capabilities strengthened and solutions developed.
Nzimande further called for the Presidential PhD programme to support candidates in completing research and applying their expertise in critical areas of national priority, rather than focusing solely on increasing participation.
He encouraged universities, science councils and industry to explore joint supervision and research placements, with safeguards for academic standards.
Minister Nzimande said his Ministry is exploring the establishment of Science and Technology Parks in each of South Africa’s Special Economic Zones.
He highlighted his September visit to the Coega Industrial Development Zone to discuss a proposed Science and Innovation Park, and his October visit to the existing Science and Technology Park in the East London Industrial Development Zone.
Nzimande urged universities to participate in demand and feasibility studies to define the parks’ focus, identify the enterprises they would serve and clarify operational responsibilities, funding arrangements and access for smaller firms.
“The ultimate test will be whether these parks turn knowledge into useful products, processes, and enterprises, not merely whether we have constructed new facilities,” the Minister said.
The Minister also called for better use of existing Technology Stations at Universities of Technology.
He highlighted the potential of the Institute for Advanced Tooling at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu University to support industrialisation in the Buffalo City area.
Nzimande noted that his proposals reflect the Department’s new strategic direction, encapsulated in its mantra: “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society”. – SAnews.gov.za
