Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has led a Freedom Month community engagement in Mbazwana, under the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The engagement highlighted the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in improving service delivery and expanding opportunities in rural communities.
The engagement, held at Oqondweni Hall on Friday, 24 April, brought together almost 250 community members, including youth and older people. The engagement formed part of national Freedom Month commemorations aimed at reflecting on South Africa’s democratic progress and future development priorities.
The session focused on the intersection between democracy and science, demonstrating how innovation can be used to strengthen governance, promote inclusion and deliver practical solutions to everyday challenges faced by communities.
Partner institutions of the engagement included the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Department of Social Development, the Electoral Commission of South Africa, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Addressing the gathering, Gina emphasised that since the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa has increasingly invested in science and innovation as key tools for transformation, inclusion and socio-economic development.
She noted that democracy is not only defined by political rights, but also by equitable access to knowledge, innovation and practical solutions that address everyday community challenges.
“All the institutions that you see here today are using science, technology and innovation to improve service delivery to communities countrywide. For example, South Africa uses digital technology to manage social grants for millions of citizens because digitalisation increases efficiency and financial inclusion.
“Access to scientific knowledge and innovation is essential for meaningful participation in our democracy and for building a more equal and prosperous society,” the Deputy Minister said.
The engagement featured practical demonstrations and information-sharing sessions aimed at showcasing how STI is applied in real-world contexts.
A drone demonstration by SAPS drew significant interest, with a live display of how technology is used in policing, particularly in search-and-rescue operations.
Warrant Officer Owen Howard demonstrated a Matrice M30 drone equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, including thermal cameras and a laser rangefinder.
“Years ago, SAPS did not have this technology to locate a missing person in the bush, for example. Now we can use thermal imaging to help find missing persons without immediately deploying a helicopter,” Howard explained.
Exploring careers in tech
The HSRC also used the platform to engage with the community on the role of research in shaping public policy and improving service delivery.
Information technology expert Nqubeko Mbhele highlighted how research findings have informed government interventions in areas such as health, education, safety, employment and social support.
“By engaging directly with households and communities, the HSRC ensures that people’s lived experiences inform decision-making processes, helping to strengthen democracy,” Mbhele said.
Mbhele also promoted the HSRC’s internship programme, which has provided workplace experience and research skills to more than 7 000 unemployed graduates since 2005. The programme spans fields such as science, engineering, technology, humanities and social sciences.
Mbhele encouraged local youth to pursue further education in order to such opportunities created through democracy.
Community members welcomed the engagement, describing it as informative and empowering.
Lindiwe Mabika said the session had provided valuable insights that would help shape her future ambitions in the health sector.
“The information I received today will help me plan for a better future. I am also encouraged by the opportunities available through programmes like the HSRC internships. Hopefully, I will be one of its beneficiaries in the future,” Mabika said.
Senamile Khumalo, 36, representing Heifer Project South Africa, said the engagement demonstrated the importance of access to information in rural communities. Heifer is a non-profit, public benefit organisation dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in rural South Africa.
“I am particularly hopeful that the youth in the area stand to benefit the most from initiatives like these. It was also encouraging to learn about government programmes that can assist in protecting the young and the elderly in our community,” Khumalo said.
She encouraged local youth to participate in agricultural development initiatives offered by her organisation, which provides training in livestock management and supports small-scale farming enterprises.
Assessing the DDM
The engagement also provided an opportunity for Deputy Minister Gina to assess how science, technology and innovation are being applied locally to improve service delivery, as well as to demonstrate the impact of the District Development Model (DDM).
As the DDM champion for the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, Gina is responsible for ensuring alignment between national, provincial and local government plans. The model seeks to accelerate development through integrated planning, with a focus on infrastructure, job creation and rural development.
The uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality remains largely rural, with many residents dependent on subsistence farming. Key economic activities include fruit processing and livestock farming aimed at alleviating poverty.
According to municipal data, approximately 18% of the population has no formal education, while 57% did not complete Grade 12. Only about 8% have completed matric or higher, underscoring the need for increased access to education and skills development.
Officials said initiatives that integrate science, technology and innovation with community development are critical to addressing these challenges and building more inclusive, resilient local economies.
The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to bring government services and opportunities closer to communities, while reinforcing the role of innovation in advancing democracy and improving lives. – SAnews.gov.za
