By: Van
Soul Addey
South Africa’s Minister of
Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has proposed a
science, technology and innovation pact between government, universities,
science councils and industry to strengthen the country’s research capabilities,
develop skilled people and turn knowledge into practical solutions.
Nzimande outlined the
proposal during a high-level Presidential engagement with university
vice-chancellors and national science councils, hosted by President Cyril
Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, Gauteng, on November 10, 2026.
The proposed pact would
bring together the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the
Department of Higher Education and Training, universities, science councils and
industry, including private-sector companies and state-owned enterprises.
“It must be a working
agreement, not simply a declaration of goodwill,” Nzimande said, emphasising
the need for practical commitments and institutional accountability among the
participating organisations.
Under the proposed
arrangement, the pact would establish clear responsibilities and named
institutional leads, agreed contributions and milestones, as well as
arrangements covering intellectual property, publication and access to research
facilities.
The Presidential engagement
was held under the theme “Mobilising Universities and National Science Councils
for the Developmental State, Economic Growth and Skills Revolution.”
Discussions focused on
harnessing knowledge, research, innovation and skills development to drive
inclusive economic growth, create jobs and build a capable developmental state.
