AI, Green Hydrogen, and Transformation: Nzimande's blueprint for a new South Africa

The landscape of South African industry is undergoing a seismic shift.

On 19 March 2026, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Professor Blade Nzimande, appeared before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to provide a comprehensive update on the nation’s technological trajectory.

His address was not just a routine legislative update, it was a roadmap for a country striving to transition from a resource-dependent economy to a knowledge-based economy.

From the ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the burgeoning Green Hydrogen economy, the Minister outlined a future where science serves as the primary engine for social equity.

Transformation: Non-Negotiable progress

At the core of the Minister’s address was a firm stance on demographic representation within the scientific community. Despite significant strides over the last decade, the Department remains focused on dismantling the historical barriers that have kept the sector homogenous.

Nzimande was unequivocal regarding the Department’s stance on inclusivity:

"My department is not going to compromise on the transformation of South Africa's National System of Innovation, particularly as it relates to increasing the number of black and women researchers and scientists."

This commitment to transformation extends to the post-graduate support programmes aimed at nurturing the next generation of PhD candidates and innovators.

By strengthening these pipelines, the DSTI aims to ensure that the "brains trust" of the nation reflects its diverse population.

The Hydrogen Society Roadmap and the Just Energy Transition

As the world moves toward decarbonization, South Africa is positioning itself as a global leader in green energy. Central to this is the Hydrogen Society Roadmap (HSRM).

The Minister updated Parliament on the progress of the "Just Energy Transition," emphasizing that the shift to green energy must not leave workers behind.

By leveraging the country’s vast platinum group metal (PGM) reserves, essential for hydrogen fuel cells, South Africa is not just looking to export raw materials but to become a hub for high-tech manufacturing and innovation.

Ethics in the age of Artificial Intelligence

With the rapid proliferation of AI, the NCOP raised pertinent questions regarding the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Minister Nzimande highlighted that while AI offers immense potential for improving service delivery and industrial efficiency, it must be governed by frameworks that protect South African citizens.

The Department’s strategy involves:

• Developing localized AI models that understand South African languages and contexts.

• Protecting Intellectual Property (IP) for local innovators.

• Ensuring that AI does not exacerbate existing inequalities but rather acts as a tool for skills development.

Bridging the gap: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)

A unique pillar of South Africa’s innovation strategy is the formalization and protection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The Minister noted that traditional knowledge, ranging from medicinal plants to sustainable farming is an asset that requires legal protection and commercial support.

By integrating IKS into the modern National System of Innovation (NSI), the government is ensuring that local communities benefit financially and intellectually from their ancestral heritage.

Health innovation and strategic funding

The COVID-19 pandemic taught the world the importance of domestic vaccine manufacturing and health sovereignty.

Nzimande addressed how the DSTI is strategically leveraging funding to advance health innovation. By investing in genomics, diagnostics, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, South Africa is building a defense against future pandemics while addressing local health challenges like TB and HIV.

A new mantra for a new era

Closing his session, the Minister reflected on the evolving role of his portfolio within the broader Cabinet. He introduced a new guiding philosophy that will dictate how the DSTI interacts with other sectors.

"All the work we are doing is part of realising our newly adopted departmental mantra of placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society," added the Minister.

This holistic approach suggests that "science" is no longer a siloed department but a foundational layer that will inform how schools teach, how factories produce, and how the government serves its people.