South Africa launches first-ever National Science Month to put innovation at the heart of development

South Africa has officially launched its inaugural **National Science Month (NSM), marking a major shift in the country's efforts to promote science, technology and innovation as key drivers of economic growth, education and social development.

Speaking at the launch held at the Vaal University of Technology on Saturday, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina said the expansion of the long-running National Science Week into a month-long programme reflects government's determination to place science at the centre of national development.

The launch also coincided with the Vaal University of Technology's 60th anniversary celebrations.

"For more than two decades, National Science Week has played an important role in advancing science engagement in South Africa. However, because science, technology and innovation are increasingly central to addressing the complex challenges facing our world today, we believe South Africa needs a broader and more sustained science engagement programme," Gina said.

She said the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has adopted a new guiding mantra: "Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society."

According to Gina, science is no longer only about discovery but has become a critical driver of industrialisation, economic transformation and national competitiveness.

"Countries that have successfully advanced to high-income status have done so by placing science, research and innovation at the centre of government policy, industry and education," she said.

Despite South Africa producing world-class scientists and internationally recognised research institutions, Gina noted that the country's investment in research and development remains significantly below global standards.

She said that South Africa currently invests approximately 0.61% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in research and development, well below the National Development Plan target of 1.5%, while countries such as South Korea and Israel invest more than 4.5% and 5% of GDP respectively.

Science for everyone

The inaugural National Science Month is being held under the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone."

Gina said the campaign aims to demonstrate that science belongs to every South African regardless of race, class, gender, beliefs or geographic location.

"Our objective is to communicate that science, technology and innovation belong to all people and that they must serve society as a whole," she said.

The month-long programme seeks to:

• Demonstrate the power of science in understanding the natural and social world.

• Promote technologies that address social inequality, justice and environmental sustainability.

• Improve public access to scientific knowledge.

• Encourage meaningful knowledge exchange between scientists and communities.

The launch features one of the country's largest science exhibitions, with 132 exhibition stands and more than 100 exhibitors, including leading universities, government science entities and research institutions from across South Africa.

Participating institutions include universities such as the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, North-West University and several universities of technology.

Government science agencies including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), National Research Foundation (NRF), Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the South African Council for Natural and Scientific Professions (SACNASP) are also participating.

Celebrating South African scientific excellence

Gina urged South Africans to use National Science Month to showcase the country's globally recognised scientific achievements.

She highlighted flagship projects such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), describing them as examples of South Africa's leadership in astronomy and space science.

She also pointed to iThemba LABS, the Southern Hemisphere's largest particle accelerator-based research facility, and SANSA's Space Weather Centre in Hermanus, Africa's only 24-hour operational regional space weather warning centre.

"We must tell the public about the groundbreaking and transformative work we are doing in space science and astronomy," she said.

Inspiring the next generation

A significant focus of National Science Month is encouraging young South Africans to pursue careers in science, engineering, technology and innovation.

Addressing learners attending the launch, Gina cited South African pioneers such as Professor Mashudu Tshifularo, whose team performed the world's first successful middle-ear reconstruction using 3D-printed titanium implants, and Dr Sandile Ngcobo, inventor of the world's first digital laser developed at the CSIR.

Drawing inspiration from these achievements, Gina encouraged learners to believe in their potential.

"Your dreams are valid, and you must never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot become a scientist," she told the learners.

Baton handed to North-West University

The event also unveiled the official National Science Month logo and included the symbolic handover of the hosting baton to North-West University, which will stage the 2027 edition of National Science Month.

Closing the event, Gina called on all South Africans to become ambassadors for science.

"Let us join hands in taking the message of science to every town and village in our country. Let us tell every community that science, technology and innovation are for everyone."

With those words, she officially declared National Science Month launched as South Africa's premier science engagement initiative.