Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA

02/08/2026

2kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser System launched at Sasol

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, officially launched the 2kW Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyser System at Sasol One, Sasolburg, on Friday marking a milestone in South Africa’s efforts to build a competitive green hydrogen innovation ecosystem.
The launch took place on the final day of the inaugural National Science Month, held under the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone.”

Minister Nzimande said the deployment demonstrates the value of placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry, and society.

The 2kW PEM Electrolyser System supports South Africa’s broader hydrogen economy ambitions by strengthening local research, development, and innovation capabilities, especially in technologies that use Platinum Group Metals.

The initiative forms part of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s effort to expand the country’s role in critical minerals beneficiation, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy technologies.

“South Africa is not waiting for the future to arrive; we are building it with our own knowledge and capabilities,” the Minister noted.
Watch the launch on our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tC5HMhSrI4

02/08/2026

Watch Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele unpack South Africa's strategic roadmap for turning research into real economic impact

Building on the foundation of the 2019 STI White Paper, the new Industrial Policy, and the Critical Minerals Strategy, Dr. Cele highlighted in his presentation on Day 3 of the SADC Industrialisation Week that while South Africa continues working toward its target of investing 1.5% of GDP into research and development (currently at 0.62%), the central challenge remains translating innovation into competitive industries and sustainable jobs.

To bridge this gap, the DSTI’s Technology Localisation Program connects research institutions, local manufacturers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The initiative strengthens local manufacturing, reduces import dependence, and integrates domestic firms directly into global value chains through identifying capability gaps, delivering targeted technology upgrading packages, and supporting supplier development.

Grounded in strong partnerships with industry leaders, state entities, and higher education institutions, the program has already yielded tangible results. Since its inception, 522 companies, including 94 SMEs, have been supported, helping to retain over 8,000 jobs, create nearly 800 new ones, and deliver a 31% return on investment across sectors like energy, advanced manufacturing, and transport.

Moving forward, deepening these cross-sector collaborations remains key to expanding Africa’s industrial footprint.

01/08/2026

Speaking at the SADC Industrialisation Week at the Durban ICC, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele delivered a call to action on what it will truly take to build an innovation-driven future for Southern Africa.

Addressing the realities of regional integration, Dr Cele stressed that true industrialisation requires more than fragmented efforts. It demands a coherent, shared vision where government, academia, and the private sector pull in the same direction. Developing indigenous technologies and building local capacity is now a matter of safeguarding our national and regional sovereignty.

To bridge existing capability gaps, the region must be deliberate about training its next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators while boldly leveraging its collective resources, critical minerals, and purchasing power. Coordinated and unified efforts by the SADC bloc give the region the scale and leverage needed to shape its own future.

01/08/2026

During a panel discussion on technology localisation, at the SADC Industrial Week in Durban, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele highlighted why Southern Africa must reshape its approach to technology and integration.

Amid evolving global geopolitics, developing indigenous technology and building homegrown capacity among scientists and engineers is needed to important.

While South Africa has invested significantly in science, technology and innovation, innovation on its own does not automatically translate into industrial growth, competitive industries or sustainable jobs.
Therefore an intentional Technology localisation programme is crucial It bridges the gap between innovation and industrialisation by connecting research institutions, technology developers, manufacturers, State-Owned Companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers to create local industrial capability and market opportunities.

Dr Cele emphasised that success requires bold leadership and alignment across all sectors. Rather than operating in silos, SADC member states must act as a collective, leveraging shared resources such as critical minerals and joint procurement strategies to negotiate effectively on the global stage.

31/07/2026

Tune in tonight as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Prof Blade Nzimande joins to discuss Clean Energy Technology.

🕒 LIVE at 20:15 on eNCA.

31/07/2026

MEDIA ALERT
TO ALL MEDIA
31 JULY 2026

Dr Gina to visit centre driving global change research, sustainability at University of Limpopo

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will visit the University of Limpopo Centre for Global Change (UL-CGC) on Tuesday, 4 August, a leading research centre advancing sustainability, climate resilience and global change research in South Africa.

The UL-CGC is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), managed by its entity, the National Research Foundation (NRF). It plays a pivotal role in strengthening research capacity, developing the next generation of scientists, and supporting socio-economic development, particularly in rural communities.

The visit comes as the DSTI concludes the inaugural National Science Month, which has highlighted the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in driving sustainable development, improving lives, and addressing national challenges across the country.

Established under the DSTI's Global Change Grand Challenge, the centre seeks to deepen scientific understanding of global change while developing innovative solutions and technologies to address pressing environmental and societal challenges.

The initiative responds to the growing challenges posed by climate change and other forms of global environmental change, which threaten water resources, biodiversity, food security, human health and livelihoods. Through locally relevant research, it advances scientific understanding of these challenges towards innovative solutions that strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities.

Launched in 2012 with the universities of Fort Hare, Limpopo and Walter Sisulu being the pioneers, the programme has since expanded to the universities of the Free State's Qwaqwa Campus, North West, Sol Plaatje, Venda and Zululand, taking the network to eight universities to date.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister will engage with university leadership, researchers, students, and key stakeholders, such as local farmers and municipalities, to gain firsthand insight into the centre's research and innovation impact and how the work of the centre can be strengthened.

DETAILS OF THE EVENT:
Date: Tuesday, 4 August
Time: 10:00 – 13:00
Venue: UL-CGC, University of Limpopo Campus
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

For more information, please contact Veronica Mohapeloa at 0834005750 or [email protected].

31/07/2026

HAPPENING NOW:

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof.Blade Nzimande, is visiting the Sasol One Site facility in Sasolburg, Free State, for the launch of the launching a groundbreaking 2KW local laboratory-scale Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser facility.

WATCH LIVE:

MINISTER BLADE NZIMANDE TO UNVEIL 2KW LOCALLABORATORY SCALE PROTON...

30/07/2026

The launch of National Science Month (NSM) on July 4, provided a platform for learners, students and the public in general to learn about various careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), launched the inaugural NSM under the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone." The NSM replaced National Science Week, to provide an expanded platform for science engagement. The month-long event sought to create a more awareness about science, providing communities with information to form independent opinions on scientific matters. Young people were also urged to seek out information about STEM careers. This video showcases STEM careers at Tshwane University of Technology.

30/07/2026

The launch of National Science Month (NSM) on July 4, provided a platform for learners, students and the public in general to learn about various careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), launched the inaugural NSM under the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone." The NSM replaced National Science Week, to provide an expanded platform for science engagement. The month-long event sought to create a more awareness about science, providing communities with information to form independent opinions on scientific matters. Young people were also urged to seek out information about STEM careers. This video showcases STEM careers at Tshwane University of Technology.

30/07/2026

National Science Month 2026

As South Africa's first ever National Science Month (NSM) draws to a close, we look back at an awesome launch event held on July,4 where dozens of exhibitors showcased engaging exhibitions. Sci-Enza, the University of Pretoria's science centre, provides interactive science and a technology activity that can be enjoyed by both the young and old. We chatted to them during the NSM launch at Vaal University of Technology.