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Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Science and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, commended all the winners at the 26th annual National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards, last week in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Along with scientists and researchers, the awards celebrated 20 students who are participating in the NSTF Brilliants Programme. The programme, supported by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), recognises students who performed with distinction in science and mathematics during the previous year’s matric examination, and who are enrolled in science, engineering and technology (SET)-related courses at universities across the country.
A record number of 17 awards in 15 categories were made at this year’s event.
“I wish to congratulate the winners and nominees who have been role models and, through their work, have made a significant contribution towards using science, technology and innovation to drive transformative change in our country,” said the Minister.
The Minister highlighted the important role of young scientists in South Africa, saying, “An investment in our young people who are doing science is an investment in our country’s future.”
Minister Nzimande said the country is facing a number of development complexities, and it is important to sustain the production of new cohorts of young scientists and researchers (in particular, black and women scientists and researchers) who will help generate innovative ideas on how best to solve some of those complexities.
Outstanding achievement awards were made in 15 categories, including scientific research, innovation and development, management and related activities, capacity development in engineering research, environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, science diplomacy, medical research, water research and innovation, data for research, and science communication.
The theme for this year’s awards was “The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.” The Minister said the theme was very relevant to the general trajectory of technological innovation today and in the past 10 years.
“There is no doubt that digital solutions have become a major part of everyday life and present us with enormous opportunities for our country to chart a new digital-driven development path,” said Minister Nzimande.
He added that the NTSF’s focus on 4IR also aligns with one of the key focus areas of the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation.
“Our Decadal Plan emphasises the alignment of science, technology and innovation to key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, health, energy and the digital and circular economies.”
With some of the country’s key role players and stakeholders in the national system of innovation present at the awards, the Minister concluded his address by encouraging them to support the implementation of the Decadal Plan.
The Department’s former Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara, was also honoured for his contribution to developing the science, technology and innovation landscape.
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