Blade Nzimande Drives Stronger Governance and Impact Across STI Entities

Nzimande reiterated that effective leadership remains central to ensuring that the NSI adapts to the rapidly shifting domestic economic environment and global geopolitical changes.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has intensified efforts to strengthen the impact, governance and national visibility of South Africa’s science and innovation institutions through a series of one-on-one meetings with the leadership of key departmental entities.

The engagements, held last week, follow an August 2025 strategic session with chairpersons and CEOs of organisations under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). That meeting highlighted the urgent need to tighten governance systems, combat corruption, curb wasteful expenditure, and drive meaningful transformation across the National System of Innovation (NSI).

Nzimande reiterated that effective leadership remains central to ensuring that the NSI adapts to the rapidly shifting domestic economic environment and global geopolitical changes. He stressed that stronger communication and alignment between the department and its entities are essential for achieving policy coherence and elevating national scientific output.

Strategic follow-up meetings with major science entities

Supported by DSTI Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele and senior management, Minister Nzimande held detailed review sessions with the leadership of four major entities:

• South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

• National Research Foundation (NRF)

• Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

• Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

These consultations examined progress against strategic objectives, internal governance improvements, transformative initiatives, and each entity’s contribution to South Africa's innovation and research agenda. Discussions also addressed challenges raised in performance assessments, including the 2020–2025 end-term review, the 2024/25 annual reports, and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation’s 2024 self-assessment outcomes.

Repositioning the STI system for national impact

Nzimande emphasised the department’s strategic shift guided by the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation and the Decadal Plan, noting the need for “bold and decisive shifts” to ensure the NSI is responsive, inclusive, and impactful.

He underscored the importance of redefining the role of DSTI and its entities to dispel perceptions of elitism and make scientific advancement more accessible and relevant to society.

As part of this renewal, the department has adopted a new guiding mantra: “Placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the centre of Government, Education, Industry, and Society.”

According to Nzimande, realising this vision requires:

• Expanding the scale and visibility of research programmes

• Strengthening partnerships across government, academia, and industry

• Enhancing public engagement and societal awareness of scientific work

• Improving governance and accountability standards

Supporting future planning and annual performance plans

The outcomes of the recent engagement sessions will directly inform the development of the 2026/27 Annual Performance Plans (APPs) for all entities. If required, the findings may also lead to revisions of the 2025–2030 Strategic Plans to ensure alignment with emerging national priorities.

Entities are expected to integrate the Minister’s recommendations into their second draft APPs, due for departmental submission by 16 January 2026.

Further engagements will continue in the first half of 2026 with the remaining DSTI entities as part of a sustained effort to strengthen leadership cohesion, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the transformative impact of South Africa’s science and innovation system.

The department stated that these meetings are integral to Minister Nzimande’s long-term goal of empowering the DSTI and its entities to drive bold reforms that place science, technology and innovation at the heart of national development and societal well-being.