Download logoThe Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, welcomed the Minister of Finance, Mr. Enoch Godongwana, to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), describing the visit as an important affirmation of the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in strengthening South Africa’s economic resilience, industrial modernisation and inclusive growth.
Minister Nzimande said the engagement underscored a shared understanding that South Africa’s long-term prosperity depends on the country’s ability to deliberately harness scientific and technological capabilities for development.
“Science, technology, and innovation are not a luxury or an add-on. They are a strategic necessity and a foundational feature of national development,” Minister Nzimande said.
The Minister reiterated the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s commitment to placing ST&I at the centre of government, education, industry, and society, in line with the country’s efforts to build a more knowledge-intensive and innovation-led economy.
He highlighted the CSIR’s standing as Africa’s premier public research institution and its contribution to practical solutions in areas central to South Africa’s development, including digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, health innovation, energy security, food production, human settlements, and logistics.
Minister Nzimande further noted that the CSIR’s work demonstrates how multidisciplinary research can respond directly to national priorities and improve the quality of life of South Africans, citing the organisation’s support during the Covid-19 pandemic and its interventions following floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
During the engagement, Minister Godongwana emphasised that innovation is critical to overcoming the country's fiscal constraints.
“Across the public sector, we are called upon to do more with limited resources while responding to growing demands from citizens," said Minister Godongwana.
"In this context, innovation is essential. Institutions such as the CSIR help government identify smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable ways of delivering services and addressing complex development challenges.
The Minister further highlighted that the visit forms part of National Treasury’s commitment to strengthening intergovernmental relations and enhancing oversight of public entities. He noted that understanding how public institutions create societal value is as vital as promoting sound financial management.
Her lauded the CSIR's capability to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that target national priorities, specifically noting impact in digital technologies and data-driven public decision-making; advanced manufacturing and logistics optimisation; health innovation and sustainable energy solutions as well as service delivery support to improve outcomes for citizens.
Minister Godongwana further stated that "the CSIR’s mandate directly aligns with the government's vision of building an ethical, capable, and developmental state and asserted that a developmental state requires advanced scientific and technological capabilities to drive industrial competitiveness, sustain economic growth and create long-term national capability.”
The visit forms part of the DSTI’s core mantra of placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry, and society. Furthermore, it also aimed to showcase how the CSIR is using its strategic research and development capabilities to address South Africa’s most urgent developmental challenges.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
