South African Minister Nzimande Advocates for Inclusion and Capital Investment in Domestic Skills
South Africa Embraces Science and Technology: National Science Week 2025 Kicks Off at TUT
The National Science Week 2025, themed "Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone," officially commenced on August 4, 2025, at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) exhibition center in Pretoria West. The week-long celebration, running until August 9, aims to engage and educate the public on the significance of science, technology, and innovation[1][2].
Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, led the event, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between government, industry, and academia to harness the nation's talent and creativity[1]. This year's theme underscores the government's commitment to making science inclusive, accessible, and relevant to all South Africans, regardless of age, gender, language, or location[1][2].
The launch event showcased innovative ideas and demonstrations, including robotics and a research chair on Artificial Intelligence at TUT[2]. Minister Nzimande believes that unless society understands the role of science, progress will not be made, and science will not be embraced[1]. He highlighted the event as a platform to tell the story of science in South Africa[1].
Malvonga Mataila, a visitor at the event, expressed her excitement at seeing technologies in real life, stating it shows humans can do anything[1]. Bukamsa Makatha, another attendee, noted that seeing technologies like the AI dog in person showed her that the world is developing, and South Africa needs to catch up[1].
The event featured students expressing enthusiasm about the showcased technologies, including AI and robotics. Exhibitors and students from Pretoria Technical High School, who were finalists in a debate competition, were also present[1]. Minister Nzimande plans to make the National Science Week a science month starting from next year, deepening interaction with science and innovation[1].
Malachi, another attendee, shared a forward-looking perspective, expressing happiness at the country's progress and confidence in reaching its goals[1]. Minister Nzimande stated that the week is important because it's a platform to tell the story of science in South Africa[1]. The collaboration with TUT at the launch signals the importance of universities as hubs for science and innovation leading national development[1][2].
References:
[1] SABC News. (2025, August 4). National Science Week 2025 launched at TUT. Retrieved from https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/National-Science-Week-2025-launched-at-TUT.pdf
[2] The Citizen. (2025, August 4). National Science Week 2025 kicks off at TUT. Retrieved from https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/2499906/national-science-week-2025-kicks-off-at-tut/
[3] The Conversation. (2025, August 4). National Science Week 2025: Making science accessible to all South Africans. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/national-science-week-2025-making-science-accessible-to-all-south-africans-172562
[4] News24. (2025, August 4). Minister Nzimande: National Science Week is a platform to tell the story of science in South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.news24.com/news24/science/research/minister-nzimande-national-science-week-is-a-platform-to-tell-the-story-of-science-in-south-africa-20250804
Technology is a significant part of the National Science Week 2025, showcasing innovative ideas and demonstrations such as robotics and AI research at TUT. The week aims to make science, technology, and innovation more accessible and relevant to all South Africans, thereby boosting education and self-development in the process.
