Media advisory
Minister Nzimande hosts the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana for a strategic visit to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, hosts the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, and a National Treasury delegation at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria for a strategic engagement on the role of science, technology and innovation (STI) in advancing South Africa’s developmental priorities.
The visit forms part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s ongoing efforts to place science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society. It will also highlight how the Department’s portfolio of entities contributes to inclusive economic growth, improved service delivery and the development of a capable state.
Hosted at the CSIR, one of South Africa’s premier science and technology institutions, the engagement will give National Treasury first-hand insight into how publicly funded research, development and innovation are translated into practical solutions that support government priorities and create value for society.
The programme will showcase CSIR capabilities in areas such as:
- advanced data science;
- logistics and transport systems;
- renewable energy technologies; and
- advanced engineering solutions.
The engagement aligns with the National Development Plan 2030, the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation. These frameworks recognise STI as a key driver of economic transformation, state capability and inclusive development.
Reflecting on the importance of the visit, Minister Nzimande stated that “This visit reaffirms government’s commitment to stronger collaboration across departments and to using science, technology and innovation more effectively to address national challenges.”
“This visit also provides our Department with an opportunity to opportunity to showcase some of the CSIR’s key projects and to demonstrate how these projects contribute to building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said Minister Nzimande.
Members of the media are invited to attend as follows:
Date: Monday, 31 August 2026
Time: 09:30 – 14:30
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
RSVP and media enquiries
Mr Veli Mbele: Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Mobile: 064 615 0644
Email: @email
Ms Tabby Tsengiwe: Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister of Finance
Mobile: 082 885 6066
Email: @email
Mr Kulani Chauke, Manager: Media Relations and Corporate Communication - CSIR
Mobile: 071 266 0019
Email: @email
About the CSIR:
The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.
Follow us on social media:
X: @CSIR. Facebook: CSIRSouthAfrica. Instagram: CSIRSouthAfrica. LinkedIn: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). YouTube: CSIRNewMedia
Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Ministries of Science, Technology and Innovation and Finance
28 August 2026