In Conversation With Dr Mboneni Moufhe Deputy director general

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation is preparing to table its 2026/27 Budget Vote under the theme: “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.” Led by Minister Blade Nzimande and Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina, the department says it intends to position science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of economic growth, industrial modernisation, education, climate resilience, healthcare innovation, and job creation. With a budget allocation of R10.4 billion, government says the Department remains committed to building a transformed and inclusive National System of Innovation while expanding South Africa’s competitiveness in emerging technologies and research sectors. The Budget Vote will provide updates on several strategic areas including: ● artificial intelligence, ● vaccine manufacturing, ● green hydrogen, ● clean energy, ● digital economy development, ● sovereign space capability, ● climate resilience, ● agricultural modernisation, ● mining innovation, ● manufacturing technology, ● and indigenous knowledge systems. The Department also says the Budget aligns with the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (2022–2032), which aims to place scientific innovation at the centre of national development planning and economic transformation. A major highlight of the event will be a guest lecture on Artificial Intelligence by South African computer scientist Vukosi Marivate, reflecting growing national and global interest in AI’s role in education, employment, governance, and economic competitiveness. Instagram · Twitter