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Zawya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa and Tunisia strengthen Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation
As part of Minister Nzimande's extensive official visit to the Republic of Tunisia, earlier today, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) signed a partnership to scale up science, technology and innovation cooperation with Tunisia. The partnership referred to as the Scaling up Tunisia - South Africa Strategy, includes a Plan of Action and Joint Research Call Meeting Minutes. The focus areas of the Action Plan include an Exchange Programme, Networking and inter-institutional cooperation, a Joint Research Programme, Intellectual Property Rights, Knowledge and Skills Transfer in Innovation, Participation in International Programs and Governance. The signing ceremony was preceded by an opening ceremony, where His Excellency, Mr. Mondher Belaid, Tunisia's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and His Excellency, Prof. Blade Nzimande, South Africa's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, delivered their keynote remarks. Speaking ahead of the signing ceremony, Minister Nzimande stated that "even though our visit is primarily aimed at strengthening science, technology and innovation relations between the Republic of Tunisia and the Republic of South Africa- the truth is that the bond between our countries was forged in the heat of the anti-colonial struggle.' Emphasing the strategic importance of South Africa-Tunisia STI cooperation, Minister Nzimande further stated that 'I wish to express our appreciation for the cordial relations between South Africa and Tunisia and thank the Tunisian Embassy in South Africa for the excellent work they have done in keeping our partnership alive. To express our appreciation for this work done by your Embassy in South Africa, through our Science Forum South Africa, we awarded Ms. Hasna Tizaoui, Economic and Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Tunisia with the prestigious Science Diplomacy award.' 'The emerging geopolitical environment presents us with a number of complex challenges, including a growing push towards unipolarity by some countries, through bully tactics. We therefore hold the view that African countries must intensify sub-regional science, technology and innovation cooperation and through this, mobilise more coherent support for the implementation of the African Union's Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa or (STISA)." The signing of this partnership builds on existing STI cooperation between South Africa and Tunisa and further enables the two countries to intensify the development of sustainable solutions to address old and emerging continental challenges such as youth unemployment and skills development, health care, food sovereignty, water and energy security, climate change and biodiversity loss and digital transformation. The delegation accompanying Minister Nzimande includes senior officials from the Ministry, the Department and the Entities of the Department such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the National Research Foundation (NRF), as well as experts from the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality takes strides towards smart city status at MIRA Awards
With 'service delivery' emerging as a pivotal theme for municipalities across South Africa, eThekwini Municipality is making significant progress towards achieving Smart City status. This ambition was underscored when eThekwini was honoured at the Municipal Innovation Recognition Awards (MIRA) held in Durban on June 30, which celebrated its innovative efforts in improving basic functions through technology. Smart Cities leverage information and communication technology to enhance infrastructure and services, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for residents and businesses. Despite being just in its second year, the MIRA Awards have swiftly established themselves as a key benchmark for municipalities seeking to innovate and improve public service delivery. The MIRA Awards are a collaboration between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). They are rooted in the sophisticated Municipal Innovation Maturity Index (Mimi), which measures the level of innovation within municipalities. Dr Tshepang Mosiea, Chief Director of Innovation for Inclusive Development within the DSTI, noted that municipalities reaching Level 4 on the Mimi scale demonstrate strong management processes and a commitment to innovation. 'There is evidence that the municipality has the necessary innovation infrastructure and financial resources allocated and managed to support innovation,' Dr Mosiea explained. According to UKZN Associate Professor Sithembiso Myeni, the focus of the index is to enhance public service delivery while fostering a culture of innovation that has the potential to transform communities. Higher scores on the index mean municipalities can unlock public funding, facilitating the journey toward smart city designation. Smart Cities are anticipated to create optimal environments, addressing sustainability challenges like climate change through initiatives that reduce carbon emissions and promote efficient resource use. At the MIRA Awards, the City of Cape Town stood out for its one-stop business portal, with other innovators including Ekurhuleni for its approach to combatting non-revenue water and Polokwane for its My Citizen App. Meanwhile, the Chris Hani District Municipality made strides in ensuring access to clean drinking water through the Machibini Water Treatment Plant. The MIMI framework not only rates basic services but also measures improvements in areas such as sanitation and energy consumption. Its development into a digital platform aims to streamline its use and enhance the analysis of municipalities' innovation capabilities. This year's event also unveiled the Municipal Innovation Fund (MIF), aimed at supporting high-performing municipalities in scaling innovative projects designed to bolster basic service delivery. Established by the DSTI, the fund will offer up to R3 million per project, enabling qualifying municipalities to harness technologies that have measurable community impacts. With eThekwini Municipality fully engaged in these transformative efforts, the pursuit of Smart City status not only promises enhanced service delivery, but also a brighter future for its residents. As municipalities increasingly incorporate technology into their operations, the hope is that they will set a powerful precedent for others across the nation. DAILY NEWS
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Skubu refill store debuts in South Africa, slashing plastic waste and costs
Reportedly South Africa's first-of-a-kind refill store, Skubu, with the aim to reduce single-use plastic packaging, has officially launched in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, by Sonke in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), under the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund. The retail concept model helps reduce plastic waste by allowing shoppers to refill essential goods, such as cooking oil, maize meal, sugar and cleaning products, using their containers, offering significant cost savings for lower-income households. Sonke is a technology startup that designs, manufactures and manages internet of things (IoT)-enabled automated refill stations. Sonke's exclusive back-end software provides full traceability of stock movement through the supply chain from receipt through dispatch, machine restocking and sale to the shopper. The launch of Skubu marks a significant step in integrating circular economy principles into retail, demonstrating how innovation and sustainable business practices can benefit communities. Beyond environmental benefits, the demonstrator also tackles food security by allowing lower-income citizens to access quality products in smaller quantities at more affordable prices. Speaking at the launch, Professor Linda Godfrey, CSIR principal researcher who leads Circular Innovation South Africa, a DSTI initiative hosted by the CSIR, said, 'Skubu is a great demonstration initiative to show how circular economy principles can be implemented through collaboration. The intention is to focus on the national system of innovation, which looks at how a country creates and applies new ideas to improve technology and grow its economy. This includes bringing universities and science councils closer to the private sector to help de-risk and scale circular interventions,' she explained. She also emphasised the importance of collaboration in tackling plastic pollution and improving the quality of life for disadvantaged communities. Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, DSTI Deputy Director-General of Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships, highlighted how this initiative leverages science and economic innovation to advance the circular economy. The DSTI initiated the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund under the administration of the CSIR. Through this fund, the CSIR provided technical support to Sonke by investigating potential sites that would maximise the effectiveness of the Skubu machines. Furthermore, the CSIR analysed the data collected by the IoT-enabled refill station to assess the feasibility of establishing a successful and sustainable proof of concept in the market. 'As a government, we are taking a dual approach through the Circular Economy Demonstration Fund initiative, protecting the environment while using science, technology and innovation to foster enterprise development and create employment,' said Muofhe. These stations not only eliminate up to 100% of single-use plastic packaging but they also enable consumers to save up to 50% by standardising the price per litre across different refill sizes, making every purchase a savvy choice.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality to harness technology to improve service delivery
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the City will be using technology to improve service delivery. Image: eThekwini Municipality / Facebook The eThekwini Municipality will deploy drones in an effort to identify and quickly address service delivery issues in the City. eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba stated that the City no longer wants to wait for residents to complain about the service delivery challenges they are experiencing in their areas. Xaba emphasised that matters like water leaks and potholes must be identified urgently through the use of technology and addressed quickly, rather than being left unresolved for weeks or months. Xaba made these remarks while speaking at the Municipal Innovation Awards in Durban yesterday afternoon. The second Municipal Innovation Recognition Awards (MIRA) is an initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). It follows the implementation of the Municipal Innovation Maturity Index in 2021, a tool that assesses the capacity of municipalities to innovate in a bid to improve service delivery. The awards are also a flagship initiative of the Viability and Validation of Innovations for Service Delivery Programme, which supports municipalities in piloting specific technologies or innovations, focusing on aspects like access, availability, acceptability, and adaptability of these solutions in basic service delivery. Award categories included Special Recognition Awards, Top Innovative Municipality, and the Trailblazing Innovations Award for Innovations for Service Delivery. Several municipalities across the country took part in yesterday's ceremony. Among those present were eThekwini, the City of Cape Town and representatives from municipalities in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Xaba stated that the use of technology is central to how municipalities must be run. 'Innovation within local government is not merely a technical endeavour, but it is a governance imperative that bridges the gap between policy and the lived realities of communities. Research consistently affirms that municipalities that embed a culture of learning are more resilient and better positioned to respond to complex developmental challenges.' He said the municipality was committed to institutionalising innovation as a strategic tool for service delivery. 'I am happy that as a city, we have taken the decision to deploy technology, including utilising drones to proactively identify and resolve service delivery challenges. As we strive to improve performance, this will go a long way in ensuring that we don't wait for communities to report faulty streetlights, burst pipes, and overgrown verges.' SALGA president Bheke Sofile applauded the programme, stating that it is pleasing to see the UKZN, SALGA, and the government working together to address challenges. He expressed concern about the lack of innovation in municipalities and highlighted the importance of collaboration with academics to improve the lives of people in the country. He said innovation was necessary, especially in municipalities with low resources. 'Let us co-create solutions. MIRA represents a sector with the potential and talent to transform itself from within. Let us share what works, document what does not, collaborate and share solutions.'
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's Innovation Fund pilot phase shows promise amid challenges
THE Department of Science, Technology and Innovation recently briefed Parliament on the results of its five-year Innovation Fund pilot phase, revealing that 96 startups had been supported since 2020. Image: AI Ron THE Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) recently briefed Parliament on the results of its five-year Innovation Fund pilot phase, revealing that 96 startups had been supported since 2020 — but with glaring disparities in provincial representation and private-sector hesitancy threatening its scalability. Acting director-general Gugulethu Zwane, leading the DSTI delegation, framed the Innovation Fund as a response to the White Paper on Science, Technology, and Innovation, implemented through the Decadal Plan. Mlungisi Cele, the newly appointed director-general and former chief executive of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (Naci), emphasised the Fund's role in commercialising innovation. 'The Fund includes interventions aligned with the Decadal Plan's objectives, with measurable indicators to track progress,' he said. Konanani Rashamuse, DSTI chief technocrat, detailed the 'Fund on Funds' (FOFs) model, where government seed capital attracts private investment. To date, R265 million in public funds has leveraged R1.3 billion — a fivefold multiplier effect. Three FOFs have been established, including the High Impact Seed Fund and the Public Investment Corporation Technology Development Fund. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ However, Cele admitted that South Africa lagged behind Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda in venture capital activity. 'One of our goals is to scale up and position South Africa as a leader,' he said. MPs grilled the DSTI on stark inequities. Gauteng and the Western Cape account for 80% of funded startups, leaving other provinces underserved. The MK Party's Thembinkosi Mjadu demanded action: 'What measures will ensure equal geographic distribution?' Rashamuse pointed to the DSTI/EPF Tech Fund Venture Building Programme, targeting underrepresented regions, but conceded more work was needed. Gender transformation remains another hurdle. 'The venture capital industry lacks enough first-time female innovators,' Rashamuse acknowledged. Cele highlighted the Women in Technology and Innovation Programme, launched in March 2025, as a step forward. Rashamuse admitted high failure rates are inherent in venture capital but argued even a 10% success rate could yield a significant impact. 'We need a large enough pipeline to sustain failures while ensuring the successes create social impact,' he said. A major concern is private-sector engagement. Cele cited 'risk aversion' and 'lack of policy certainty' as barriers. Rashamuse added that stronger data transparency could rebuild trust. 'We must position the Fund as an attractive investment for the private sector,' he said. Meanwhile, budget constraints loom. Cele revealed Minister Blade Nzimande is lobbying Treasury for increased funding, noting South Africa's innovation budget pales in comparison to global peers. Despite challenges, Rashamuse showcased standout startups: Stone Three: AI-driven mining tech operated from Cape Town but deployed globally. AI-driven mining tech operated from Cape Town but deployed globally. Artisan Biomed: Precision medicine using DNA-based diagnostics for African patients. Precision medicine using DNA-based diagnostics for African patients. LignOrganic: Waste-reducing biomass solutions from macadamia nut shells. Looking ahead, DSTI plans to: Scale the Fund and assess the pilot phase independently. Boost youth and female participation through targeted programmes. Develop a digital dashboard for monitoring. Host the SA Tech Challenge 2025 in Cape Town to spur innovation. Chairperson Tsakani Shiviti from the ANC stressed the need for a 'coherent system' bridging grassroots entrepreneurship to commercial markets. 'We must close the gap between development and local product accessibility,' she said. The ANC's Vusumuzi Nkosi pushed for metrics tracking long-term social impact, while the DA's Natasha Mazzone called for expert-backed responses in future briefings. As the meeting adjourned, the message was clear: The Innovation Fund has potential, but without equitable distribution, private-sector buy-in, and sustainable funding, its promise may remain unfulfilled.
