Pretoria: South Africa is seeking to strengthen its pipeline of scientists and innovators through investment in young researchers, skills development, and international cooperation, while recognising that support must begin long before students enter university. Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele, outlined this approach during the Science and Technology Policy Thematic Forum in Shanghai, China, on Sunday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Dr Cele stressed the importance of fortifying the talent pipeline, despite the current strength of South Africa's scientific system. The forum focused on integrating education, scientific research, technological innovation, and talent development to ensure that knowledge significantly contributes to economic growth and social progress.
Dr Cele emphasized the importance of developing young people by linking school opportunities with postgraduate training, research careers, and skills needed for emerging technologies. The government is investing in strategic interventions to cultivate a new generation of postgraduate researchers, including opportunities for international research exposure.
The department is supporting postgraduate development through scholarships and investments in research capacity at public universities. Cele highlighted the South African Research Chairs Initiative as a key instrument for strengthening research and innovation through university partnerships.
However, Dr Cele acknowledged that the future research workforce depends on the strength of the education pipeline feeding into universities. He highlighted the necessity for greater support for students from early childhood to high school through initiatives like the National Science Olympiad and science projects.
Moreover, Dr Cele discussed the importance of preparing individuals for technological changes that could reshape research and employment, with a focus on skills development for the digital economy, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
International partnerships play a crucial role in South Africa's approach, offering means to support talent development through shared research interests. Dr Cele identified various programs and agreements, such as the Young Scientists Programme and China-Africa cooperation, as vital for advancing scientific talent development.
The forum, concluding on September 14, 2026, and addressed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, focused on developing people alongside research capacity to achieve South Africa's scientific and development ambitions. Dr Cele outlined his vision for a South Africa with a robust talent pipeline, a stronger research workforce, and an inclusive economy driven by innovation.
