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Monday 08:00 - 16:30 Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30 Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30 Thursday 08:00 - 16:30 Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA

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Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA

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Our Vision is to increase well-being and prosperity through science, technology, and innovation.
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Our Vision

Increased well-being and prosperity through science, technology and innovation. Our Mission

To provide leadership, an enabling environment, and resources for science, technology and innovation in support of South Africa’s development.

02/11/2026

Minister Nzimande visits iYunivesithi
Walter Sisulu's Institute for Advanced Tooling Technology Station.

02/11/2026

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, visits the Institute for Advanced Tooling (IAT) at Walter Sisulu University today, 2 November 2026.

As one of approximately 18 National Technology Stations based at universities across South Africa, the IAT provides specialised mechanical engineering capabilities that support product development, prototyping, tooling design and manufacturing. The Centre helps translate innovative engineering ideas into tangible products, while providing technical services and facilitating knowledge transfer to support industry.

Mr Masakhane Mapoloba, Operations Manager at IAT, outlines the Centre's work and its contribution to addressing specialised engineering needs within local industry. Design Technician Mr JP Venter also demonstrates the facility's seven-axis CNC KUKA robotic milling system, which is used to machine foam for fibreglass mould patterns and produce two-dimensional profiles from wood.

The Minister's visit highlights the contribution of university-based technology stations to strengthening engineering capabilities, supporting local manufacturing and advancing innovation-led industrialisation in South Africa.

02/11/2026

Join us today as the Minister of Science, Technology and innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande explores the Technology Station at Walter Sisulu University in East London.

Minister Nzimande visits iYunivesithiWalter Sisulu's Institute for...

31/10/2026

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will visit the Institute for Advanced Tooling (IAT) at Walter Sisulu University on 2 November 2026.

As one of approximately 18 National Technology Stations based at universities across South Africa, the IAT provides specialised mechanical engineering capabilities that support product development, prototyping, tooling design and manufacturing. The Centre helps translate innovative engineering ideas into tangible products, while providing technical services and facilitating knowledge transfer to support industry.

Mr Masakhane Mapoloba, Operations Manager at IAT, outlines the Centre's work and its contribution to addressing specialised engineering needs within local industry. Design Technician Mr JP Venter also demonstrates the facility's seven-axis CNC KUKA robotic milling system, which is used to machine foam for fibreglass mould patterns and produce two-dimensional profiles from wood.

The Minister's visit will highlight the contribution of university-based technology stations to strengthening engineering capabilities, supporting local manufacturing and advancing innovation-led industrialisation in South Africa.

29/10/2026

As the world grapples with the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI), a significant dialogue is underway at the National Research Foundation, an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, (DST&I) in Pretoria. The South Africa–Finland Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence is bringing together policymakers, researchers and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in AI for societal impact.

Addressing delegates, DSTI Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources, Mr Daan du Toit, highlighted South Africa's AI priorities and opportunities for joint South Africa–Finland research and innovation partnerships. He emphasised the importance of responsible AI development and applications that respond to the unique needs and priorities of both countries.

29/10/2026

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will undertake a strategic engagement and site visit to the Institute for Advanced Tooling (IAT) at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu’s kuGompo City Campus on Monday, 2 November 2026.

The Institute is funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation through its Technology Stations Programme (TSP). The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department, implements the programme.

The TSP promotes technology-based innovation, localisation and industrial development in South Africa.

Through university-based technology stations, it gives enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, access to: Technical expertise; Specialised infrastructure and Technology support services.
The IAT began operating in January 2007, developing from a unit established to support the local tooling industry, particularly the automotive sector. It forms part of the TSP’s light metals and tooling manufacturing sector.

29/10/2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the CSIR’s FuturePHARMA facility on 7 October 2026, underscoring South Africa’s commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical innovation, local manufacturing capacity, and health security.

Located at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation entity, the CSIR, FuturePHARMA is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and the commercial-scale production of pharmaceutical technologies. The facility aims to accelerate the development, scale-up, and manufacture of critical medicines and pharmaceutical products, helping to build a more competitive and resilient pharmaceutical sector.

Providing an overview of the facility, Dr Rachel Chikwamba, Group Executive for Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences at the CSIR, highlighted the FuturePHARMA Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) model, which supports the development of small molecules, vaccines, biologics, and open-access innovation platforms.

The presentation showcased the wide-ranging opportunities enabled by FuturePHARMA, including business incubation, skills development and workforce training, technical and regulatory support, access to toll manufacturing, and enhanced pandemic preparedness. These capabilities position the facility as a strategic asset in advancing South Africa’s pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem and strengthening local production capabilities.

Address

Dst Bldg No. 53, Meiring Naude Road
Pretoria
0184

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:30
Thursday	08:00 - 16:30
Friday	08:00 - 16:30

Website

https://www.dsti.gov.za/

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