Image: Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, joined dignitaries on a walk-about through the ST&I exhibition hall prior to the official launch ceremony of National Science Month 2026 on 4 July. Here dignitaries listen to an explanation of the Vaal University of Technology commercialised 3D printing venture.

The inaugural National Science Month (NSM) launch, which took place on 4 July 2026 at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Science and Technology Park, ushered in a new chapter in public science engagement.

Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in partnership with the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF-SAASTA); VUT and the Gauteng Provincial government, the launch marked the transition from National Science Week to a month-long national celebration of Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I).

Convened under the commemoration-month theme “Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone”, the launch brought together government leaders; researchers; academics; science councils; science centres, learners; educators; innovators and community groups in a shared commitment to place science at the centre of society.

The choice of the Vaal University of Technology as host venue carried significant symbolism in 2026 – the year in which the institution celebrates its 60th anniversary. VUT provided an appropriate backdrop for a national initiative focused on inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators while strengthening connections between research institutions and the communities they serve.

In announcing National Science Month at a pre-launch media briefing on 29 June 2026, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, described the initiative as an important milestone for South Africa’s national science and innovation system. “Science, technology and innovation belong to all people, regardless of ethnicity, class, gender, belief or location, and they must serve the needs of society as a whole,” Minister Nzimande said.

The launch event was officiated on behalf of the Ministry by the Deputy Minister, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, who positioned NSM as a significant expansion of the country’s long-running National Science Week programme, reflecting government’s commitment to increasing public understanding of the value of science in everyday life.

One of the largest public science exhibitions in South Africa, with more than 100 exhibitors and 132 exhibition stands, the launch successfully showcased cutting-edge research, technological innovations and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Universities from across the country participated in the exhibition alongside private sector organisations and DSTI entities including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

The Deputy Minister told the audience of nearly 3000 people that National Science Month was created as a more inclusive and accessible platform for engagement between scientists and society. “This gives us the opportunity to significantly raise public awareness of the value of science in everyday life, while elevating science, technology and innovation as key drivers of South Africa’s socio-economic development,” she said.

Among its objectives are demonstrating the power of science to improve lives, promoting informed decision-making through access to scientific knowledge, encouraging knowledge exchange between scientists and communities, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and innovation.

For learners attending the launch, the message was clear: science careers are attainable and South Africa offers world-class opportunities for future researchers and innovators.

Drawing on examples of domestic scientific excellence, Deputy Minister Gina encouraged young people to pursue ambitious goals. “Your dreams are valid, and you must never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot become a scientist,” she told learners attending the event.

The launch also demonstrated the growing role of universities as anchors of regional innovation ecosystems. Through the Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park, VUT continues to strengthen partnerships between academia, government, industry and communities while supporting entrepreneurship and technology development in the region.

At the end of the launch event’s formal programme, VUT handed over the baton for the hosting of the NSM 2027 launch to North West University (NWU).

Throughout July, National Science Month activities are being implemented across all provinces through exhibitions, science festivals, community dialogues, public lectures, webinars, school outreach programmes, astronomy events, innovation showcases and digital engagement initiatives.

The programme aims not only to improve public understanding of science but also to build trust in scientific institutions, strengthen evidence-based decision-making and to create opportunities for more South Africans to participate in the country’s innovation economy.

As the country confronts challenges such as climate change, energy security, health innovation, food systems and unemployment, the launch of National Science Month sends a powerful message: science is not confined to laboratories and lecture halls – it is a tool for improving lives, strengthening communities and building a more inclusive and prosperous future.