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
- 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.
The Institute provides technology support services and training to:
- Regional manufacturers
- Small, medium and micro enterprises
- Inventors and individuals
- Academic partners
- Large companies, where appropriate
The Institute also offers specialised support for knowledge-innovation projects.
Minister Nzimande’s visit to the IAT follows his recent high-level engagements at the Coega Special Economic Zone in Gqeberha and the East London Industrial Development Zone and Science and Technology Park.
These engagements form part of the Ministry’s long-term programme to advance innovation-led industrialisation at local and regional levels and strengthen the coordination of science, technology and innovation at subnational level.
Members of the media are invited to attend the visit as follows:
Date: Monday, 2 November 2026
Time: 10:00
Venue: Institute for Advanced Tooling, 19 Manchester Road, Chiselhurst, kuGompo City
RSVP and media enquiries:
Mr Veli Mbele
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Cell: 064 615 0644
E-mail: Veli.Mbele@dst.gov.za
Ms Taslima Viljoen
Director: Media Liaison, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
Cell: 082 990 1685
E-mail: Taslima.Viljoen@dsti.gov.za
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