The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will, on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, in Durban, deliver the keynote address at the official launch of the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) initiative aimed at advancing women's participation and leadership in research and innovation.
The MUT has established the Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT) to create a platform that promotes the visibility, participation, development and impact of women across MUT’s research ecosystem, while fostering collaboration, mentorship and opportunities for growth.
WRIGHT seeks to address persistent barriers affecting women's participation and career advancement in research. It responds to international, continental, and national imperatives for gender transformation in science, technology, and innovation, recognising that women's full participation is essential to inclusive knowledge production, technological advancement, and sustainable development.
Dr Gina will deliver the keynote address titled “Breaking Barriers: The Critical Role of Women in Driving Global Research Innovation”, highlighting the importance of addressing barriers that limit women's participation and advancement in research and innovation.
Among the programme’s contributors are Professors Rushiella Songca, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and Mncedisi Maphalala, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement at MUT.
Prof Kogieleum Naidoo, Deputy Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), will address how to advance women’s leadership in scientific excellence and research, while Ms Omphile Netshiozwi, a patent attorney with 18 years’ experience in the field, will address the female agenda in technology commercialisation.
Discussions will also explore the role of intellectual property protection and technology commercialisation in advancing women-led innovation.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Time: 09:00 – 13:00
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
Enquiries:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Cell: 083 400 5750
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