Minister Nzimande highlights advanced tooling and regional partnerships as drivers of innovation-led industrialisation
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has highlighted how advanced manufacturing, Technology Stations and regional partnerships can strengthen South Africa’s industrial competitiveness, support localisation and create pathways to employment.
Speaking during a high-level ministerial visit to the Institute for Advanced Tooling at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu on 2 November 2026, the Minister outlined four connected priorities: a strategic framework for innovation; Technology Stations that bridge research and industry; nationally distributed technology infrastructure; and the conversion of knowledge into products and services.
The visit forms part of the Ministry’s long-term programme to advance innovation-led industrialisation and strengthen local and regional coordination of science, technology and innovation.
It follows engagements at the Coega Special Economic Zone in September and the East London Industrial Development Zone and its Science and Technology Park on 16 October, as well as recent visits to the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and Sasol in Gauteng.
The Minister said the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation and the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2022–2032) provide the framework for a more inclusive and responsive National System of Innovation.
The Institute’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing, reverse engineering and metrology demonstrate how public investment can modernise manufacturing and strengthen local production.
Citing information provided to him, Minister Nzimande said that, over recent years, the Institute had Supported 568 beneficiaries and enterprises; developed 54 intellectual property (IP) and knowledge-based products; and leveraged more than R5.1 million in additional income.
The Institute offers advanced manufacturing, 5-axis CNC machining, CAD/CAM, reverse engineering, machine design, metrology and skills transfer.
Examples highlighted during the address included precision moulds for Fenn Kayaks’ export-grade surfski components, replacement pneumatic manifold parts for automotive spray systems, cooling cowls for light aircraft, and prototypes of low-cost adjustable prosthetic limbs.
Technology Stations give enterprises access to specialised equipment, technical expertise and product-development support, particularly small and medium-sized businesses in township and rural economies.
The Minister emphasised that continued public investment must deliver demonstrable improvements in industrial performance and growth.
Minister Nzimande reiterated his suggestion that regional partners consider establishing a Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum for the Buffalo City region.
The proposed forum could bring universities, government, development agencies and industry together around shared priorities. It could also strengthen regional value chains and support science, technology and innovation parks linked to Special Economic Zones in the Eastern Cape.
He stressed that a nationally distributed Technology Stations network should serve enterprises in every province, ensuring that innovation support extends beyond major metropolitan centres.
The Minister called for support that helps enterprises move from concept and design through prototyping, testing and production readiness.
He identified improved firm productivity, new market-ready businesses, and technical and entrepreneurial skills development as key contributions to employment.
This support must reach young people, women, black-owned enterprises, township and rural businesses, and co-operatives with growth potential.
Access to facilities must be complemented by mentoring, market connections and appropriate finance.
“Innovation support cannot end at the laboratory door,” Minister Nzimande said.
He also called for better evidence to guide public investment, including data on enterprise growth, products reaching markets, imports displaced, exports enabled, and jobs sustained or created.
“Let us work together to build an innovation system that is nationally connected, locally rooted and focused on results—one that turns knowledge into products and services, opens new industries, sustains and creates jobs, and helps overcome South Africa’s deep structural unemployment,” he said.
The event was also addressed by the Chairperson of the Council of Walter Sisulu University, Prof Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, and the Vice-Chancellor of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, Prof Thandi Mgwebi.
Enquiries:
Mr Veli Mbele
Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation
Cell: 064 615 0644
Email: veli.mbele@dst.gov.za
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