Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina: Launch of inaugural Girls in STEM Programme

Programme director,
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Professor Francis Peterson,
Vice-Principal: Prof Sunil Maharaj
Members of the University’s Executive Committee 
Distinguished representatives from the Department of Basic Education,
Representatives from UNESCO, L'Oréal South Africa, the National Research Foundation,
Educators, researchers, and your special guests—the young women and girls joining us today,
Secondary schools in attendance: Strauss Secondary School, Chipa Tabane Secondary School, Ekangala SOS Secondary School, Saulridge Secondary School, Jafta Mahlangu Secondary School, and Ribane-Laka Secondary School

Good morning.
It is a privilege to join you at the University of Pretoria as we launch the inaugural Girls in STEM Programme – a bold initiative that reflects our shared commitment to building a South Africa where every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Today is more than the launch of a programme. It is the opening of pathways, possibilities and purpose. To the young women in this audience, I want you to know this: science needs you. Africa needs you. The future needs you. As government, we recognise that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.

Too many girls with exceptional potential never pursue careers in science because they lack exposure, encouragement, mentorship or access to opportunities. Some attend schools without laboratories. Others have never met a woman scientist. Many begin to doubt that they belong in spaces where they are underrepresented.

Today, together, we are changing that narrative. This partnership between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Department of Basic Education, the University of Pretoria, UNESCO, L'Oréal South Africa and the National Research Foundation demonstrates that is takes a village to raise a child. Together, we are creating an ecosystem that nurtures curiosity, unlocks talent and expands opportunity.

Through programmes such as this, we are introducing girls to inspiring women scientists and innovators, providing access to mentors and role models, exposing learners to cutting-edge research and showing them that careers in science are not beyond their reach – they are within their grasp.

This initiative also speaks directly to South Africa's national priorities. Our country needs more scientists, engineers, mathematicians, technologists and innovators to drive economic growth, strengthen our research and innovation system and improve the lives of our people. Investing in girls is not only the right thing to do – It is one of the smartest investments we can make for our nation's future.

Research consistently shows that diverse teams produce better science, more creative solutions and greater innovation. When more women participate in STEM, society benefits.

To the Department of Basic Education, thank you for ensuring that learners from schools across the five regions of Gauteng have the opportunity to be part of this important initiative.

To UNESCO, thank you for your continued leadership in advancing science, education and gender equality globally.

To L'Oréal South Africa and the National Research Foundation, thank you for demonstrating that partnerships can transform lives and strengthen the scientific enterprise.

And to the University of Pretoria, congratulations on your vision and leadership. For eight years, your Women in Science initiative has created opportunities for women researchers. Today, you extend that vision even further by investing in the next generation before they enter university. This is how lasting change is created – not by waiting until talent arrives, but by nurturing it from an early age.

To our young learners:
Do not allow anyone to define your limits.
Be curious.
Ask difficult questions.
Experiment boldly.
Fail without fear.
Learn continuously.
Dream without boundaries.
Today is your beginning.

As I officially launch the inaugural Girls in STEM Programme, let it mark the start of a movement that inspires thousands more young women across South Africa to choose science, pursue excellence and become leaders of innovation.

Together, let us open doors.
Together, let us create opportunities.
Together, let us build a future where every girl knows that she belongs in STEM – and where South Africa prospers because of her talent.

It is now my honour to officially declare the University of Pretoria's inaugural Girls in STEM Programme launched.

May it inspire generations to come.

Thank you.

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