ABOUT
History of the NSTF
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) is the largest multi-stakeholder forum for science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation organisations in South Africa. It is a non-profit company that promotes SET and innovation and engages with related government policy issues. It was launched in 1995.
From the NSTI to NSTF
The National Science and Technology Initiative (NSTI) was the pre-cursor of the NSTF. It participated in South Africa’s landmark CODESA Convention (Convention for a Democratic South Africa) in 1991. As a result of findings and recommendations of the NSTI, government together with other key stakeholders founded the NSTF in 1995 to oversee implementation of the recommendations.
Aims of the NSTF
The then-Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Mr Ben Ngubane, recognised the body as a science, engineering and technology (SET) forum for consultation and addressing SET issues within the broad SET community. The NSTF was established to oversee the restructuring of South Africa’s national science system and to ensure an integrated approach to science and technology.
First plenary meeting and government mandate
On 28 March 1995, the first plenary meeting of the NSTF was opened by then-Minister Ben Ngubane. The mandate given to the NSTF was to act as the sounding board, communication channel and constructive watchdog of SET in South Africa. Integral to this mandate was the establishment of best practice norms, and to integrate and share the positive advancements being made in SET fields.
Ongoing support from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and all stakeholders
The NSTF has continued to enjoy support from the Ministry and Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). There has also been continuous support from stakeholders at all levels, from the smallest of businesses to the largest science councils and universities.
Founding stages of the NSTF
A new South Africa in the making: The pre-cursor of the NSTF, the STI, participates in SA’s landmark CODESA event.
NSTF is born: NSTF is founded to oversee the establishment of a democratic and inclusive science system (later to be re-defined and called the national system of innovation – NSI). Initially, NSTF has a joint chairmanship, namely Mr Jay Naidoo (the first Secretary General of COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) and the then president of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr James Brian Clark. The NSTF contributes and provides input into the first White Paper on Science and Technology and other policy and planning processes within government. It initiates the discussion that leads to the declaration of SA’s first Year of Science and Technology (YEAST) in 1998.
First Chief Executive Officer (CEO) appointed: Dr Xolani Humphrey Mkhwanazi is seconded by the CSIR to build up the new organisation, NSTF. (The CSIR being a founding member of the NSTF.) At the time he is the Technology Transfer Manager, Technology for Development division at the CSIR. He is subsequently appointed as the first CEO of the NSTF. Dr Mkhwanazi serves under the chairmanship of Prof Malegapuru William Makgoba, who was the President of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) at the time. Prof Makgoba went on to receive the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver in 2013. Ms Wilna Eksteen is appointed to head the Secretariat of the NSTF in April 1998. Dr Mkhwanazi is to be the first recipient of the NSTF Ukhozi Award in June 2018 to honour his contributions to NSTF as an organisation and to SA in various capacities. Sadly he is to pass away on 4 January 2020.
The flagship NSTF Awards are born: NSTF establishes the prestigious annual NSTF Awards to reward excellent achievements in science and technology (S&T). The then Department, DACST, becomes the first sponsor of the NSTF Awards (a sponsorship that has continued every year up to the present under the new DSTI). The Minister of the DSTI serves as the patron of the Awards. The first patron is Dr Ben Ngubane, the Minister at the time. The NSTF Executive Committee (Exco) under the leadership of Dr Steve Lennon conceptualises the structure and criteria for the Awards. Mr Denis Hunt is appointed Head Adjudicator and goes on to lead the adjudication of the Awards annually until 2024 (26 years), as well as revisions and expansions of the categories.
SET Policies: The NSTF participates and adds considerable value to initiatives and processes relating to the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
First website: NSTF launches its first website, developed by the CSIR, listing 80 members across eight sectors. Besides DACST, other government departments and structures are included.
First newsletter: The first quarterly newsletter in print called NewSTufF is produced and circulated to members. The programme is published for the YEAST focus weeks in all nine provinces that commence 7-12 March 1998 in the Western Cape, through to 13-17 November 1998 in Gauteng. The newsletter is to continue consistently thereafter and later to become a monthly electronic newsletter.
Second CEO and Chairperson: Dr Mziwenkosi James Hlongwane takes over the position of CEO on 1 March 1999, having founded and run a dedicated school for science and technology for black learners for 13 years. He has a PhD in Immunosuppression from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and experience in pathology and pharmaceuticals. Dr Hlongwane serves NSTF until his untimely death on 14 December 2005. He serves under the leadership of the newly appointed Chairperson, Dr Steve Lennon, who is Executive Director of Eskom Strategy and Resources at the time.
Annual Report: The first NSTF Annual Report (for 1999-2000) is launched. The Report describes four major initiatives to embark on:
SMTE Strategy: The result of the SMTE Conference is the launch of a national SMTE strategy by the DoE, where the Deputy Minister of Education at the time, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, officiates with Deputy Director-General of Education, Mr Ketsi Lehoko.
Education Recognition Programme: The NSTF Awards expand to include recognition of SMTE in schools and the NSTF Education Recognition Programme is born. Initially the programme recognises only top performing matric girls from all the provinces, top high school teachers, top schools, as well as STEM Olympiad and competition performers. Later, both boys and girls are recognised, and eventually NSTF focuses only on the top performers in matric physical science and mathematics.
Science and economic growth: NSTF commissions a joint study between the NSTF and NACI on the interaction between economic growth, science, technology and human capital. The resulting Growth and Innovation Report is presented jointly to the Portfolio Committee in Parliament.
An important policy role: The NSTF plays an active role in the processes to create, and review the National Human Resource Development Strategy, the National Research and Development Strategy and the National Research and Technology Foresight Exercise.
Ethics: NSTF Initiates debate and discussions on Ethics in SET in SA which leads to a discussion document and a charter that aims to establish a National Consultative Council on SET Ethics in SA.
Dedicated science and technology department: NSTF participates in the lobbying for the establishment of a separate government department that would focus entirely on S&T in SA. The structure and plans for the new DST are presented to the NSTF and its members for comment.
World Summit on Sustainable Development: NSTF receives accreditation from the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) that allows NSTF members and stakeholders to register as participants under the NSTF umbrella – an offer which over 60 organisations make use of. Each organisation can register employees to participate.
Third Chairperson appointed: Mr John Marriott, retired General Manager: Sasol Limited, takes over the NSTF Chairperson position as the first leader from private industry. His focus is on continuing the building of a strong SET community, as essential for promoting development and economic growth.
NACI: The NSTF and NACI commit themselves to cooperate on issues of common interest and promoting the NSI, urged by their respective executive committees, as well as the Minister. From then on, NACI has a permanent seat on the NSTF Exco.
NEPAD: NSTF substantially contributes to the development of the S&T division of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) to ensure that SET plays its rightful role on the African continent.
SET Professionals included: NSTF creates a new membership group, known as SETAG (Scientific, Engineering and Technological Societies and Allied Professions Group of SA), consisting of professional bodies and learned societies. Some of the membership of the Associated Scientific and Technological Societies of SA (AS&TS) join the NSTF under SETAG, which is renamed proSET (Professional in SET) in 2009. (This sector currently accounts for about 35% of NSTF member organisations.)
Inclusiveness: Eskom and the NRF jointly create three categories of the NSTF Awards to recognise researchers – both senior and emerging, and research capacity development. The six new awards are aimed at the promotion of inclusiveness – the four awards sponsored by the NRF are awarded to black researchers, and the two research capacity development awards are made to researchers who have supervised a large number of black postgraduate students (the latter Awards are sponsored by Eskom). Half of the awards are reserved for men, and half for women researchers. The NRF sponsorship lasts for 11 years until 2014. The Eskom partnership is to continue. In the same year (2003) the CSIR becomes an Awards sponsor (which continues to 2017).
First NSTF Awards Who’s Who in SET and innovation booklet published: These booklets, produced every year since 2004, are an extensive database of the achievements, skills and expertise of the South African NSI community. They contain brief descriptions of the contributions of the NSTF Awards finalists to SET and innovation. They are distributed at the Awards Gala Dinners and beyond, and marketed through the media.
Department of Trade and Industry: The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP), an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) managed jointly with the NRF, joins as platinum sponsor of the NSTF Awards (which continues to 2015).
Provincial workshops: Workshops are extended to other provinces and a series of workshops are held in three provinces; Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. These are held during the 2005 National Science Week (NSW) and at local science centres. The topic for the provincial workshops is Technology Education.
Communication and outreach: The NSTF Awards Communications sub-committee is established (currently known as the NSTF Awards Committee) to raise publicity for the Awards finalists and winners, and profile SET professionals to the general public and the youth.
Science Councils and Statutory Bodies: A sub-committee is formed, consisting of representatives from each organisation in this membership sector, and meets 3-4 times per year.
Third leader at the helm: Ms Jansie Niehaus is appointed as Executive Director of the NSTF, and remains in this position to date. Her contribution is to make the NSTF more active and visible, lead the revision of the NSTF Strategy, turn the NSTF newsletter into a news service for the NSI community, conceptualise and lead the discussion forums held at least 4 times per year, and in general expand and improve the activities and reach of the NSTF, including to the youth, with the help of the Exco, Office Manager Ms Wilna Eksteen and staff.
Science Communication Award: The South African Agency for S&T Advancement (SAASTA), a business unit of the NRF, partners with the NSTF to introduce a new award for science communication and outreach. The SAASTA sponsorship is to continue until 2014.
Policy consultations: Discussion of and stakeholder feedback on the NSI and the DSTI’s 10 Year Innovation Plan. DSTI also presents their plans to the NSTF membership for the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Human Capital Development, the Youth into Science Strategy and the Hydrogen Economy.
Fourth Chairperson appointed: Prof Brenda Wingfield from the University of Pretoria (UP) is appointed and serves for six consecutive years. At the time she is Professor of Genetics at UP and Deputy Dean of Research and Post-Graduate Studies, as well as Chair of the DSTI/ NRF South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in Fungal Genomics. Her focus is the long-term ideal of spreading NSTF’s activities nationally and in doing so not only strengthening some activities, but also to better serve the sector.
Non-Profit Company: NSTF registers as a ‘Section 21’ company under the Companies Act. When the Act is amended, Section 21 companies become known as ‘non-profit companies’. Seven Directors serve as the initial Directors, namely; Prof Brenda Wingfield (NSTF Chairperson); Ms Jansie Niehaus (NSTF Executive Director); Mr Denis Hunt (Chair and Head Adjudicator: NSTF Adjudication Panel); Mr David Kramer (Civil Society Sector representative, NSTF Exco); Prof J Malherbe (Higher Education Sector representative, NSTF Exco); Dr Van Zyl de Villiers (State-Owned Enterprises Sector representative, NSTF Exco) and Dr Stanley Liphadzi (Science Councils Sector representative, NSTF Exco) and are appointed from 18 October 2007.
Unemployed SET graduates: NSTF manages the National Youth Service (NYS) programme on behalf of the DSTI for five years, benefitting 330 young unemployed graduates. The NYS provides science graduates with additional skills to enable them to find suitable employment.
Bursary management: NSTF manages the DSTI’s ‘Incentive’ Bursary Scheme for eight years to the benefit of more than 70 undergraduate students.
FESTOC: The DSTI contracts NSTF to host the Secretariat for an umbrella body of the various existing national SET Olympiads and competitions, called the Federation of Engineering, S&T Olympiads and Competitions (FESTOC).
Decade of Awards: NSTF Awards celebrates its 10th anniversary.
NSTF Brilliants Programme: This programme is based on the Education Recognition Programme, and exclusively recognises top matric performers in physical science and mathematics. Later, educational tours to SET-related sites and national research facilities are included in the programme, including a motivational speakers’ programme with role models for personal and professional development.
Media sponsor one: Business Report newspaper joins forces with the NSTF Awards as media sponsor to publicise the outcomes of the annual NSTF Awards. (Business Report is carried by The Star, Pretoria News, Cape Times and The Mercury newspapers reaching millions of readers nationwide.)
Media sponsor two: After a period of NSTF working with the Mail & Guardian newspaper to produce an annual supplement on the NSTF Award winners, Mail & Guardian becomes the second media sponsor with the focus of communicating the science behind the work of the winners.
NSTF Share ‘n Dare Programme: This programme is initiated to inspire the youth and public with the winners as SET role models.
NSTF Discussion Forums: Discussion Forums on specific topics replace the provincial workshops, as well as the twice-yearly plenary meetings.
Co-branding sponsor, BHP Billiton: BHP Billiton becomes the first co-branding sponsor of the NSTF Awards until 2015.
NSTF Brilliants Programme expands to include a ‘Motivational Speakers Programme’: The first Motivational Speakers Programme is initiated on the day after the Awards dinner, on 22 June 2012, with several speakers from the SET community to make these brilliant youngsters aware of the various career opportunities and the importance of personal and professional development.
Fifth Chairmanship: Prof Muhammad Ali Dhansay is appointed as the new Chairperson of the NSTF and becomes the longest serving chair until 2022. He is also appointed as a Director of the NSTF NPC. At the time of his appointment, Prof Dhansay is the Director of the SAMRC’s Nutritional Intervention Research Unit. He leads the organisation with an emphasis on integrity and acknowledging complexity in science and society.
NSTF Brilliants Programme includes the first tour of a SET-related facility: The day after the 2013 Awards Gala Dinner, the Brilliants students are treated to an excursion to the visiting Body Worlds Exhibition at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown. The students travel on the Gautrain – for many of them this is a first experience. This becomes the first annual tour of the NSTF Brilliants Programme to SET-related facilities to expose students to scientific and technological sites. The second one-day tour in 2014 visits Maropeng (the Cradle of Humankind) and the Sterkfontein Caves.
New trophy and Special Annual Theme Award celebrating 20th anniversary of the NSTF: The new NSTF Awards trophy, manufactured from titanium and using additive manufacturing (3D printing) is launched to celebrate the NSTF’s second decade. The first Special Annual Theme Award is also introduced, recognising an outstanding contribution in photonics research and innovation. The awards theme celebrates the United Nations (UN) International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies, and henceforth annual themes are adopted for the Awards. Annual NSTF Discussion Forums on the annual themes are also introduced. The first discussion forum is arranged jointly with the CSIR.
A new category for the Green Economy: GreenMatter partners with NSTF as category sponsor, launching a new award that recognises contributions to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and the green economy.
The dti takes over from the joint NRF/dti THRIP sponsorship, by sponsoring the Innovation Award for a corporate organisation, which continues up to 2018.
Extended Brilliants tour and the DSTI joins as sponsor: The Brilliants Programme tour is extended from visiting one site to three sites – the CSIR National Laser Centre (NLC), Aerosud and the South African Air Force Museum. The following year’s tour visits the CSIR Bio-manufacturing Industry Development Centre (BIDC) and AGT Foods Africa. The DSTI becomes the overall sponsor of the programme.
NSTF Discussion Forums include YouTube videos of presentations: a new feature for discussion forums is full video recordings of the presentations delivered, posted to the NSTF YouTube channel. This channel becomes as a knowledge hub of SET-related policies, research, and innovations.
Co-branding sponsorship transferred to South32: South32 that is a company established when BHP Billiton demerges, takes over the co-branding sponsorship of the NSTF Awards, and this continues to date.
Youth outreach sponsored: The Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation becomes the first sponsor of NSTF youth outreach programmes. The sponsorship is awarded as part of their flagship 50th anniversary programme, and lasts up to 2020.
Science Forum South Africa (SFSA): NSTF participates in the second SFSA, and hosts a parallel session on ‘How to promote photonics industries in Africa’.
Two new categories – water and data for research: The Water Research Commission (WRC) partners with the NSTF Awards as category sponsor launching a new award that recognises contributions to sustainable water management, knowledge generation and solutions. The Network of Data and Information Curation Communities (NeDICC) co-founds the new Data for Research Award.
SKA partnership on a 5-day astro-tour: The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) join forces with the NSTF to initiate a national astronomy tour over 5 days for the students of the NSTF Brilliants Programme. It is to take place for three years, 2017-2019. The tour includes a number of provinces, and for two years, includes visits to the MeerKAT site outside Carnarvon – part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) megaproject.
Exhibitor at the SFSA: NSTF exhibits for the first time at the third SFSA. This becomes an annual event on the NSTF calendar from here on. SABC Morning Live programme and presenter Leanne Manas, broadcast live in front of the NSTF stall.
NSTF reviewed and defined in an extensive strategy document: The first comprehensive 5-year strategy that includes the history is penned and approved, setting out clear objectives that ensure a sustainable future for the NSTF.
Second White Paper: The NSTF organises DSTI consultations to review the existing White Paper and participates in the launch of DSTI’s new STI White Paper.
Awards celebrate 20 years and first NSTF Ukhozi Award: NSTF celebrates the 20th anniversary of the NSTF Awards that grew from 2 categories to 13, eventually recognising 15 winners every year. To celebrate the occasion, the first CEO of the NSTF, Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi is awarded the NSTF Ukhozi Award for an essential contribution to the NSTF and SA.
Collaborate with the SA Innovation Summit (SAIS): NSTF signs an agreement to partner with the SAIS to exhibit and host discussion forums to nurture, develop and showcase African innovations, as well as facilitating innovation thought-leadership. The topic of NSTF’s first discussion forum over three days of the Summit is ‘Implications of the 4th Industrial Revolution for SET, industry, society, and education’. It is well attended on a senior level, including Parliamentarians such as Mr Solomon Lechesa Tsenolo, the then Deputy Speaker: National Assembly, Parliament SA, and parliamentary researchers. NSTF’s exhibition fares just as well and is voted the best stand by ‘Ceiling in a Can’. The partnership with SAIS continues for another year before the pandemic strikes in 2020.
Innovation is rewarded: The National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) joins the NSTF Awards as category sponsor of the Innovation Award to a small, medium or micro enterprise (SMME).
First online Awards event: As a result of the lockdown restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the NSTF forges ahead and transforms the 22nd Awards Gala Event into an online event – another first within the community, broadcasting live via the NSTF YouTube Channel. Ms Zai Khan of SAfm becomes the Master of Ceremonies, and Mr Denis Hunt together with Dr Sibusiso Manzini honour the finalists and announce the winners from a broadcast studio in Centurion, Pretoria. The winners receive their trophies via courier.
First online discussion forum held: The transformation of in-person NSTF Discussion Forums to online forums follow, a practice which is to continue. The topic of the first online forum on 23 November 2020 is ‘Internet of things (IOT) technologies and 5G connectivity roll-out’.
NSTF’s Silver Jubilee: NSTF is 25 years old and celebrates its Silver Jubilee as an established player in the NSI, with a loyal and representative membership, a wide network and reach, an all-inclusive platform for recognition of excellence, a neutral platform for discussions, and as promoter and influencer of SET and innovation in SA.
STEMulator.org is born: A first in South Africa, uniquely NSTF, the proSET Committee conceptualises, designs and provides initial funding for an innovative online interactive platform to excite young people to explore > discover > learn the workings of STEM in the world. This free platform (online and in app format) presents as a landscape that includes buildings, nature, machines and the human body. It hosts information and interactive displays demonstrating concepts in energy, transport, mining, nature, aerospace (satellites and planes), biodiversity, astronomy, science museums, automation within factories, construction, agriculture, medical science in a hospital, a school containing the STEM curriculum for grades 4-12, the human body and its anatomy, a house and the engineering and technology behind equipment used inside the house, etc. It includes descriptions of careers in each of the fields and where to study in SA. The development of the STEMulator.org is ongoing and done in partnership with NSTF members and interested stakeholders in the community.
First hybrid NSTF Awards simultaneously from two provinces: This year two hybrid gala dinners are introduced to reach audiences in both the Western Cape (WC) and Gauteng and to minimise travelling for the guests attending at the venues. In the past, the Awards were always held as one event in Johannesburg. The live broadcast is continued but from here on from the two venues in Cape Town and Johannesburg simultaneously to an online audience via the NSTF YouTube channel. This new style is unique to the NSTF and continues up to today.
Career talk videos featuring award winners: To adapt to pandemic restrictions where in-person events are difficult to execute, NSTF pivots to online activities and initiates career talk videos featuring award winners. The first round features 4 winners from the 2020 Awards in 5 and 15 minute clips. Subsequently, 13 one- and five-minute clips are produced of the 2021 winners, 14 five-minute clips of the 2022 winners, and 16 five-minute clips of the 2023 winners. A total of 47 winners are involved and held up as role models for the youth in this way, with a total of more than 60 career talk videos are online for anyone to view.
Sixth Chairmanship: Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele is appointed as the new chairperson of the NSTF and is to serve for three years, leading the organisation with integrity and dignity. He is also appointed by the Exco as a Director of the NSTF NPC. At the time of his appointment, Prof Mphahlele is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at North-West University (NWU). He leads the organisation in an in-depth revision of its Strategy and improvements in its processes.
NSTF Brilliants Programme sponsored: The South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) joins the NSTF youth project as a sponsor.
NSTF youth outreach programmes sponsored: South32 joins the group of sponsors to include sponsorships for not only the Brilliants Programme but also the NSTF Share ‘n Dare outreach programme, and other youth activities.
World Science Forum (WSF) South Africa: On invitation of the DSTI, NSTF participates in the WSF and successfully hosts a parallel discussion forum over two days on ‘Science and disaster management for social justice’ during the WSF in Cape Town. This is followed by an exhibition of the activities of the NSTF, including promoting the call for nominations for the 2023 NSTF-South32 Awards. The NSTF Executive Director Ms Jansie Niehaus participates in high-level events before and during the WSF.
Revision of NSTF Strategy: After a series of strategy meetings and workshops with the Exco and proSET subcommittee, the NSTF Strategy is intensively discussed, its formulation improved and adopted for the period until 2027.
Awards celebrate 25 years: NSTF celebrates the Silver Jubilee of the NSTF Awards that grew from 2 categories to 14, eventually recognising 16 winners every year. To celebrate the occasion, Dr Philemon Mjwara, the former Director General (DG) of the DSTI is awarded the second NSTF Ukhozi Award for an essential contribution to the NSTF and South Africa.
Medical research/science is awarded – NSTF-SAMRC Clinician-Scientist Award: The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) joins the NSTF-Awards as a category sponsor to recognise the work of emerging clinician-scientists.
New sponsor for an existing category – NSTF-TIA Green Economy Award: The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) joins the NSTF-Awards taking over the sponsorship for the green economy category.
First radio broadcast of the NSTF-Awards: The NSTF partners with the DSTI media team to increase publicity of the NSTF-Awards through live radio broadcasts and interviews from the respective gala dinners.
The Brilliants students participate in the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF): An exciting partnership, sponsored by the DSTI is formed allowing two students of the NSTF Brilliants Programme to participate in this annual two-week summer camp that exposes them to STEM professionals and careers across the world. During the two following years, the number of students participating is to increase to three in 2024 and 7 in 2025.
Science diplomacy is awarded: The NSTF is partnering with the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) initiative, on a new award recognising science diplomacy between and among countries for the benefit of SA and Africa.
Mr Denis Hunt retires and the NSTF Adjudication Panel gets a new Chairperson and Head Adjudicator: NSTF bids farewell to Mr Denis Hunt who diligently led the NSTF Adjudication Panel since the start of the Awards, for 26 years. His work and contribution to the NSTF are recognised during the 26th NSTF-South32 Awards gala dinner. Prof Gillian Drennan, who was serving as the vice-chairperson to Mr Hunt is appointed as the new Chairperson and Head of the Adjudication Panel. At the time of her appointment, Prof Drennan is an Associate Professor, School of Geosciences, Wits.
NSTF’s 30th anniversary: NSTF is 30 years old and celebrates milestones over three decades and as an established player in the NSI, with
To celebrate the occasion, the former Co-chairperson of proSET, a sector of the NSTF representing over 50 professional societies, and Director of STEMulator.org, Mr David ‘Dawie’ Botha is awarded the third NSTF Ukhozi Award for an essential contribution to the NSTF and civil engineering in South Africa.
New Directors: NSTF welcomes new directors to the board: Dr Mpho Lekgoathi, current Vice-Chairperson of NSTF and representative of the SOE sector, and Prof Nnenesi Kgabi, current Exco member representing Higher Education. At the time of his appointment, Dr Lekgoathi is a Chief Scientist at South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) and Prof Kgabi is the Chief Director, Research and Postgraduate Support at NWU. Currently there are 5 directors, including Prof Mphahlele, Prof Dhansay and Ms Niehaus.
Agricultural research is awarded: The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) joins the NSTF-Awards as a category sponsor.
10-year celebration of co-branding sponsorship with South32: NSTF is happy to celebrate a decade of support and relations with South32 through the NSTF Awards.
Business Report feature
The NSTF 25th Anniversary
Mail & Guardian supplement
The NSTF celebrates 25 years
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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