Minister Blade Nzimande undertakes high-profile visit to Gqeberha, 3 Sept
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will undertake a two-day programme in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on 3 and 4 September 2026, which includes the National Research Foundation Awards and a visit to the Coega Special Economic Zone.
Later today, Thursday, 3 September 2026, Minister Nzimande will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards Ceremony.
Held under the theme "Building an Inclusive, Impactful and Transformed Research Future", the awards recognise outstanding achievements by individual researchers and teams whose excellence has significantly advanced science for the benefit of society.
Their internationally competitive work is assessed on, among other criteria, its contribution to the field of study, with a particular focus on quality and impact.
One of the objectives of the awards is to foster a sustained culture of advancing South Africa’s scientific knowledge and technological innovation by recognising those who use research to improve humanity.
Tomorrow, Friday, 4 September 2026, the Minister will undertake a strategic engagement and site visit to the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The Minister will be accompanied by the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr. Oscar Mabuyane, the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Cllr. Babalwa Lobishe and other senior provincial officials.
The visit follows ongoing engagements between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the Coega Coega Development Corporation (CDC) on the potential establishment of a Science and Innovation Park (SIP) within the Coega SEZ.
The proposed SIP seeks to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems and position CDC as a strategic node within the national innovation landscape.
During the visit, Minister Nzimande will be briefed on the Coega SEZ's infrastructure, capabilities and investment pipeline and engage with CDC leadership on the strategic potential of the proposed Science and Innovation Park.
The visit will also explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at advancing South Africa's science, technology, innovation (ST&I) and industrialisation agenda.
The proposed SIP concept is aligned with the DSTI's priorities of expanding human capacity in ST&I, scaling high-impact innovation programmes, advancing digital transformation, and supporting emerging sectors such as energy security and green hydrogen.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Engagement 1: 2026 National Research Foundation Awards ceremony
Date: Today, Thursday, 3 September 2026
Time: 17:00
Venue: Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, Summerstrand, Gqeberha
Engagement 2: Coega Special Economic Zone visit
Date: Tomorrow, Friday, 4 September 2026
Time: 10:00
Venue: Coega Special Economic Zone, Gqeberha
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@dsti.gov.za
For the NRF Awards accreditation enquiries:
Mr. Bongani Nkosi
NRF Media Relations Officer
Cell: 061 477 3064
E-mail: b.nkosi@nrf.ac.za
For the Minister’s visit to COEGA:
Mr. Andile April
Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager at the Coega Development Corporation
E-mail: andile.april@coega.co.za
Cell: 082 949 0834
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