The much-anticipated Science Forum South Africa 2025 (SFSA 2025) will be held from 24 to 28 November 2025 at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC), Tshwane, South Africa.
The objective for such a forum is to create a platform for a vibrant debate on the role of science, technology and innovation in society; to promote international science, technology and innovation partnerships; and to create a platform for key science, technology and innovation actors, including senior government leaders, academics, scientists, industry, civil society, and students to interact.
The event will be co-hosted by the DSTI together with the CSIR through the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA). SFSA2025 will comprise of opening and closing plenaries igniting conversations and discussions by and involving leading South African and international scientists, experts and thought leaders. The programme will bring together more than 4 500 participants for discussion and debate, and includes an exhibition and public outreach activities.
The SFSA 2025 will showcase panel discussions focusing on themes pertaining to:
- Youth in science technology and innovation (STI) and Africa;
- Science, technology and innovation partnerships in G20;
- Bridging science and economic diplomacy in policymaking;
- Shaping innovation – Powering the future industries;
- Global science for humanity – Agriculture, health, climate change, just transition;
- Bringing science communication and science journalism together.
In relation to the themes under discussion, other aspects pertaining to financing for science, technology and innovation, building research capabilities for Africa, the role of science diplomacy, and entrepreneurship and innovation where discussions on grassroots and innovation for social development will be explored, as well as what can be better enhanced within the ecosystem in support of entrepreneurships both nationally and internationally.
An exciting highlight of SFSA 2025 is the highly sought-after exhibition, in which DUT has been granted the opportunity to participate alongside partners from the National System of Innovation as well as international exhibitors. In addition to being part of this dynamic exhibition, DUT is pleased to announce that it will also host a panel session during the Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2025, showcasing the University’s contribution to this important national platform.
Dr Farai Dziike from TTI and a Commercialisation specialist, spoke on TTI’s Incubation Programme Beneficiaries Participation in the SFSA 2025. He indicated that innovators play a crucial role by demonstrating the DUT’s ENVISION2030 and Living values that speaks to an engaged university, innovation and entrepreneurship and adaptive graduates. “The innovators will enhance the DUT community by pioneering the DUT perspective on society that views a society as premised on a dynamic and innovative solutions-focused interaction with, and impact on, society at both local and global levels,” he said. Dr Dziike shared that this DUT strategic perspective frames the point of impact of the work at the University, as aspirational as it is outcomes-and impact-oriented. “These innovators are thus bearers of DUT three strategic objectives: An Engaged University; Innovation and Entrepreneurship and adaptive graduates,” he said.
“The intention is to expand the programme to incorporate all innovation ideas coming from curriculum content, academic research and problem solving through PBL initiatives. DUT TTI does not push an isolated agenda in its operation, rather it augments interdisciplinary and multifaceted initiatives run by academic departments and administrative units and divisions especially the Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE) Unit. It intertwines teaching and learning with research all in technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship development for an Engaged University with Adaptive graduates,” he shared.
The panel session, coordinated by academics from the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS), will feature speakers and panellists from DUT as well as partner institutions such as the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The session aims to empower educators, students, and stakeholders by promoting an integrated, real-world learning framework that fosters entrepreneurial thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and measurable social impact.
Expanding on the significance of this dynamic session, Ms Phumzile Xulu, DUT Engagement Practitioner, explained that the panel is titled “Breaking Silos: Cultivating Entrepreneurial Thinking through Design, Collaboration and Real-World Learning.” The session forms part of a series of panel discussions at SFSA 2025 and is aligned with this year’s overarching forum theme.
Dr Nkululeko Zungu, Engagement Coordinator under the Faculty of Management Sciences, shared his excitement about DUT’s participation at the forum, noting that his team is eager to contribute to the discussion on innovative learning models.
“We are thrilled to contribute to this year’s SFSA,” said Dr Zungu. “Our focus on Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking equips students not only with academic knowledge but with the creative confidence to design solutions that respond to real community and industry challenges. It is about shaping graduates who can think differently and act with purpose.”
Pictured: The SFSA 2025 poster.
Waheeda Peters
