The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) recently hosted an orientation visit by a delegation from the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) at the Council Chambers. Led by DSTI Director-General Dr Mlungisi Cele, the visit served to showcase UNIZULU’s escalating research ecosystem, explore key strategic partnerships and address crucial national imperatives within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors.
Fostering Strategic Partnerships and Student Innovation
Welcoming the delegation, UNIZULU Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nokuthula Kunene, stressed the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge that addresses pressing challenges across local communities, South Africa and the broader African continent.
She highlighted the vital role of national support in building institutional capacity, specifically acknowledging the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the DSTI, for its funding support towards UNIZULU’s Student Innovation Competition.
“This investment is helping to cultivate a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers who will drive South Africa’s future knowledge economy,” Prof Kunene noted. “The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by our students affirm that innovation is not confined to laboratories and classrooms; it flourishes when young minds are empowered, supported and given opportunities to transform ideas into practical solutions.”
Showcase of Institutional Excellence
During the session, several presentations were delivered by the UNIZULU Research and Innovation Office alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation Prof Bryon Brown. The presentations provided an overview of the University’s ongoing research initiatives, institutional capabilities and specific requests for targeted support to expand research infrastructure and commercialisation efforts.
Commending the University’s leadership, Dr Cele praised the quality and depth of the presentations, noting that key institutional challenges and strategic priorities were clearly articulated.
Highlighting UNIZULU’s growing national impact, Dr Cele recalled a recent milestone from National Science Month: “Last month, during the launch of National Science Month, a national competition was initiated to design the official logo. The winner of that national competition was a student from this very university,” he said, point out the creative and technical calibre of UNIZULU students.
Addressing the Gender Gap in the Science Sector
Beyond institutional collaboration, the dialogue centered on the national imperative of gender equity in science and technology. Representatives from the DSTI highlighted the ongoing underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, noting that women currently account for only 37% of the workforce in South Africa’s science sector compared to their male counterparts.
The vice-chancellor and principal concluded, “The visit reinforced a shared determination between the DSTI and UNIZULU to implement targeted interventions, mentorship pipelines and funding avenues designed to attract, support and retain female researchers and scientific leaders.”
-Pictures by: James Thwala
