Professor Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, addresses the G20 Youth Dialogue at the University of Limpopo, emphasising that young people have the opportunity to change the world through technology and innovation. Photos: Frans Nkhapele & Evidence Mongwe
By Reuben Maake – reuben.maake@ul.ac.za
The G20 Youth Dialogue, hosted by the University of Limpopo (UL), and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, provided a vital platform for engaging young people in the role of science, technology, and innovation in building a sustainable future
In his address, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, urged South African youth to be proactive innovators and problem-solvers, using science and technology to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. “Do not wait for the future, create it,” he stated.
Professor Nzimande paid tribute to the youth of 1976 who fought against apartheid and called on today’s youth to exhibit similar courage in addressing challenges like climate change, food security, water scarcity, and loadshedding. “Science is about solving humanity’s problems,” he said, encouraging young people to embrace tools such as AI, robotics, bio-editing, and 3D printing.
The Minister announced that his department has allocated R900 million to support local entrepreneurs, with 96 start-ups already empowered, 21% of which are owned by young individuals under 35. Amongst these initiatives is the Girls Can Code programme, equipping young women with essential digital skills.
Professor Tebogo Mothiba, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, says UL is a key driver of research and innovation, particularly empowering youth.
UL played a significant role in the event, reinforcing its position as a key driver of research and innovation in Limpopo and beyond. Professor Tebogo Mothiba, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, said the dialogue aligned perfectly with UL’s mission of “finding solutions for Africa.”
“It resonates with our commitment to expanding access to quality higher education, fostering innovation, and ensuring that young people in rural areas are not left behind in the knowledge economy,” she said.
Moscow Maepa from NYDA Limpopo echoed these sentiments, highlighting science and technology as powerful tools for building sustainable communities. “We are proud of the university’s continued commitment to creating platforms that empower the youth and expose them to the fourth industrial revolution and beyond,” he said.
Young and aspiring innovators from local high schools are empowered during the G20 Youth Dialogue, hosted at UL, to take their ideas and change the world.
Local learners appreciated the opportunity to learn from innovators, who guided them to become successful scientists and entrepreneurs. They also received information on bursary and scholarship opportunities available in both the public and private sectors.
Among the young innovators was Bohlale Mphahlele from Ga-Mphahlele, who developed a panic-button technology to combat gender-based violence and human trafficking. Mphahlele has earned international recognition, including praise from former Deputy President of RSA Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Jabulani Blose, another young trailblazer, showcased his virtual app that assists people in need of sign language services.
Anitta Ramsey from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) encouraged youth to take advantage of initiatives such as the Grassroots Innovation Programme, which currently supports 300 young innovators nationwide. “We urge creative minds to reach out to local living labs in Limpopo for support,” she said.
During the G20 Dialogue, young people were encouraged to unite in changing the world through science and technology.