The University of Johannesburg has secured a UNESCO Chair and formalised a strategic partnership with the government, positioning itself as a continental hub for advancing digital inclusion, equitable access to knowledge, and cultural representation. This milestone strengthens South Africa’s digital diplomacy and ensures African voices lead in shaping global digital narratives.

The UNESCO Chair in Cultural Inclusivity and Equity in Digital Media in Africa, awarded for the 2026 to 2030 cycle, was secured following a competitive global process that reviewed 135 applications at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

The awarding places UJ among more than 1,000 UNESCO Chairs across 120 countries.

UJ on Friday, 17 April 2026, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, formalising collaboration to advance digital transformation, policy development and inclusive innovation.

The agreement, signed with UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, positions the UNESCO Chair as a strategic national asset that supports South Africa’s digital diplomacy and leadership on the continent.

Minister Malatsi said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive digital progress.

“It [the partnership] also supports a broader ambition, which is that South Africa’s digital future will not be built by government alone. It will require partnerships across sectors. Government brings the public mandate and policy direction. Universities bring with them the research capacity and critical inquiry. Industry brings investment, aid and innovation, while civil society, on the other hand, helps to foster accountability and social legitimacy.”

The Chair, held by Professor Prinola Govenden in UJ’s Faculty of Humanities, will focus on addressing digital inclusion, cultural representation and equitable access to knowledge in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital environment.

It will also examine the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and contribute to policy and governance frameworks, while advancing strategies to counter digital exclusion and the marginalisation of local knowledge systems.

Prof Mpedi said this milestone reinforces UJ’s role as a leading African institution shaping the future of digital society.

“Our UNESCO chair will uniquely contribute innovative, empirical research, practical and strategic solutions, as well as policy recommendations for fostering a decolonised and inclusive internet that generally serves all African societies and its users. The Chair will also uniquely contribute to understanding the digital landscape for both knowledge representation and technical access perspectives, particularly concerning cultural representation, inclusivity and equity in Africa.”

The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s priorities in culture, communication and information, and contributes to its global focus on advancing Africa and preserving cultural diversity. It is supported by academic partners in China, Canada and Nigeria.

The development has received Cabinet-level endorsement, led by Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, citing its significance for South Africa’s global positioning and for Africa’s participation in international digital cooperation.

The MoU signing marked the first major activation of the Chair, with participation by industry stakeholders, including MTN Group, Ericsson, and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, signalling cross-sector support for inclusive digital growth.

Prof Prinola Govenden said the Chair carries a continental mandate to showcase the real Africa.

“This Chair positions UJ at the forefront of driving research, partnerships and policy that ensure African voices are not only included, but lead in defining global digital narratives. [We will use this chair to highlight] that audiences differ and interpret media, messages and texts in relation to their specific cultural context. African audiences and users are not passive, naive copycats. African users and audience are active, engaged, and we use media in our everyday lives in creative ways.”

The University is expected to officially launch the UNESCO Chair and host a Ministerial Roundtable on 15 May 2026, focusing on localisation, digital inclusion and equitable knowledge systems across Africa.

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Since then, the OAD has grown into a global network of projects, collaborators, partners, 11 regional offices, and communities working together to use the science of astronomy to build skills, create opportunities, and support development. Along the way, we have learned, adapted, and kept moving forward, always guided by the belief that knowledge and curiosity can serve society.

One lesson has remained clear over these 15 years: the strength of the OAD has always been its people. As our Director, Kevin Govender, says:

“The greatest strength of the OAD, by far, has been the people involved in it, the OAD family, a global network of passionate individuals who personify kindness, generosity, diligence and dedication.”

Today is a moment to acknowledge the partnerships that made this possible, the communities we have worked with, and the many individuals who continue to give their time, energy, and commitment to this shared purpose.

Happy 15 years to the OAD!
Astronomy for a better world - 15 years strong, and we are just getting started!

This video was first posted on the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development facebook page.

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Samsung in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced the Top 20 schools that have been selected to advance to the next stages of the 2026 STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) - Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition.

At the ceremony to announce the selection were Simon Lee, President and CEO of Samsung Africa with his management team and strategic partners including Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education (DBE); as well as Tlali Tlali, Director of Corporate Affairs at State Information Technology Agency (SITA).

The announcement marks the end of the initial application phase which ran until 06 March 2026.

This year’s participation has reached new heights, with over 143 submissions from public schools across the country – a remarkable growth from 47 entries last year. This is testament to the unwavering dedication of the country’s educators and learners as well as Samsung’s valued partners: DBE and SITA.

The notable increase in participation can also be credited to the major shift in the application process in this year’s SFT competition, which has now been opened to all public schools, including quintile 5 - making it more inclusive and nationally representative.

The competition has reached a stage where it moves beyond theoretical knowledge, towards an active, mentored development of the solutions stage designed to create a positive social impact in local communities.

This year’s global themes: Social Inclusion through Sports & Technology and Environmental Sustainability via Technology, reflect our shared responsibility to build an equitable, sustainable and inclusive future.

The themes which seek to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa - are encouraging critical thinking and problem solving for Gen Z to build sustainable solutions through STEM.

Lee shared his sentiments on the collaborative agreement between Samsung and DBE which has highlighted the direct alignment of the SFT’s objectives to the country’s national education priorities.

He added that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Samsung and DBE has been instrumental in driving this success, anchoring the company’s partnership in strengthening STEM education and equipping learners with critical skills for the digital economy.

The Director for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation & E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education, Elspeth Khembo said by teaching learners to use digital tools, data and technology to develop innovative solutions, Samsung’s SFT competition advances the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen STEM education, expand digital learning opportunities and cultivate future-ready skills among the country’s learners.

“All of this is in direct alignment with our national education priorities including fostering 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) skills, critical thinking and equitable access to opportunities in an effort to build a capable, innovation-driven and inclusive economy,”

For these Grade 10 and 11 learners from selected public schools - making it to this stage of the competition is a significant milestone. Advancing to this next phase means that these Top 20 school learners will - through project-based learning – be equipped with the 4Cs which are Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. These skills are essential for solving real-world challenges.

SITA’s Tlali also said: “It gives us great joy to see the enthusiasm that’s evident in the significant increase in the number of schools from the country’s previously disadvantaged communities that participate in this unique, global initiative.

“Our goal of aligning with Samsung’s transformation goals and building a digital South Africa by improving educational and career prospects for our youth, remains intact.”

With the support of mentors, design thinking workshops, prototype funding and tablets for research and project execution, the learners will have the resources to turn their visions into reality.

This is complemented by the invaluable contributions from the judges and partners whose expertise and guidance is instrumental in nurturing this year’s young innovators.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in South Africa congratulated the Top 20 schools that made it to the next stage.

“We are very happy with the quality of the entries we received from various schools around the country and are appreciative of the interest and overwhelming participation in this year’s competition.

“We are also grateful to our partners: DBE and SITA, whose strategic priorities align perfectly with our mission to empower students with skills that transcend the classroom and are able to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Themes for this year include the social change through sports and tech which focuses on how the power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa is recognised. When combined with technology - sport becomes a tool for inclusion, youth development, health and community building.

The sports theme encourages young innovators to use digital platforms, data and smart solutions to improve access to sports, develop talent, promote wellness and create safer, more connected communities. It’s about using technology to amplify the positive social impact of sport beyond the field.

The second theme focuses on Environmental sustainability through technology that addresses the urgent environmental challenges that the country faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, waste management and energy access.

Young people are invited to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy and support sustainable living. It signifies a shift toward responsible innovation using technology not just for convenience, but to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

This challenge places Top 20 schools in the running to win substantial prizes, including up to R100,000 in STEM equipment for the winning school - with 2nd and 3rd place winning R50,000 and R30,000 respectively; plus Samsung devices for the top learners in the winning schools.

©Higher Education Media Services.

As the global community celebrates World Quantum Day on 14 April, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) highlights the growing importance of quantum science and technology in driving innovation, economic competitiveness and scientific advancement.

Quantum research is rapidly transforming fields such as secure communication, advanced computing and precision measurement, positioning it as a cornerstone of future technological development.

In recognition of this international day, the NSTF proudly honours Prof Andrew Forbes, Distinguished Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and winner of the 2025 Special Annual Theme Award: Quantum Science and Technology of the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa (SA), the highly acclaimed NSTF-South32 Awards.

The award acknowledges his pioneering contributions to quantum photonics and his leadership in developing South Africa’s (SA) quantum technology research capacity.

“We are making quantum systems resilient for the real world. And we are doing it right here in Africa.”

His research has demonstrated how structured light can encode large amounts of information, enabling more efficient communication systems. He has also contributed to quantum imaging advancements, enabling imaging under extremely low-light conditions.

Forbes’ achievements include multiple national and international recognitions, including the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) Gold Medal and the World Academy of Science (TWAS) Physics Prize, and his appointment as Editor-in-Chief of APL Photonics. In 2015 he was also the inaugural winner of the first NSTF Special Annual Theme Award, which recognised his outstanding contributions to photonics in celebration of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies that year.

“All awards are of course retrospective; they look to the past, but the past is the stepping-stone into the future. Our future is quantum. We want to see a quantum economy for SA. We want to see a trained, quantum-literate workforce. So I look forward to that future and hopefully you’ll join us in it,” says Forbes.

Beyond research, Prof Forbes has made a major impact in developing young scientists, mentoring numerous postgraduate students and early-career researchers who now contribute to academia and industry.

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World Quantum Day: The Day is an international initiative dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of quantum science and its impact on modern society. The date, 14 April (4.14), symbolically represents Planck’s constant, a fundamental value in quantum physics.

Quantum science is at the forefront of technological transformation. It underpins innovations such as quantum computers capable of solving complex problems far beyond classical limits, ultra-secure communication networks based on quantum encryption, and advanced sensing technologies with applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring and navigation.

Globally, countries are investing heavily in quantum research as part of their innovation strategies, recognising its potential to drive economic growth and technological leadership. Initiatives such as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology further highlight the global importance of this field.

By profiling leaders such as Prof Forbes, the NSTF underscores the importance of supporting cutting-edge research and ensuring that SA remains competitive in the global knowledge economy.

The NSTF encourages learners, students, researchers and industry stakeholders to support and engage with quantum science and technology in SA. Strengthening education, fostering collaboration and investing in innovation are essential to building a quantum-ready workforce.
Young people are especially encouraged to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), where quantum science offers opportunities to contribute to global innovation and national development.

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A breast cancer diagnosis is often spoken about in clinical terms, but for Dr Ina Vorster it became the beginning of a story that would take years to find its voice. Now, that story has earned national recognition after she was awarded the Marius Jooste Prize for her master’s dissertation in creative writing at the University of the Free State (UFS).

As she prepares to graduate this autumn, the recognition marks more than an academic milestone. It reflects a body of work that connects personal experience with wider meaning – something she will carry beyond her time at the UFS.

Dr Vorster, an anaesthetist by profession, turned to writing in Afrikaans to make sense of her experience and to reach others navigating similar journeys. Her work moves beyond medical language, offering a personal account shaped by nearly two decades of living with the realities of the disease.

From lived experience to recognised scholarship

The Marius Jooste Prize is awarded annually for the best master’s dissertation in Afrikaans across selected South African universities and is administered by the South African Academy for Science and Art.

Sponsored by the Dagbreek Trust, the award recognises academic excellence while honouring the legacy of publishing pioneer Marius Visser Jooste.

For Dr Francois Smith, head of the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French, the recognition carries weight beyond the individual achievement. “It is important that the work of students in our department is noticed and valued. We are a small department, and there is a global tendency to regard the study of language and literature as of lesser importance.”

Dr Vorster’s manuscript draws directly from her own life, beginning with a Stage III breast cancer diagnosis in 2007 and the uncertainty that followed. While searching for guidance during her treatment, she found little that reflected her experience, which led her to begin documenting her own journey.

“I realised that there is a lot of common ground in the life story of cancer patients … however, the individual narrative remains paramount. I wanted to share my story – making it available to others that might be walking through libraries and bookstores, looking for some guidance and encouragement on their breast cancer journey.”

Although her notes remained untouched for years, her decision to pursue a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing at the UFS created the space to return to them – and to shape them into the work she now completes as a graduating student.

Dr Smith notes that Dr Vorster’s path into the discipline was not conventional. “Although she is a highly experienced anaesthetist, she had no prior experience or training in creative writing. She had, however, a remarkable story to tell, as well as the perseverance and the receptiveness to guidance needed to ensure that this story got written.”

The moment of recognition came quietly. Dr Vorster recalls reading the email informing her of the award several times before the reality settled in. “After reading it five times, I started to realise what I have achieved by sharing my life with cancer. I am still pinching myself to make sure it is not just a dream.”

Beyond the personal milestone, the work speaks to a wider audience. Her writing reflects not only the experience of a patient, but also the impact of illness on families, colleagues, and support systems that often remain in the background.

“My wish is that the creative writing approach of sharing my journey might enlighten and empower others who either find themselves in a similar situation or are just trying to make sense of it all. A breast cancer diagnosis reaches much further than the patient only.”

For the department, the award signals both recognition and possibility. “It is important for us to reward excellence and to recognise students who produce work of exceptional quality. In this way, the wider world also remains aware that the UFS has students of high calibre,” Dr Smith says.

As she approaches graduation, Dr Vorster’s manuscript stands as both an academic achievement and a personal record shaped over time. It is also the beginning of something beyond the degree – a piece of writing that continues to reach others navigating illness, uncertainty, and recovery.

Story by Tshepo Tsotetsi and first published in UFS website.

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Lungisani Mjaji, a Commercial Photography alumnus at Tshwane University of Technology, shot to fame when a photo he took of his niece carrying an Albany loaf of bread went viral on social media.

Mjali now has a film screening at the IMAX theatre.

Q: What true story inspired your short film, The Float, and what themes did you want the audience to feel or understand?

A: Growing up in villages across South Africa, many of us disobeyed our parents, and sadly, we lost childhood friends along the way. My short film draws on these real-life experiences and aims to show people who have lost loved ones or friends in childhood that they are not alone. It’s a story of relatability, connection and awareness.

Q: What was the most challenging part of taking an idea from inspiration to a finished short film?

A: Bringing this short film to life took years, from scribbling ideas on paper to seeking funding. When I spotted the IMAX competition, I seized the opportunity, submitting my storybook and pitch deck. Having been selected as a finalist, I had just three days to shoot and edit the film with no funding and only a camera.

Drawing on years of planning, I enlisted the help of my mother (Cushiwe Princess Mjaji), my nephew (Sibonelo Mjaji) and the Tsawulwayo brothers (Melokuhle and Anathi). Despite being non-professional actors, they are natural storytellers and together we nailed it. Storytelling is in our blood, and we brought this raw and real story to life.

Q: How did you react when you learned your film was selected for screening at IMAX?

A: My stories are raw, real and untold – that’s what makes them special. When I start a project, I approach it with faith and determination. I give it my all, leaving no room for doubt. When my short film dropped, I was stoked – not just for myself, but for my village too.

Those kids in the film? I opened a door for them, a pathway to possibilities. I was happy my short film was selected. It felt like validation of all my hard work and dedication.

Q: What does it mean to you as a filmmaker (and as a former Photography student) to have your work shown on an IMAX platform?

A:The key is growth and dedication to your passion. Keep creating, even when no one’s watching, and trust the process. Be your own biggest fan and your work will shine. Tell your story, stay curious and keep learning – forever a student, every day a lesson.

Q: What do you hope audiences take away after watching it?

A: I hope that audiences will take away the importance of hope and faith, and of cherishing their loved ones. I also hope they stay curious and remember that there’s always a lesson to be learned from listening to your elders.

Q: How did your background in photography influence your filmmaking – camera choices, lighting, framing or storytelling?

A: I approached the composition of each scene as if it were a living image – every shot was a standalone picture, crafted to contribute to the overall narrative. My short film is a series of moving images, with each angle offering a unique snapshot of the narrative.

Q: What skills did you carry over from photography that helped you direct your short film?

A: Composing each scene as if it were a living image.

Q: Do you see yourself moving further into film after this experience? Yes.

A: One day, I will be a world-renowned filmmaker telling indigenous stories.

Q: How important was community and family support to getting this project completed?

A: My neighbours and my mom were so helpful. They have been with me since day one and have always trusted me with their children. I would like to thank my community for everything they have done for me. They didn’t start supporting me with this short film, but they have been supporting me for a long time.

Q: What was the collaboration like with Nikon South Africa and what guidance did you receive?

A:Collaborating with Nikon always feels great and it’s good to have access to the latest equipment and the opportunity to create.

Q: If you could offer advice to other students/alumni in the Department of Visual Communication at the Faculty of Arts and Design who wish to submit their work for major screenings, what would you tell them?

A: Have hope and create. Collaborate (ungathi wazi konke) and ask for help (uzosizakala).

Q: What’s next for you after the IMAX screening – new projects, new roles, or new goals?

A: I’m planning a series of short films and travelling the world. My target for this year is ten countries. I also want to host exhibitions and live my dream – to be the Lungisani Mjaji that I always wanted to be.

To watch a trailer of the film, click on (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U_MuK0c68uiW0eWv501MuJ9eCXc42M0N/view?usp=drivesdk).

This feature by Gerrit Bester first appeared on the Tshwane University of Technology Website.

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Brilliant minds from across the continent and beyond gathered in Kasane, Botswana, to advance astronomy, foster collaboration, and explore new frontiers in scientific innovation during the African Astronomical Society Conference.

Hosted by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, the conference emphasises Africa’s expanding role in global astronomy, enhances international research collaborations, and influences the future of science.

The 6th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society, under the theme “ Under One Sky: Charting Africa’s Future through Astronomy- Innovation, investment & impact from Botswana Skies”. It began on 22 March and ends today.

The African Astronomical Society is a group or organisation created to bring together all astronomers, amateur astronomers, enthusiasts, and media professionals from different areas of astronomy and astrophysics to discuss community science interests and outreach, government involvement in what we are doing, and hiring institutions.

The African Astronomical Society is an annual platform for showcasing work ranging from science to outreach programmes, sharing best practices and ideas.

In a nutshell, the African Astronomical Society is the best way to implement shared outreach programmes on science through dissemination efforts and to share ideas on how to advance the fields of astronomy and astrophysics in the future.

Organisers describe the 6th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society as one of the most remarkable conferences, owing to more than 20 Zambians showcasing their work in outreach and science.

Principal Investigator Dr Saul Paul Phiri is delighted that Zambia has participated in all African Astronomical Society conferences since the society’s inception in 2019.

From the participation statistics, Dr Phiri says Zambia is in a favourable position to harness the benefits of astronomy, as her delegates continue to share expertise and experiences in all scheduled main and side meetings.

“We are above 25 delegates that have come from Zambia,” though locally, the outreach performance has not been impressive. The Zambian Astronomical Society is known only in secondary schools and at selected public events, which ordinary folk may not be privy to.

On this score, the Zambian Astronomical Society is planning to spread its tentacles countrywide across all 116 districts of the ten (10) provinces: Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Muchinga, Northern, North-Western, Southern, and Western.

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Dr Phiri believes that the future is bright, owing to the growing number of students passionately learning science in Zambia and benefiting from shared experiences at the ongoing 6th Annual Conference of the African Astronomical Society.

Alluding to programmes in space science and astronomy developed by the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) at the Great East Road Campus, Dr Phiri says the expert collaboration gained will bring to life approved local training programmes and give rise to homegrown space scientists.

The Zambian team is drawn from Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, Southern, and North-Western provinces, with only Muchinga and Western provinces missing.

The conference serves as a platform for African experts to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and explore new ideas that can drive scientific development and technological advancement across the continent.

©Higher Education News Services.

Astronomers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) working with colleagues from Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France), Swinburne University of Technology (Australia) and the INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Cagliari (Italy) have uncovered the true scale of one of the largest hidden structures in the nearby Universe.

Their findings reveal the immense extent of the Vela Supercluster, a colossal concentration of galaxies that had remained concealed behind the dense dust and stars of our own Milky Way galaxy.

The international collaboration, led by researchers including UCT’s Emeritus Professor Renée Kraan-Korteweg from the Department of Astronomy, used a novel hybrid technique that combines different types of galaxy measurements to map this previously obscured region of the cosmos.

The discovery fills a major gap in astronomers’ understanding of the large-scale structure of the Universe and sheds new light on the forces that shape how galaxies move across vast cosmic distances.

Professor Kraan-Korteweg said the discovery builds on more than a decade of work by the UCT team. “I am truly exhilarated that the data gathered by my group could be successfully incorporated into this novel methodology.

“It has finally confirmed the prominence of the Vela-Banzi supercluster - something I suspected more than a decade ago - and shows that it plays an important role in the largescale cosmic flows in our region of the Universe, including our own Local Group of galaxies”.

The “Zone of Avoidance”

About 20% of the sky is difficult to observe because it lies behind the Milky Way’s dense disk. This region, known as the Zone of Avoidance, hides distant galaxies behind thick clouds of dust and billions of foreground stars.

For decades, this blind spot prevented astronomers from obtaining a complete picture of the large-scale structure of the Universe.

As a result, scientists struggled to fully understand the origin of large cosmic flows, the large scale motions of galaxies caused by the gravitational scale motions of galaxies caused by the gravitational pull of massive structures.

To overcome this obstacle, the research team developed a hybrid reconstruction technique that combines two types of galaxy measurements:

Universe Galaxy redshifts, revealing how fast galaxies are moving away from us as the Universe expands, and peculiar Galaxy distances and peculiar velocities, revealing how galaxies move under gravity across enormous cosmic distances.

By combining these measurements, scientists can reconstruct the underlying distribution of matter in the Universe, including invisible dark matter.

The team used more than 65 000 galaxy distance measurements from the CosmicFlows catalogue and added over 8 000 new galaxy redshifts observed close to the plane of the Milky Way.

A major breakthrough came from observations with two worldleading facilities in South Africa, the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) and the MeerKAT radio telescope, operated by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

These instruments allowed astronomers, including the UCT team, to detect galaxies deep inside the most obscured regions of the Zone of the Zone of Avoidance.

MeerKAT can detect hydrogen gas at radio wavelengths that pass through dust. This enables astronomers to observe galaxies that would otherwise remain hidden.

For the first time, astronomers systematically probed this hidden region of the sky and revealed the massive cosmic structure behind it.

The true size of the Vela Supercluster

These new observations reveal that the Vela Supercluster is far larger and more massive than previously thought.

Located roughly 800 million light-years away, the structure stretches across about 300 million years away, and contains an enormous amount of matter. This is equivalent to about 30 million billion Suns (around 3 × 10billion Suns (around 3 × 10¹⁶ ¹⁶ solar masses).

The analysis shows that Vela rivals the famous Shapley Supercluster, which has long been considered the most massive structure in the nearby Universe.

Vela itself has a complex internal structure, with two main dense cores moving toward each other. This makes the system even more remarkable. Its gravitational influence exceeds that of other or other well-known regions such as Laniakea, the supercluster that contains our own Galaxy and the Great Attractor.

Understanding cosmic flows

Massive structures like Vela exert a powerful gravitational pull on surrounding galaxies. This shapes the large-scale motions of matter in the Universe. By revealing the true extent of the Vela Supercluster, astronomers can now better understand the cosmic flows that influence the motion of galaxies across hundreds of millions of light--years.

A preview of the future of cosmic mapping

The study demonstrates the power of combining different types of astronomical observations to reconstruct the structure of the Universe, even in regions that are difficult to observe directly.

The research also highlights the growing global role of South African astronomy infrastructure and UCT’’s leadership in exploring the hidden regions of the Universe.

Such hybrid techniques will become increasingly important as the next generation of astronomical surveyastronomical surveys and observatories unfolds. These will allow scientists to map the cosmic web with unprecedented precision and reveal the hidden architecture of the Universe.

INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Cagliari academic and former UCT PhD student Sambatriniaina Rajohnson said: “This discovery helps complete our map of the nearby Universe. For the first time, we can clearly see one of the major gravitational players hidden behind our own galaxy.”

An affectionate name for the Vela Supercluster: “Vela-Banzi”

The team of astronomers also acknowledged the land in South Africa and Australia on which the telescopes used in the research are located, recognising the communities and custodians of these lands.

Given the importance of the SARAO MeerKAT data in revealing galaxies at the lowest latitudes of the sky, the team has introduced a locally inspired affectionate name for the Vela Supercluster, Supercluster, “Vela-Banzi.”

Derived from isiXhosa, the name means “revealing widely”. This describes a structure that is now emerging behind the Milky Way as one of the most extended and massive superclusters in the nearby Universe.

Kraan-Korteweg highlighted the important role played by young researchers at UCT.

“I am extremely proud of the many UCT students who contributed to the challenging task of peering through the Milky Way’s disk over the years, among them six PhD and nine MSc students.”

©Higher Education Media Services.

At a time when South Africa faces persistent challenges in education, economic growth, public health, energy security and technological competitiveness, the country’s need for strong graduates in mathematics, physical science and related fields has never been greater.

For 25 years, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) has supported South Africa’s top achievers in matric maths and physical science: young people who not only excel academically but who also choose to pursue demanding degrees, among them medicine, engineering and the natural sciences.

Through the NSTF Brilliants Programme, a small group of today’s top maths and science learners are on their way to becoming tomorrow’s problem-solvers, innovators and leaders — the very people the country will rely on to address complex national challenges. Jansie Niehaus, the executive director of the NSTF, said investing in high-achieving pupils, particularly those excelling in maths and science, was essential to strengthen South Africa’s capacity for growth and global competitiveness. “These subjects form the foundation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) careers — the very skills base required to drive innovation-led development and solve complex national problems,” she said.

The Brilliants Programme, she said, played a vital and strategic role at a time when the country was lagging in maths and science performance. Data from the Trends in Inter-national Mathematics and Science Study 2023, released and analysed by the department of basic education, paint a concerning picture. Grade 5 maths scores declined from 374 (2019) to 362 (2023); Grade 5 science scores dropped from 324 (2019) to 308 (2023); and South Africa ranked last internationally among participating countries at this level. This represents a statistically significant decline, placing the country well below the international benchmark of 400 points for basic competence.

Yet there is more than a glimmer of hope. Since its inception, more than 442 outstanding pupils have been recognised through the Brilliants Programme, many of whom have received bursary support and exposure to South Africa’s scientific and innovation ecosystem. “These students represent a pipeline of future doctors, engineers, researchers, innovators and technology leaders — precisely the human capital South Africa needs to remain competitive in research, innovation and development,” Niehaus added.

Stem education under pressure

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has expressed concern over the declining number of learners taking maths and physical science, warning that the trend undermined the development of critical skills required for economic growth. Despite improved overall pass rates, the low uptake of the gateway subjects is widely regarded as a crisis. South Africa continues to grapple with uneven performance in maths and science, particularly in under-resourced communities. While many learners show potential, too few achieve high-level passes in the subjects, limiting access to Stem careers and placing growing pressure on universities and the broader economy.

Reports indicate that 435 schools failed to offer maths to matric pupils in 2026, largely because of teacher shortages and capacity constraints. The department of basic education is seeking closer collaboration with professional bodies to improve the quality of teaching and increase learner participation in maths and science.At the post-school level, universities face similar challenges related to through-put, skills shortages and the urgent need to expand the pool of graduates in high-impact fields.

South Africa’s economic and social development depends on a steady supply of graduates in science, engineering, health and technology. “Initiatives like the NSTF Brilliants Programme help bridge the gap between school achievement and successful participation in higher education by recognising talent early and supporting students who have the potential to lead in these sectors,” said Niehaus.

Where the NSTF Brilliants Programme fits into the national solution

The NSTF Brilliants Programme addresses a critical point in the education and skills pipeline: the transition from school excellence to sustained participation and success in Stem studies. The programme rewards high achievement in matric maths and physical science at a national level, encourages students to choose and persist in Stem degrees and highlights talent from all provinces, with at least one boy and one girl selected from public schools in each province.

While showcasing diversity and inclusion, the initiative draws learners from both well- resourced and under-resourced schools and connects them to the scientific community, exposing them to real-world research environments and global scientific networks.

Scientific solutions

The NSTF encourages students to complete their studies in Stem-related fields as far as they can and to find their way into one of the many interesting and fulfilling careers in related fields. “South Africa’s ability to solve our problems and compete internationally in research and innovation depends on this,” Niehaus said.

As fewer learners leave primary school with the mathematical and scientific foundations required for advanced study, the Brilliants Programme plays a crucial role in ensuring that those performing above the norm are not left behind. The 2026 cohort exemplifies this excellence, achieving an average Grade 12 mark of 95.7% in maths and physical science. Forty-one percent of the cohort are pursuing medicine, another 41% are studying engineering and the remaining 18% are enrolled in other Stem disciplines.

Students are attending a range of institutions, with 41% at the University of Cape Town, 27% at Stellenbosch University, 9% at the University of the Witwatersrand and others enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Free State, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg and North-West University. The cohort is 64% black and 36% white, with 55% female and 45% male learners. They come from a broad spectrum of school backgrounds: 41% from quintile 1–3 schools, 23% from quintile 1–2 schools, 9% from quintile 1 schools and 59% from quintile 4–5 schools.

The annual programme is unique to the NSTF, offering prestigious national recognition to students for outstanding performance in the National Senior Certificate maths and physical science examinations. By nurturing South Africa’s top young scientific minds, Niehaus said the NSTF Brilliants Programme continues to invest meaningfully in the country’s future Stem professionals, innovators and leaders.

Here are the students selected for the 2026 NSTF Brilliants Programme?

Eastern Cape

• Ms Emma Caroline Booyens, studying medicine at the University of Stellenbosch (SU). She matriculated at Clarendon Girls High School

• Mr Asasithanda Yokwe, studying mechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He matriculated at Motherwell High School

Free State

• Ms Janeli Saaiman, studying medicine at the University of the Free State (UFS). She matriculated at Hoërskool Jim Fouché

• Mr Nyakallo Junior Hlakoane, studying computer science, data science and statistics at UCT. He matriculated at Teto Secondary School

Gauteng

• Ms Mmalata Tania Motimele, studying medicine at UCT. She matriculated at Diepsloot Secondary No 2

• Ms Sabiha Wadee, studying medicine at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits). She matriculated at Parktown Girls High School

• Mr Nakampe Johannes Junior Ngaka, studying medicine at UCT. He matriculated at Buhle Park Secondary School

• Mr Khayelihle Siphesihle Mhlongo, studying mechatronics engineering at SU. He matriculated at Mpilisweni Secondary School

KwaZulu-Natal

• Ms Londeka Hlengiwe Tyra Mkhize, studying medicine at UCT. She matriculated at Sidelile High School

• Mr Cayden Reece Packreeappen, studying electrical engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He matriculated at Verulam Secondary School

Limpopo

• Ms Paballo Mohlago Rose Makokga, studying medicine at UCT. She matriculated at Hoërskool Noorderland

• Ms Christene Beukes, studying agriculture in applied plant and soil sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP). She matriculated at Merensky Agricultural Academy

• Mr Jan Tshepang Mokgohlwa, studying electrical engineering at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He matriculated at Mamolemane Secondary School

Mpumalanga

• Ms Luyanda Ndhlozi, studying mechatronics at UCT. She matriculated at Elangwane Secondary School

• Mr Siphesihle Blessing Mondlane, studying electrical engineering at Wits. He matriculated at Zikodze Secondary School

Northern Cape

• Ms Kari Adriana Louw, studying industrial engineering at SU. She matriculated at Hoërskool Upington

• Mr Osego Erwin JR Lucas, studying electrical engineering at UCT. He matriculated at Baitiredi Technical & Commercial High School

North West

• Ms Caitlin Mans, studying biological sciences with microbiology and biochemistry at the University of North-West (NWU). She matriculated at Hoër Volkskool

• Mr Temogo Matong, studying medicine at UCT. He matriculated at Setswakgosing High School

Western Cape

• Ms Sandrine Steyn, studying medicine at SU. She matriculated at DF Malan High School

• Ms Sibella Annalore Murray, studying biodiversity and ecology at SU. She matriculated at Hoërskool Durbanville

• Mr Sebastian Charles Steer, studying mechatronics at SU. He matriculated at Rondebosch Boys’ High School

Edwin Naidu is the head of Higher Education Media Services, publisher of www.ednews.africa.

This article appeared in the Mail & Guardian

©Higher Education Media Services

Artificial intelligence is ushering in a new era of precision for South Africa’s leading astronomical observatories. At the heart of this transformation is the Intelligent Observatory programme, a collaboration between the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre and the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF‑SAAO).

While automation and efficiency are widely recognised benefits of AI, the deeper scientific impact lies in its ability to produce cleaner observations, minimise human and technical errors, and generate high‑precision datasets that elevate research on a global scale.

Astronomical research has always been shaped by the quality of the data collected. Even the most powerful telescopes battle against subtle distortions caused by the atmosphere, abrupt shifts in weather conditions, and the natural ageing or misalignment of instruments.

Traditionally, addressing these issues required teams of experts manually reviewing logs, checking instruments, and correcting raw data—time‑consuming processes that slowed scientific progress and sometimes introduced inconsistencies.

As the demands on NRF‑SAAO’s facilities grow, and as more astronomers around the world rely on access to South Africa’s skies, ensuring data reliability has become a scientific priority.

This is where the Intelligent Observatory marks a step change. By integrating AI directly into daily operations, the programme enables telescopes to monitor themselves with exceptional accuracy.

Machine‑learning models continuously scan sensor readings, performance metrics, and environmental data, identifying anomalies long before they escalate into issues that could compromise observations.

Instead of responding to faults after they occur, astronomers now benefit from predictive maintenance powered by advanced analytics. This shift dramatically reduces downtime and ensures that every captured image or spectrum is produced under optimal conditions.

The real breakthrough isn’t just automation—it’s the radical improvement in data quality. With atmospheric distortions corrected in real time and faults flagged before they degrade observations, astronomers gain access to more reliable data than ever before. This elevates the scientific value of every observation and strengthens South Africa’s global research footprint.

But the most profound impact is in the real‑time correction of raw observational data. AI‑based tools automatically adjust for atmospheric turbulence, instrument imperfections, and environmental inconsistencies, converting raw telescope output into clean, scientifically robust datasets within minutes rather than hours or days.

This not only eliminates error‑prone manual steps but ensures that datasets from different nights, telescopes, or instruments are far more consistent and comparable. For researchers studying faint galaxies, explosive stellar events, or subtle cosmic signals, this consistency is crucial.

Funded through the UK Research and Innovation International Science Partnership Fund, the Intelligent Observatory unites specialists in AI, software engineering, and telescope operations to meet these challenges. With AI embedded in daily operations, telescopes can monitor themselves, process data instantly, and produce high-quality datasets, freeing scientists to focus on discoveries across the Universe.

Located at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, at Sci-Tech Daresbury in the Liverpool City Region, the Hartree Centre is the UK’s leading supercomputing centre dedicated to working with industry and the public sector. It is home to some of the UK’s most advanced supercomputing experts and technologies, from AI and high-performance computing to data analytics.

This international collaboration with NRF-SAAO was initiated by AI specialists, Dr Adriano Agnello and Dr Rob Firth at the Hartree Centre, both former astronomers. Together, the team is building software that monitors telescopes, spots problems early, and turns raw observation data into clear insights, all with minimal human effort. It summarises nightly observations, flags system glitches and weather disruptions, and ensures astronomers capture the best possible data.

The programme’s AI‑enhanced data pipeline dramatically improves what astronomers call “data fidelity”—the degree to which observations reflect the true physical properties of the universe. With higher data fidelity, researchers worldwide can conduct deeper analyses, identify fainter or more complex phenomena, and draw more confident conclusions. Clean, reliable datasets also accelerate collaboration, as international teams can trust the integrity of the observations without extensive reprocessing. For South Africa, this strengthens the role of NRF‑SAAO as a global leader in high‑precision astronomy.

A complementary AI‑powered search and interpretation platform further supports scientific productivity. This system uses Large Language Models to help astronomers rapidly navigate technical manuals, maintenance records, and research papers. By reducing the time spent hunting for critical information, researchers can focus more of their energy on scientific research. This tool also democratises access to knowledge, particularly for students and researchers from historically disadvantaged institutions, who now gain immediate access to insights that once required years of hands‑on operational experience.

Ultimately, the Intelligent Observatory stands as a model for how AI can strengthen—not replace—the work of scientists. By removing noise, correcting distortions, and producing consistently high‑quality data, AI gives astronomers a clearer, more accurate view of the universe. It allows them to spend less time troubleshooting and more time exploring, interpreting, and discovering. In doing so, it elevates not only South Africa’s research infrastructure, but the global scientific community’s ability to unlock the secrets of the cosmos.

The real breakthrough isn’t just automation—it’s the radical improvement in data quality. With atmospheric distortions corrected in real time and faults flagged before they degrade observations, astronomers gain access to more reliable data than ever before. This elevates the scientific value of every observation and strengthens South Africa’s global research footprint.

©Higher Education Media Services

Twenty-one countries throughout Africa will get free access to digital skills and courses, including emerging Artificial Intelligence, and content that links digital opportunity with HIV awareness and prevention.

Microsoft and Education Plus, an initiative supported by UNAIDS, announced the launch of Empower+, an AI-powered digital skills platform designed to equip young people across Africa with future‑ready capabilities. The platform is being rolled out across 21 African countries, with a strong focus on reaching adolescent girls and young women who are most at risk of being left behind in both the digital economy and the HIV response.

Free to access and optimised for mobile use, Empower+ delivers courses on foundational digital literacy, emerging AI skills, and content linking digital opportunity with HIV awareness and prevention. The initiative responds to a critical challenge: while demand for digital and AI skills is accelerating across the continent, access to relevant, inclusive learning opportunities remains deeply unequal.

“Access to education and skills is one of the most powerful enablers of opportunity,” said Tiara Pathon, AI Skills Director at Microsoft Elevate. “Through Empower+, we are working alongside Education Plus to ensure learners across Africa can access the tools and knowledge they need to adapt, contribute, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.”

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What Empower+ Offers

Empower+ combines Microsoft’s global expertise in digital and AI skilling with Education Plus’ extensive partnerships across Africa. Courses progress from basic digital literacy to applied AI skills and are designed to meet learners wherever they are—whether in school, out of school, or preparing to enter the workforce. The platform is available in multiple languages and is accessible on low‑bandwidth mobile devices, removing key barriers to participation.

Integrated into the broader Education Plus Initiative, Empower+ connects digital skills development to wider social and economic outcomes. It directly addresses the intersecting challenges of gender inequality, limited economic opportunity, and HIV vulnerability that continue to shape the lives of adolescent girls and young women across sub‑Saharan Africa.

“Keeping girls in school transforms their life options,” said Anne Githuku‑Shongwe, UNAIDS Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. “In partnership with Microsoft, digital inclusion will facilitate access to skills, information, and opportunity. Together, we can enable thousands of women and girls to remain free from HIV and build more promising futures.”

Closing the Digital Gender Gap

Empower+ aligns with Microsoft’s global Elevate Skills commitment and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, supporting governments, civil society organisations, and education systems to prepare young people for an AI‑enabled economy. The platform was unveiled during a virtual launch event that brought together youth advocates, development partners, and policymakers to explore how cross‑sector collaboration can scale digital opportunity across the continent.

Learn more and access the platform:

https://empowerplus-ed.org

The City of Joburg in partnership with a tech company is piloting the Smart Pole Project on Mpumelelo Street, in Slovo Park Soweto on Saturday 7 March 2026, to bring safety, connectivity and street lights to the community.

The launch will be attended by Gauteng MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene and MMC for Human Settlement Mlungisi Mabaso together with partners from Metropolitan Tech Company.

The smart pole is more than a street light. It is a multi-functional community hub engineered to serve the needs of the residents through:

1. High-speed 4/5G free wifi access

2. LED smart lighting.

3. CCTV surveillance for enhanced public safety

4. Emergency panic-button feature linked to response units

5. Infrastructure readiness for future environmental monitoring and surveillance

The City of Joburg said in a statement the initiative forms part of the City’s broader commitment to digital inclusion, improved service delivery and safer communities.

“With the activation of these poles, residents benefit from improved visibility at night, enhanced public safety measures, greater access to online government services, educational platforms and communication tools, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“The initial phase marks a significant step toward building smarter, safer settlements across Johannesburg.The Smart Pole infrastructure is designed to be scalable and adaptable enabling future deployment of environmental sensors and additional smart cities capabilities”.

© Higher Education Media Services

Wits University has announced the five winning teams selected for its groundbreaking AI & African Music Project, run through the Wits Innovation Centre and the MIND Institute.

The six‑month programme supports African creators experimenting with AI-powered music creation, preservation, and genre innovation.

More than 150 artists from over 20 countries applied, with 50 proposals undergoing a rigorous multi-stage review.

The final teams—spanning South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, DRC, Ethiopia, and more—were chosen for creativity, cultural grounding, and technical feasibility. Each artist is paired with an AI engineer to co-develop original tools ranging from digital twins and AI instruments to children’s storytelling platforms and archival systems. Winners were selected for how well their proposals align with the Project’s categories, regional representation, creativity and feasibility.

Meet the project teams

Each winner has been paired with an AI engineer to collaboratively develop a culturally grounded, technically robust project that advances African music innovation. Together, these artist-engineer teams bring complementary expertise in creativity, technology, community engagement, and African sonic heritage.

Umlilo (South Africa) — multidisciplinary artist and creative director at Future Kwaai Records — working with Gideon Gyimah (Ghana), an AI engineer specialising in financial‑sector voice‑AI and multilingual African speech‑technology systems. Project: Zazi, a “musical digital twin” enabling real‑time voice, rhythm, and storytelling interaction

Joshua Kroon (Cameroon) — multidisciplinary artist and cultural documentarian — partnered with Emmanuel Apetsi (Ghana), an AI/ML engineer leading open‑source AI infrastructure and multilingual LLM development across Africa. Project: The Bɛ̀bɛ̀i Engine, a performative AI instrument co‑created with the Baka community to preserve endangered polyphonic traditions

Ehinome Ogbeide (Nigeria) — music strategist and digital innovator — teamed with Muhigiri Ashuza Albin (DRC), a creative technologist building culturally grounded AI systems informed by deep community‑based design. Project: Bina.ai, an AI‑driven children’s music and storytelling platform grounded in African genres and early‑learning principles

Linda Nyabundi (Kenya) — DJ, producer, and cultural curator — working alongside Gebregziabihier Nigusie (Ethiopia), an AI researcher advancing machine learning for health, language, and cultural‑preservation challenges in low‑resource contexts. Project: Heritage in Code, a digital archive and AI fusion tool preserving African instrumental heritage while enabling contributor royalties

Tora Nyamosi (Kenya) — AI‑driven music producer and cultural researcher — paired with Lawrence Moruye (Kenya), a machine‑intelligence engineer specialising in speech, language, and multimodal AI systems for African‑centred applications. Project: TIMah AI, a secure web‑based archive documenting Kikuyu traditional music with transcript workflows and community‑centred consent governance

All teams will debut prototypes at a public showcase on 16 April 2026 at Wits University’s Chris Seabrooke Music Hall.

The project, supported by Wits alumnus Charles Goldstuck and partners including Billboard US and Billboard Africa, reflects Wits’ commitment to advancing AI research, innovation, and ethical, community-led design across the continent.

©Higher Education Media Services

Poet and visual artist Dr Tebogo Matshana has begun a groundbreaking nine‑month ArtSci4Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), becoming the first artist to take up residence inside the genomics research hub at Wits University.

The fellowship—an initiative of the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC)—places artists inside science and engineering laboratories to foster new forms of dialogue between creative practice and scientific research.

For Matshana, the residency offers a rare opportunity to explore how genomics in South Africa can inspire poetic storytelling, visual interpretation and new ways of understanding memory, ancestry and change within the human body.

Emotion enters the lab

SBIMB, known for its work on African genetic diversity, disease risk and environmental factors, has never before hosted an artist. The arrival of Matshana signals a shift towards broadening how science is experienced and shared.

As a visual artist who works with poetry, data and metaphor, Matshana is particularly drawn to the Institute’s extensive biobank of DNA and blood samples collected across the continent. For her, these samples are not only biological data but carriers of cultural memory, story and intimate histories.

She plans to immerse herself in conversations with genomic scientists, letting fragments of dialogue become emotional and artistic entry points.

A practice guided by curiosity

Matshana approaches the project through practice-based research, allowing creation and reflection to unfold in a looping, intuitive rhythm. She describes her process as stream‑of‑consciousness, letting each mark or idea reveal an underlying “why” before following it deeper.

Poetry remains central to how she accesses scientific ideas. Terms such as “DNA repair” prompt not only technical understanding but emotional imagery: stitching, mending, healing. She links this to artists like Louise Bourgeois, who saw sewing as an act of emotional repair.

While still exploring possible themes, Matshana is drawn to DNA repair, gene conversion, heritability and the notion of the body remembering. She is fascinated by how environment shapes cells, how illness is lived, and how scientific mechanisms intersect with personal and collective experience. She references the work of writer Stacey Hardy, who documents tuberculosis from an intimate, human perspective.

Visually, Matshana gravitates toward layered images and time. She uses “onion-skin” layers in Photoshop and draws inspiration from artists such as Geraldine Ondrizek, whose translucent chromosome prints allow viewers to see generations at once. For Matshana, this evokes transparency, memory and the persistence of lineage.

Science meets sensibility

SBIMB Director Professor Michèle Ramsay says the residency invites scientists to see their work through a different lens. “Artists and scientists are very alike in that they’re both driven by curiosity and a desire to investigate the unknown,” she says. Having an artist in the institute allows science “to be interrogated emotionally,” with Matshana’s interpretations offering new ways to think about genomic research and its impact.

WIC Director Professor Christo Doherty adds that the scientific setting will deepen the rigour of Matshana’s metaphors and help her develop ethically mindful storytelling practices within African genomic contexts. In turn, Matshana offers scientists the chance to explore the humanistic, spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of molecular science.

From birdsong to the body

The fellowship builds on Matshana’s earlier work on birdsong, migration and diaspora in Setswana communities, where she recorded and animated oral poems to create a digital cultural archive. Now, she shifts from the migrating bird to the microscopic seed—from movement across landscapes to inheritance within the body.

“The underlying question remains the same,” she says. “How do memory, ancestry and change live in the body and the landscape, and how can visual metaphor help us understand that relationship?”

On International Day of Women and Girls in STEM, 11 February, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, emphasised the importance of STEM subjects for the economy and future job opportunities in fields such as health and AI.

Abigail Kok, who shares her success as a top achiever in the 2025 NSC exams in mathematics and physical sciences. Abigail encourages young girls to pursue STEM, highlighting the endless opportunities and problem-solving abilities these subjects offer.

She is currently studying data science at Stellenbosch University and believes every girl should have the chance to explore STEM subjects.

Five teams have been selected to take part in an intensive bootcamp, where they will further refine their innovations before presenting them at the EDHE National Finals in the final quarter of the year.

The Mr Price Foundation and Universities South Africa (USAf) launched the national Waste Innovation Challenge, an urgent call for university students and recent graduates to develop commercially viable solutions that address plastic waste.

A total of R245,000 in prize funding is up for grabs. The first-place team will receive R100,000, second place R75,000, third place R40,000, fourth place R20,000 and fifth place R10,000.

In addition to the funding, winning teams will benefit from mentorship, business development support, technical and sustainability training, as well as national exposure to partners and potential investors.

South Africa’s waste economy holds significant untapped potential. In 2023, the country recycled approximately 431,800 tonnes of plastic, yet only 27.5% of collected plastic material was processed into usable recycled materials, highlighting gaps
between collection, processing and value creation.¹

South Africa also generates more than 100 million tonnes of general waste annually, with the majority still landfilled or stockpiled.² Placing this work within higher education expands the role of universities as sites of innovation that translate learning into enterprise — and enterprise into livelihoods.

“Economic resilience grows when young people can turn real problems into viable businesses,” said Octavius Phukubye, Executive Director at the Mr Price Foundation. “This Challenge is designed to build green entrepreneurs. It connects opportunity to practical skills, credible pathways, and solutions that can scale in the real economy.”

“The Foundation’s role is to bring the ecosystem together,” Phukubye said. “We connect youth potential to capability, opportunity and enterprise. We back solutions that are rooted in local realities. We back solutions that can scale.”

Participation is open to students and recent graduates across South Africa’s 26 public universities. Up to 400 qualifying participants will receive training in waste-to-value business models, circular economy principles, product development and pitching.

From this cohort, 20 teams will be selected for an intensive bootcamp, before
finalists present their innovations at the EDHE National Finals in the final
quarter of the year.

How to enter:

Complete the Expression of Interest form on the EDHE website: www.edhe.co.za

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic fantasy — it’s a current essential.

While the merits are evident, AI is not a panacea for all societal ills. Neither can it replace the role of law enforcement. Human beings engaged to uphold the law must do their jobs.

However, the question is whether AI can solve the moral challenges that make justice for all a dream? More urgent, however, is the vital question of whether AI can safeguard whistleblowers once they reveal illegal activities in governments, businesses, and society.

This was among the key points discussed at a recent international legal gathering.

At the Biennial International Bar Association African Regional Forum Conference in Johannesburg last month, jurists and legal experts made a compelling case: AI could be Africa’s most potent weapon in the war against corruption.

They argued that Africa, home to 70% of global mobile money transactions, is uniquely positioned to harness the power of AI. However, it was clear that corruption is a plague, consuming institutions, economies, and lives.

South Africans are familiar with whistleblowers who paid the ultimate price, often losing their lives or livelihoods and suffering severe consequences for doing the right thing.

The name Babita Deokaran, who lost her life for exposing R850 million dodgy tender deals at Tembisa Hospital on the East Rand four years ago, remains a painful reminder of the price whistleblowers pay.

Socio-economic factors contributing to corruption include the fear of career repercussions and systemic issues. Examples from Nigeria, Kenya, and the DRC illustrated how corruption permeates various sectors, including the judiciary systems.

The Zondo Commission’s R1 billion probe into state capture in South Africa began in 2018 and concluded with a report in 2022. But no prosecutions followed.

The term of Shamila Batohi, the National Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority, comes to an end with zero state capture convictions under her watch.

For a jurist who once famously grilled South Africa’s disgraced late cricket captain, Hansie Cronje, to the point he confessed “the devil made me do it”, Batohi has been a lame duck law enforcer. Disappointing!

Four years after her death, the Deokaran family still waits for answers. They won’t get any from Batohi.

Whistle-blowing reimagined

That is why the significance of jurists and legal professionals calling for AI to help protect whistleblowers in South Africa and on the African continent takes on greater importance.

The enforcers of the law cannot offer protection for doing the right thing. Our democratic government has pledged to root out corruption. But when the President Cyril Ramaphosa keeps foreign currency in a sofa without as much as a rap on the knuckles, justice has a selective mind.

Or no mind at all, it seems, in the case of Batohi. She is not alone; the South African Police Services, as we hear from the real dialogues driven by Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, are not immune from interference or inaction.

However, the lack of progress on Deokaran highlights the concern for future whistleblowers not just in South Africa, but across the continent.

AI offers a breakthrough.

Imagine systems that sanitise reports, stripping identifiers to protect whistleblowers while preserving evidence robust enough for prosecution.

ENS executive and forensic expert Tendai Jangara was clear that whistleblowing provides the most information in helping to combat corruption; however, hotlines and email platforms set up over the past three decades have proven ineffective.

“Employees know that the message they put out is supposed to be anonymous but will eventually be traced back to them…we need technology in place to protect whistleblowers and enable the necessary information to be obtained, leading to prosecution,” Jangara adds.

“Much is happening, but we are lagging; there is a lot more that AI can do,” she said.

Legal frameworks must catch up

The African Union’s AI for Africa: Artificial Intelligence for Africa’s Socio-Economic Development offers a roadmap.

A Technology Report from the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies, published by the African Union Development Agency, states that AI can transform healthcare, agriculture, education, and justice. But infrastructure gaps, digital illiteracy, and weak legal protections for whistleblowers must be addressed. Only Kenya has a national AI strategy.

A call to action

AI is not a silver bullet. But it is a scalpel—precise, powerful, and transformative. Africa must invest in AI infrastructure, education, and policy. Protecting whistleblowers, empowering prosecutors, and building ethical AI systems are not optional; they are urgent.

While this may come as cold comfort to the Deokaran family, it could ensure that those who follow their conscience will be emboldened to do the right thing through to its logical conclusion – without being let down by law enforcement agencies.

The future of justice may well be written in algorithms.

• African science department urged to find alternative funding

By: Edwin Naidu

[JOHANNESBURG] Solidarity with Palestine in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is threatening research funding at some South African universities, according to a leading politician.

Naledi Pandor, the country’s former International Relations Minister who also previously served as Minister of Science Technology, said several universities could lose funding after cutting ties with Israeli institutions and urged the South African government to offer financial support.

In a keynote address at the Science Forum South Africa in Pretoria this week (4 December), the retired politician said the sector was not immune to the impact of the current toxic geopolitical environment.

“South Africa’s support for the struggle for (Palestinian) sovereignty has resulted in some key research initiatives that rely on international funding facing the threat of funds being withdrawn,” she said.

“This is reportedly happening to universities that have decided not to pursue links with institutions in Israel that have links to the military actions in Palestine,” Pandor added.

Pandor, who retired in June, said South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) must give attention to the likely impact of such a withdrawal of funds on institutions and researchers and support them in identifying alternative resources.

“Universities must not be deterred and should remain true to their mission, which must be an ethical commitment to seeking the truth, social justice, human rights, anti-racism, solidarity and knowledge that benefits humanity.”

Salim Vally, associate professor, Education Faculty, University of Johannesburg

DSTI is co-hosting the Science Forum, along with the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) initiative, with the theme, “Igniting Conversations about Science – Innovation and Science for Humanity”.

In a speech focused on challenges and successes in South African science, Pandor called for the event to be more than “a mere talk shop”.

”It must play a full role in advancing African capabilities and ensuring that Africa rising becomes a reality and not a populist slogan,” she urged.

Universities South Africa (USAf), the country’s representative body for 26 vice-chancellors at public institutions, confirmed that at least one university has experienced funding cuts over its stance on Gaza, without elaborating.

It declined to comment further, saying the matter still had to be discussed among vice-chancellors and that each institution could speak for itself on its position.

Salim Vally, a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Johannesburg, said that any donors threatening to withdraw funds were indulging in academic blackmail.

“Universities must not be deterred and should remain true to their mission, which must be an ethical commitment to seeking the truth, social justice, human rights, anti-racism, solidarity and knowledge that benefits humanity,” he told SciDev.Net.

“This is one of the ideals of knowledge for the public good.”

Vally believes Israel’s assault on Gaza, where all universities have been bombed and more than 12,000 students plus scores of professors have been killed, is a litmus test for all intellectuals, academics and university management.

He described as “cowardice” the refusal of some universities to take a stand against Israel and applauded Pandor’s attempts to mitigate any loss of funding from those that do.

“Taking a principled stand often comes with sacrifice,” added Vally, who is also a prominent human rights activist.

“South Africans who fought against our erstwhile apartheid regime and who called on the world to boycott apartheid state institutions know this well.”

Israel has faced an unprecedented academic boycott since it launched its war on Gaza in October last year, which has killed more than 44,500 Palestinians. A growing number of European universities are among those taking action.

Earlier this year, the International Science Council (ISC) updated its position on academic boycotts, described as a collective protest by an academic community or institution to express disapproval of other academics or institutions, or to put pressure on them to meet demands.

“The ISC, as a general principle, does not endorse academic boycotts,” the statement said, citing Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its own Principles of Freedom and Responsibility in Science.

“Exceptions to the general principle will be considered by the ISC Governing Board when there are clear and systemic violations of human rights,” it added.

This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Global desk.

The gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) in South Africa has gone up in real terms for the first time in four years, driven strongly by an increase in expenditure by the business sector, according to the National Survey of Research and Experimental Development by the country’s Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). Despite the upswing, it is still short of the government’s target.

In 2021-22, GERD as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), a measure of research and development (R&D) intensity, reached 0.62%, a slight increase from the previous year’s 0.60%.

GERD encompasses all spending on R&D on national territory each year. It includes domestically performed R&D funded from abroad but excludes R&D funds paid abroad, such as to international agencies.

In 2015 prices, this growth amounted to a 6.9% year-on-year increase in 2021-22, from ZAR25.965 billion (US$1.37 billion) in 2020-21 to ZAR27.756 billion in 2021-22.

The government’s target is to spend 1.5% of GDP on R&D, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in December 2023. The latest figures also show the country’s expenditure on R&D is short of the commitment of African governments to spend 1% of GDP on research to advance Africa’s development.

The study found that in 2021-22, the expenditure increase was driven most strongly by the business sector, which is independent of and not directly affected by government budget cuts. However, the recent downscale in funding in the science vote is not reflected in the 2021-22 R&D data but is likely to only show up in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 surveys.

Post-COVID

However, while the growth in GERD in 2020-21 was welcomed positively by researchers, they acknowledged that the upturn came from a low base in 2019-20, brought on by the economic response to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Glenda Kruss, the executive head at the HSRC Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII), told University World News that the empirical data indicates that R&D plays a pivotal role in driving transformative advancements including job creation, heightened productivity, and sustained economic growth. Nations prioritising substantial R&D investments tend to excel in global competitiveness.

“R&D serves as a cornerstone for scientific exploration and discovery, expanding our comprehension of the natural world and yielding breakthroughs in fields like medicine, physics, chemistry, and environmental science. Innovations stemming from R&D efforts empower countries to uphold or enhance their competitive positions across diverse industries, positioning them as leaders in the global marketplace. Particularly in the healthcare sector, R&D in medical research is indispensable for uncovering new treatments, drugs, and medical technologies, thereby enhancing diagnostics, treatments, and overall healthcare outcomes,” Kruss said.

Furthermore, she added that R&D was instrumental in devising sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to address environmental challenges, driving the development of clean energy technologies, efficient resource utilisation, and strategies to mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment.

Key findings

Funding for R&D is derived from diverse sectors, public and private, with mutual funding relationships and substantial contributions from foreign funds. Despite budget cuts, the 2021-22 R&D survey shows that the public sector remains the primary source of R&D funding.

Nominal R&D expenditure rose across all five institutional sectors. The survey identified the ZAR3.48 billion increase in business sector R&D expenditure as the main contributor to the rise in GERD. The higher education sector increased R&D expenditure by ZAR446 million, the government sector by ZAR235 million, and the not-for-profit sector increased R&D expenditure by ZAR31 million.

The government remains the largest funder of R&D, accounting for 52.5% of total funding, followed by business (29.0%) and foreign sources (14.5%). Foreign financing has increased significantly over the past decade, with most investments directed towards higher education and business sectors.

R&D personnel increased across all sectors, with a total increase of 2,857 individuals (3.5% year-on-year) in 2021-22, including 1,716 researchers (a 2.8% increase). Notably, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) increased their R&D expenditure, with R&D personnel numbers rising in various sectors. Enterprises in the business sector employed 917 new R&D personnel, including technicians and researchers. However, they shed 140 researchers.

R&D personnel increased by 1,657 in the higher education sector, 155 in the government sector, and 79 in the science councils’ sector. The non-profit industry recorded an increase in the R&D personnel headcount of 49. In 2021-22, 1.9 full-time equivalent researchers were employed for every 1,000 R&D workers, an increase of 0.1 percentage points. The ratio of female researchers as a percentage of total researchers rose by 0.4 percentage points to 47%.

R&D activity in the manufacturing and financial services sectors has increased, driving most of the R&D expenditure. Medical and health sciences and social sciences continue to receive the highest R&D expenditure, at 22.8% and 18.4%, respectively. The field of research with the third-highest R&D expenditure in South Africa is information, computer, and communication technology (13.1%), which surpasses the engineering sciences field (11.7%).

Growth in social sciences is stagnant. The increase in 2021/22 came mainly from R&D in the natural sciences. Notably, investment in environmental research and funding for priority policy areas such as biotechnology, space science, and new materials have increased.

Dr Nazeem Mustapha, HSRC chief research specialist and the R&D survey’s principal investigator, said: “The growth in R&D expenditure is reassuring, although this comes off a very low base. The previous year’s decline in growth represented the biggest fall in R&D expenditure in the twenty years that the HSRC has been conducting the survey. We expect the next survey’s result to provide us with a better sense of what the trend is.”

Key indicators highlight positive economic growth in South Africa for the period under review. According to Statistics South Africa (2023), South Africa’s GDP rebounded by 4.7% in 2021-22 after a 6.0% decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21.

R&D expenditure by sector

Constant 2015 Rand (R) values 2012-13 to 2021-22. Source: South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development: Statistical Report 2021-2022

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) was established in 1968 as South Africa’s statutory research agency and has grown to become a major research institute in the social sciences and humanities on the African continent. Research activities align closely with South Africa’s national development priorities. The report is produced by the HSRC’s Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) on behalf of the South Africa Department of Science and Innovation.

“AI will not replace people – but the person using AI might replace you,” says Pieter Geldenhuys, futurist and director of the Institute for Technology, Strategy and Innovation. He has teamed up with North-West University in South Africa to run a course to upskill people in new artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Since its release in November 2022 by the American company OpenAI, and amid a growing global buzz over generative artificial intelligence, universities and schools around the world have banned ChatGPT. There have been concerns, among others, that the chatbot may lead to an escalation in plagiarism.

But education and innovation experts have urged teachers and institutions to think again, saying that since ChatGPT and other generative AI tools are here to stay and are part of young people’s lives, ways must be found of integrating them into education.

The four-day course that the Cape Town-based institute is rolling out with North-West University helps people to use new AI technologies to improve their performance.

“AI is a wonderful tool that will enable people to be more productive,” Geldenhuys told University World News. “But it will be a problem for those who don’t go through the rigour of a traditional educational environment, who short-circuit it and shoot themselves in the foot.”

He added that AI would, in a round-about way, reward original people. Because generative AI such as ChatGPT repeats everything that everybody else is saying, nothing it produces is original. Humans need to become creative in using these tools.

From an education perspective, Geldenhuys said, a student could generate a unique set of text that a lecturer would not know was created on an AI engine, but the formula can make many errors. And in that regard, he cautioned that one has to be careful in utilising it.

Learning for the future

According to Professor Saurabh Sinha, an electronic engineer and deputy vice-chancellor of research and internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg, the ability of ChatGPT to generate perfect and unique textual constructs and computing code is a major advancement. Supported by the Fulbright programme, he is currently on a research sabbatical at Princeton.

There is a need, Sinha told University World News, for universities to continuously strengthen the culture of academic integrity, in order to deal with ChatGPT and future AI developments, in line with the changing world of work that graduates will enter.

There will always be something new. Graduate preparedness is necessary, and adaptation and lifelong learning must be emphasised. Universities must simultaneously consider bots that detect plagiarism, to prevent academic misuse.

With advancing convergence between data, computing and communications, ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools are expected to deliver advances in a variety of areas.

Sinha pointed out that ChatGPT optimises language models for dialogue, interacting conversationally, and the dialogue format allows it to answer follow-up questions, admit mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.

ChatGPT is a sibling model to InstructGPT, which is trained to follow instructions in a prompt and provide a detailed response. There has been a significant heightening of interest with the open access approach and advent of ChatGPT.

Sinha said ChatGPT and similar technologies are shaping the future world of work, and with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, more technology tools can be expected.

Since academia connects students ultimately with the world of work, Sinha told University World News, there are potential implications for academia too.

There are three aspects to consider: educating students on open AI tools and their pros and cons, perhaps using ChatGPT as a pedagogical tool; continuing to evolve assessments for the world of work; and ensuring that students and academics are made aware of AI detection tools.

Sinha noted that, in the past, anti-plagiarism detection tools have emerged – such as Turnitin, iThenticate and others. Similarly, tools are emerging to detect the usage of AI in essays and other compositions. For instance Princeton University student, Edward Tian, has already created one such tool, GPTZero.

“Universities continue evolving assessment methods in a world that requires adaptation. The availability of ChatGPT and other tools means that this evolution needs to be accelerated,” Sinha concluded.

Still widespread concerns

Dr Jaco du Toit, a senior lecturer and director at the Centre for Cyber Security at the University of Johannesburg, is more ambivalent about ChatGPT and said it was too early to ascertain its impacts on the tertiary education sector in South Africa and elsewhere.

Currently there is widespread concern about its uses for student assignments and forms of unsupervised assessments. “In my field we are concerned that students may not learn certain fundamental principles necessary to build new knowledge,” he told University World News.

Du Toit was unsure whether academics should embrace or be afraid of the technology. “One thing is clear – we should investigate it. We should understand its limitations and impacts better. By understanding better, we can respond to it better.”

Misplaced over-reaction

One of South Africa’s leading academics has described “early and over-reaction” to ChatGPT as misplaced. Professor Jonathan Jansen is distinguished professor of education at the University of Stellenbosch and president of the Academy of Science of South Africa.

He said that every new technology over, say, the past 100 years has come with perceived threats. But human ingenuity responded in ways that took the best out of the invention and worked around its excesses in the process.

These include, for example, in the short term, in-classroom assessments and, in the long term, detection technologies that can require students to produce their own work.

“The same will be true of this new bot,” Jansen told University World News.

ChatGPT is already being used for language processing tasks such as text generation, language translation and summarising, and can be used without replacing people in industries – such as for customer service, some medical diagnostics, marketing, content creation, and even academia, for instance as an initial reflection on a particular topic or desktop study.

Jansen believes that in the humanities and social sciences, ChatGPT will force academics to be much more inventive in the quality of assessments they conduct.

“I don’t think South Africans have grappled with this new AI invention yet, which is a very sad commentary on the state of academia – asleep at the higher education wheel,” he said.