The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) showcased its excellence at the 26th National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards, also known as the "Science Oscars of South Africa", held on Thursday, 11 July 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Established in 1998, the NSTF-South32 Awards have become one of the largest and most prestigious science, engineering, technology and innovation awards in South Africa, celebrating individuals, organisations and teams making remarkable strides in their respective fields.

Distinguished guests, including leaders from the National System of Innovation (NSI), such as the Minister of Science and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, and the Deputy Minister of Science and Innovation, Nomalungela Gina, graced the occasion. In his speech, Prof. Nzimande expressed his gratitude to the NSTF-South32 for fostering meaningful dialogue among key stakeholders in the NSI over the past 26 years. “For over two decades, the NSTF has maintained the quality of these awards, serving as a platform to tell South Africa’s science story,” said Prof. Nzimande.

This year's event, themed "The fourth industrial revolution in South Africa", aimed to recognise groundbreaking contributions in the scientific community. Among the evening's highlights were the victories of two esteemed members of the CSIR's EPIC team: Prof. Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, CSIR Research Group Leader for Biophotonics, and Prof. Linda Godfrey, Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa, who both won awards for their phenomenal work.

Prof. Mthunzi-Kufa won the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher. She received the award for her research on the construction and application of photonics-based diagnostic devices for point-of-care detection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1, tuberculosis, Covid-19, as well as non-communicable diseases, to achieve early detection and facilitate timely treatment. In her acceptance speech, Prof. Mthunzi-Kufa proudly acknowledged the CSIR and expressed her gratitude to the organisation, saying, “I would like to thank my EPIC team at the CSIR; this is yours. In the same breath, I would like to thank the CSIR for building my career. I joined the CSIR very young, and I've grown through the ranks within the organisation. This year, I'll be celebrating my 20th anniversary at the CSIR.”

Prof. Godfrey won the Green Economy Award for her leading role in shaping and driving South Africa's waste and circular economy science, technology and innovation agendas. This encompasses the development and implementation of the Waste Research, Development and Innovation Roadmap for the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and her instrumental role in shaping strategic local and international waste and circular economy initiatives. "I'd like to acknowledge the other nominees and finalists in the category for the brilliant work that they're doing, as well as the NSTF, CSIR and DSI for recognising the importance of investing in science technology and innovation," she said.
 

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Mthunzi-Kufa and Prof. Godfrey on their outstanding achievements. We would also like to extend our congratulations to the Advanced Polymer and Composites Group for making it as finalists in the Green Economy category.