Budget Vote 2025/26: Science at the Centre of Government, Society & Development


In this debut episode of Science for Change, we spotlight the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) role in shaping a transformed, inclusive and innovation-driven South Africa.

As DSTI prepares to implement its 2025/26 budget, we unpack how science is positioned at the heart of government policy, economic development, and societal transformation. From key funding allocations to the vision of a National System of Innovation (NSI), the discussion explores how the department is driving inclusive growth, education, and job creation through research and innovation.

We also reflect on the Department’s transformation journey since apartheid, its five strategic programmes, and its investment in human capital, infrastructure, and partnerships across the African continent and beyond.

Topics Covered:


DSTI’s 2025/26 Budget Priorities


Science as a tool for inclusion and national development


Key innovation programmes and partner institutions (CSIR, NRF, SANSA, etc.)


The STI Decadal Plan (2022–2032)


Challenges and opportunities in a fiscally constrained environment

Budget Vote 2025/26: Science at the Centre of Government, Society &amp; Development
 In this debut episode of Science for Change, we spotlight the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation&rsquo;s (DSTI) role in shaping a transformed, inclusive and innovation-driven South Africa.
As DSTI prepares to implement its 2025/26 budget, we unpack how science is positioned at the heart of government policy, economic development, and societal transformation. From key funding allocations to the vision of a National System of Innovation (NSI), the discussion explores how the department is driving inclusive growth, education, and job creation through research and innovation.
We also reflect on the Department&rsquo;s transformation journey since apartheid, its five strategic programmes, and its investment in human capital, infrastructure, and partnerships across the African continent and beyond.
Topics Covered:
<ul data-start="1146" data-end="1429">
<li data-start="1146" data-end="1182">
DSTI&rsquo;s 2025/26 Budget Priorities
</li>
<li data-start="1183" data-end="1243">
Science as a tool for inclusion and national development
</li>
<li data-start="1244" data-end="1323">
Key innovation programmes and partner institutions (CSIR, NRF, SANSA, etc.)
</li>
<li data-start="1324" data-end="1360">
The STI Decadal Plan (2022&ndash;2032)
</li>
<li data-start="1361" data-end="1429">
Challenges and opportunities in a fiscally constrained environment
</li>
</ul>

Welcome to Science for Change, the official podcast channel of South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This platform brings you inspiring conversations, thought-provoking insights, and real-world stories that explore how science and innovation are shaping our society, economy, and future.

From budget insights and national development strategies to grassroots innovation and civic science campaigns, each episode features voices from policy makers, researchers, innovators, and everyday South Africans who are part of our national journey toward inclusive, knowledge-based development.

Whether you're a student, a science enthusiast, or a decision-maker, tune in to discover how science sits at the centre of government, society, and development.

Follow. Share. Engage. Because innovation starts with informed citizens

Welcome to Science for Change, the official podcast channel of South Africa&rsquo;s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This platform brings you inspiring conversations, thought-provoking insights, and real-world stories that explore how science and innovation are shaping our society, economy, and future.
From budget insights and national development strategies to grassroots innovation and civic science campaigns, each episode features voices from policy makers, researchers, innovators, and everyday South Africans who are part of our national journey toward inclusive, knowledge-based development.
Whether you're a student, a science enthusiast, or a decision-maker, tune in to discover how science sits at the centre of government, society, and development.
Follow. Share. Engage. Because innovation starts with informed citizens

DSTI_SEASON 2

Welcome to Science for Change, the official podcast channel of South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This platform brings you inspiring conversations, thought-provoking insights, and real-world stories that explore how science and innovation are shaping our society, economy, and future.

From budget insights and national development strategies to grassroots innovation and civic science campaigns, each episode features voices from policy makers, researchers, innovators, and everyday South Africans who are part of our national journey toward inclusive, knowledge-based development.

Whether you're a student, a science enthusiast, or a decision-maker, tune in to discover how science sits at the centre of government, society, and development.

Follow. Share. Engage. Because innovation starts with informed citizens.

Welcome to Science for Change, the official podcast channel of South Africa&rsquo;s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This platform brings you inspiring conversations, thought-provoking insights, and real-world stories that explore how science and innovation are shaping our society, economy, and future.
From budget insights and national development strategies to grassroots innovation and civic science campaigns, each episode features voices from policy makers, researchers, innovators, and everyday South Africans who are part of our national journey toward inclusive, knowledge-based development.
Whether you're a student, a science enthusiast, or a decision-maker, tune in to discover how science sits at the centre of government, society, and development.
Follow. Share. Engage. Because innovation starts with informed citizens.