Mbazwana: Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, spearheaded a Freedom Month community engagement in Mbazwana, under the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on the pivotal role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in enhancing service delivery and expanding opportunities in rural communities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event, held at Oqondweni Hall, gathered nearly 250 community members, including youth and elders, as part of the national Freedom Month commemorations aimed at reflecting on South Africa's democratic progress and future development priorities. The session underscored the synergy between democracy and science, showcasing how innovation can strengthen governance, promote inclusion, and deliver practical solutions to everyday community challenges.
Partner institutions included the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Department of Social Development, the Electoral Commission of South Africa, and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Dr Gina highlighted that since 1994, South Africa has significantly invested in science and innovation as tools for transformation, inclusion, and socio-economic development, emphasizing that democracy involves equitable access to knowledge and innovation.
The engagement featured practical demonstrations and information-sharing sessions, with SAPS conducting a drone demonstration that showcased technology's role in policing, particularly in search-and-rescue missions. Warrant Officer Owen Howard demonstrated a Matrice M30 drone with advanced imaging capabilities, illustrating its utility in locating missing persons.
The HSRC utilized the platform to discuss how research informs public policy and improves service delivery. Information technology expert Nqubeko Mbhele emphasized the HSRC's role in ensuring community experiences inform decision-making processes, promoting democracy. He also highlighted the HSRC's internship program, which has benefited over 7,000 graduates, encouraging local youth to pursue further education and opportunities created through democracy.
Community members praised the engagement as informative and empowering. Lindiwe Mabika expressed that the insights gained would help shape her future ambitions in the health sector, while Senamile Khumalo from Heifer Project South Africa highlighted the event's importance in providing access to information and opportunities for rural youth.
Deputy Minister Gina also assessed local applications of science, technology, and innovation in improving service delivery and demonstrated the impact of the District Development Model (DDM). As the DDM champion for the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, she is responsible for ensuring alignment between various government plans to accelerate development through integrated planning, focusing on infrastructure, job creation, and rural development.
The event reinforced ongoing efforts to bring government services closer to communities and highlighted the role of innovation in advancing democracy and improving lives. The uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, with its largely rural population and reliance on subsistence farming, faces challenges that initiatives integrating science, technology, and innovation aim to address, fostering inclusive and resilient local economies.