President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stronger collaboration between government, universities and national science councils emphasising the role of higher education and scientific research in advancing South Africa’s economic growth, skills development and national priorities.
The call was made during a Presidential engagement with university vice-chancellors and representatives of national science councils at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
Held under the theme “Mobilising Universities and National Science Councils for the Developmental State, Economic Growth and Skills Revolution,” the engagement sought to establish a common understanding and a coordinated programme of collaboration through which academic institutions and public research entities can contribute more directly to the country’s development agenda.
The discussions centred on strengthening partnerships between government and the higher education and research sectors with a particular focus on aligning institutional expertise, research capabilities and skills development with South Africa’s economic and social needs.
Addressing delegates, President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of placing knowledge, innovation and research at the centre of national development. He noted that universities and public research institutions have an important role to play in developing solutions to the country’s challenges, supporting industrial growth and preparing young people for an evolving economy.
A key focus was the need to strengthen the relationship between education and the workplace. This includes closer cooperation between universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), while expanding opportunities for practical workplace experience and ensuring that graduates acquire skills relevant to the economy.
The President also identified research and innovation as important drivers of future economic activity, highlighting opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, water and energy security, industrialisation and the development of South Africa’s critical minerals sector.
The engagement further sought to align collective efforts with key national policies and strategies, including the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET) 2021–2030, the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029.
Beyond policy alignment, discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening investment in research and development, supporting the financial sustainability of higher education institutions and creating an environment in which scientific research and academic expertise can contribute meaningfully to public policy and service delivery.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that collaboration must be built on trust and mutual respect, with institutional autonomy and academic freedom remaining important foundations of the relationship between government and universities.
The engagement marks an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between key national institutions and establish practical areas of collaboration that can translate research, knowledge and skills into economic and social development.
As South Africa works towards its long-term development objectives, the ability to connect academic excellence with industry needs, technological advancement and public sector priorities will remain an important consideration in building a more capable, innovative and competitive economy.
