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Deputy Minister Gina launches WRIGHT platform for women researchers in Durban

Published

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina launched the Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT) at Mangosuthu University of Technology on Wednesday. The university is investing R2 million in research initiatives for first-time researchers.

WRIGHT aims to advance women's participation and leadership in research and innovation. Gina said representation alone does not guarantee equal opportunities for advancement and leadership. She said WRIGHT could help ensure that women are supported to build sustainable research careers and take leadership positions.

Gina cited figures from the 2023/24 National Survey of Research and Experimental Development. Women make up 47.7% of South Africa's research workforce and 52% of the academic workforce. They make up 62.6% of university enrolments. She also said South Africa's performance in patenting and commercialisation remains below desired levels.

Gina urged the WRIGHT Steering Committee to build partnerships and share lessons. She said: "Women must be able to take part at every point of that journey". The programme included the university's interim vice-chancellor Rushiella Songca, CAPRISA deputy director Kogieleum Naidoo and patent attorney Omphile Netshiozwi.

Key facts

Who
Nomalungelo Gina (Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; keynote speaker); Rushiella Songca (MUT Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal; programme contributor); Mncedisi Maphalala (MUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement; programme…); Kogieleum Naidoo (Deputy Director of CAPRISA; programme contributor)
What
The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is scheduled to give the keynote at the launch of MUT's WRIGHT platform, which aims to advance women's participation and leadership in research and innovation.
When
28 October 2026
Where
Durban, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa
Status
Reported

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