Media Advisory

To: All media 
20 March 2024

DSI and UNDP Join Forces to Support Innovation and Empower Tech-Entrepreneurs through the Higher Education Innovation Fund

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa will officially launch the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF).

The HEIF is a transformative initiative to empower student innovators and tech-entrepreneurs from TVET colleges and historically disadvantaged universities. More than just a fund, the HEIF represents a beacon of hope in addressing youth unemployment, inequality, and poverty by fostering the growth of the knowledge economy. It provides essential support to innovative minds, enabling them to transition from ideas to sustainable enterprises, with a particular focus on spotlighting small businesses as pivotal job creators in our nation.

We invite you to join the UNDP and DSI at this event, marking a significant stride towards inclusive development, gender equality, and increased youth economic participation. Together, let us transform potential into prosperity.

The media are invited as follows: 
What:      Launch of the Higher Education Innovation Fund 
When:     25 March 2024
Where:    Statistics South Africa, Main Auditorium, Pretoria.
When:      09:30 to 11:30
Who:         Hon. Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande, Department of Higher Education,         
                  Science and Innovation
                  Mr. Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative, UNDP South Africa
                  Dr. Phil Mjwara, Director General, Department of Science and Innovation

Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation and the United Nations Development Programme.

For more information, contact: 
Ntokozo Mahlangu on 060 533 6760 or Ntokozo.mahlangu@undp.org 
Veronica Mohapeloa on 083 400 5750 or veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za