The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) participated in the 2026 Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Budget Vote Exhibition hosted at Iziko Museum in Cape Town, 15 May 2026. The museum was chosen as the venue due to its role of providing a platform for sharing knowledge and innovation with learners in Cape Town.
The SAPRI team exhibited alongside the NRF-SAEON’s Egagasini, uLwazi and Fynbos Nodes, as well as the EFTEON Research Infrastructure. The exhibits showcased the wide range of environmental observation, research and science engagement initiatives undertaken across the country by NRF-SAEON and the Research Infrastructures that it hosts.
(Left) SAPRI exhibited alongside (middle) the NRF-SAEON uLwazi Node with Sibulele and Daniëlle and the Egagasini Node with Melissa as well as (right) the EFTEON RI with Makgethwa
One of SAPRI’s goals is to engage with both researchers and the broader public. At this event, SAPRI had the opportunity to interact with visitors on the work being conducted in different regions where South Africa has a scientific presence. Information was shared about the work done in areas such as the Southern Ocean, Marion Island and Antarctica. This experience was enhanced through immersive virtual reality that allowed guests a glimpse into the life and research on Marion Island. Also on display were various instruments and gear used by researchers working in the diverse environments, from pumpkin boots for traversing icy terrain and polar gear for extreme weather conditions to ice corers for sample collection and arrows used by killer whalers for biopsy sampling.
The SAPRI exhibiting team was comprised of Kelly Mogotsi (SAPRI engagement officer), Jordan Van Stavel (LTO-Ocean Integrated Facility Research Coordinator), Dayna Collins and Zizipho Mfaku (new members of the Polar Lab Integrated Facility).
SAPRI team exhibiting at the Budget Vote Exhibition, 15 May 2026
Reflections on our first outreach activity and exhibition experience
It was a pleasure to engage with fellow exhibitors and visitors, providing the opportunity to share our own experiences working in this field and to highlight the role of SAPRI within the broader national context and to discuss the importance of the work being conducted across its platforms. These interactions highlight the value of continued collaboration and engagement across the science community.
We also attended the opening address by Minister Prof. Blade Nzimande, who spoke about strengthening the ability of the public science system to produce sustainable solutions. Furthermore, the minister provided a detailed overview on the 10-year plan for science, technology and innovation in South Africa. The address left us more hopeful for the future, with emphasis placed on intensifying the gross expenditure development over the next three years. The minister also highlighted the importance of the school learners for the future, while the budget vote allows for an account of the progress made and a reflection on the performance of the national system of innovation in this rapidly changing environment.
Following the minister’s incredible speech, was a lecture on “Harnessing AI for inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development” by Prof Vukosi Marivate from the University of Pretoria. Prof Marivate highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in addressing societal issues, especially in areas such as education, machine learning, and translation. He also spoke about the lack of indigenous languages within AI systems, noting the need for including African languages to enhance relevant local data within AI. This insightful talk ended with a discussion from people from different fields interested in using AI in an ethical and responsible manner. This aligned well with the key themes such as growing the science space and innovation development in South Africa. In the words of Prof Marivate:
“Africa AI is not going to build itself; we are going to have to get our hands dirty and do it ourselves.”
(Left) Minister Blade Nzimade delivering his speech (credit: https://x.com/dstigovza/status/2055367101825609795/photo/2 retrieved 16 May 2026) and (right) Prof Marivate during his lecture, Budget Vote, 15 May 2026
Written by Dayna Collins (1,2,3) and Zee Mfaku (1,2,3). Photos by Kelebogile Morwa Mandi Mogotsi, Melissa Zoe Philander, Zee Mfaku and Dayna Collins.
- South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI)
- Marine and Antarctic Research for Innovation and Sustainability, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
Anne Treasure, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 27 May 2026
