NRF-SAASTA backs drive to diversify South Africa's science pipeline

A total of 250 schoolgirls were introduced to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at the Eastern Cape Girl Global Crown Career Expo, as government and education stakeholders stepped up efforts to broaden the participation of young women in South Africa’s scientific and technical fields.

Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and NRF-SAASTA, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the expo was held at Cathcart High School in the Eastern Cape on 28 September 2026.

The event attracted 295 participants, including 250 learners and 45 education officials, creating a platform for young women to engage directly with organisations and professionals about careers, study opportunities and pathways into STEM.

The expo is part of broader efforts to address the gender gap in technical and scientific fields by exposing girls, particularly those from communities outside major urban centres, to opportunities that can help them pursue careers in science and innovation.

For NRF-SAASTA and DSTI, initiatives such as the Eastern Cape Girl Global Crown Career Expo are critical to strengthening South Africa’s future scientific talent pipeline.

A more representative scientific community brings together diverse perspectives and experiences, strengthening the country’s capacity to generate innovative solutions to complex societal challenges. Expanding access to STEM opportunities among young women across all regions is therefore not only a matter of inclusion, but also an investment in South Africa’s knowledge economy.

Learners had the opportunity to interact with a range of exhibitors, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), MerSETA, Walter Sisulu University, Mathematics Science Infinity and the Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu Science Centre.

Through interactive engagements and career guidance sessions, learners received information on tertiary study options, financial assistance, skills development programmes and potential career pathways.

For many of the participants, the expo provided an opportunity to move beyond simply learning about STEM subjects in the classroom and to see how those subjects can translate into real-world careers.

The engagements also highlighted the importance of providing young people with access to accurate career information and role models at an early stage, enabling them to make informed decisions about their subject choices, further education and future careers.

As South Africa seeks to strengthen its science, technology and innovation capabilities, initiatives such as the Eastern Cape Girl Global Crown Career Expo demonstrate the importance of investing in young women as future scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators.

By opening the doors to STEM careers and equipping learners with information and inspiration, the expo contributes to building a more diverse and inclusive scientific community; one in which the next generation of South African innovators reflects the full breadth of the country’s talent.