NRF CEO Delivers Keynote Address at Mintek SCI Symposium for Young Researchers

On Friday, 19 July 2024, the NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Mintek Science Convention of Innovators (SCI) symposium. The symposium, held in collaboration with the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), gathered young researchers from various institutions at the Mintek Conference Centre in Randburg and served as a pivotal event leading up to the Mintek @90 Conference.

“It is a huge honour for me to deliver a keynote address at the time when Mintek is turning 90. We have gathered here today to celebrate the spirit of innovation, to learn from each other, and to inspire more ideas that will shape the future of Mintek and society in general”, said Dr Nelwamondo.

Dr Nelwamondo delivered an inspiring address about youth resilience and the right innovation mindset. He highlighted the importance of creating resilient youth able to withstand failure but with an understanding that repeated failure was often part of the process for many successful innovators around the world. With a large part of sub-Saharan Africa made up of young people under the age of 30, Dr Nelwamondo stressed the crucial role that young people have in innovating for a better future.

His talk also touched on the use of artificial intelligence, outlining the positives as well as the negatives. He noted the exciting technological developments that are currently occurring but also cautioned against a society that is too reliant on artificial intelligence and pointed out the importance of human intelligence. He pointed out that young people had a crucial role to play in this context, for the future is in their hands.

In his welcome address, Mintek CEO, Dr Molefi Motuku, said “At Mintek, we believe that nurturing young researchers is essential for the sustained advancement of science and technology in the mineral and metallurgical industries. Mintek-SCI epitomises our unwavering commitment to this cause. By bringing together a dynamic blend of experience and fresh perspectives, we not only shape the future of our field but also ensure that innovation remains at the forefront of our endeavours.”

The symposium was marked by a full day of panel discussions, poster presentations, and exhibitions by several organisations.