National Colloquium Sets Stage for Presidential PhD Programme Launch

On Monday, 05 May 2025, the National Research Foundation (NRF) hosted a high-level National Colloquium on the soon-to-be-launched Presidential PhD Programme. The event brought together key stakeholders from Government, academia, research, and industry for a rich dialogue on collaborative PhD training in inter- and transdisciplinary settings.

Comprised of keynote addresses and panel discussions, the colloquium aimed to provide attendees with an overview of the Programme, as well as details about upcoming calls for expressions of interest, applications, and partnership opportunities.

The Programme has been spearheaded within the NRF by its Business Advancement (BA) Unit, which has played a central role in its conceptualisation, programme establishment, and development of partnership modalities. The BA Unit, established to strengthen strategic partnerships and amplify the NRF’s strategic programmes, has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life.

Dr Thandi Mgwebi, who joined the NRF last year to lead the Business Advancement Unit, identified the Presidential PhD Programme as one of several flagship projects within the division. Since its inception, Dr Mgwebi has led its development with a clear vision to position the NRF as a nexus for collaborative, high-impact PhD training. The Colloquium marks the culmination of this early work, setting the stage for new modalities of partnerships to drive PhD development in South Africa.

The establishment of the Presidential PhD Programme was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the first Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in December 2023, with an initial public investment of R1 billion through the National Skills Fund. The initiative aims to build critical skills in priority areas such as artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, energy storage, and next-generation mining.

Said NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, in his opening remarks, “The Programme is of strategic importance and not just another funding scheme. It is a national initiative designed with intentionality and foresight with the mission to develop a new generation of highly skilled researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. We want these people not only to be subject matter experts, but also to be transdisciplinary thinkers—individuals equipped to bridge the silos between academia, industry, Government and society.”

Dr Nelwamondo also highlighted how the Programme aligns with the country’s broader transformation agenda. “As the NRF, we have long recognised that, while many positive interventions have taken place over the years, a more coordinated, holistic approach to transformation is necessary. This approach supports individuals across the full span of the research career path—from next-generation researchers such as doctoral students to emerging and established academics. The questions on who produces knowledge, what knowledge is produced and who has access to that knowledge remain central to this agenda.”

Mr Imraan Patel, Deputy Director-General: Research Development and Support at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), said the Programme is designed to position academia as a key driver in modernising South Africa’s economy. “The first key issue from the science and technology perspective is to direct our efforts more clearly toward societal impact. With modernisation comes the issue of sustainability—we must ensure our STI efforts do not lead to unintended consequences such as environmental degradation or increased energy consumption.”

Mr Patel added that mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and services remain key sectors of focus, with partnerships across industry and relevant government departments playing a crucial role in aligning the PhD Programme with national master plans.

Other speakers and panelists included Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at Stellenbosch University; Dr Phethiwe Matutu, CEO of Universities South Africa (USAf); Mr Jyrki Torni, Head of Green Economy Development at the European Commission; Mr Holger Bodag, Head of Education and Research at the German Embassy, and Dr Theo Mudzunga, Vice President for Fundamental Science Research at Sasol’s Research and Technology division.