Minister Blade Nzimande delivers keynote address at annual HSRC Conference, 16 Sep
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Annual Conference.
As one of South Africa’s largest and most influential social science gatherings, the 2026 HSRC Annual Conference is centered on the theme: "The Age of Digitality and the Future of Society: Rethinking Knowledge, Ethics, and the Role of the Humanities and Social Sciences."
The event fosters crucial interdisciplinary dialogue on navigating digital transformation while advancing inclusion, justice, dignity, and sustainable development—strictly through African and Global South perspectives.
Beyond the opening plenary, the conference will also unveil ground-breaking studies across critical sectors, including:
1. On digital innovation, health and indigenous knowledge:
Digital innovation for public-private tuberculosis care integration in South Africa: Lessons from the Connect TB Study.
Digitalising indigenous health knowledge systems: Inclusion of izangoma in South African chronic healthcare.
Sustainable pathways for digitally managing, accessing, and promoting indigenous knowledge systems in South African mainstream education.
2. On democracy and elections – as South Africa heads to Local Government Elections in a few days, the following studies will be presented:
Findings from the IEC Electronic Voting Policy Discussion Document.
Voting behaviour and electoral trust: Evidence from the 2024 elections and the road to 2026.
Identity politics, democratic trust and electoral realignment: Lessons from South Africa’s 2024 elections.
Media will also have access to presentations, speeches and the HSRC Exhibition and Interactive Networking Hub – the dynamic heart of the conference – an immersive space to connect with researchers and engage with cutting-edge research.
The media are invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 16 September, 2026
Time: 13:30
Venue: Radisson (Destiny) Hotel & Convention Centre, O.R. Tambo, Ekurhuleni.
For more information about the conference, speakers and the programme, please visit: https://annual-conference.hsrc.ac.za/
YouTube Links:
HSRC Annual Conference 2026: The Age of Digitality and the Future of Society_D1
https://youtube.com/live/w8q8YXdTe_A?feature=share
HSRC Annual Conference 2026: The Age of Digitality and the Future of Society_D2
https://youtube.com/live/aD8lXV1WfsY?feature=share
Media Enquiries: Veli Mbele, Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister
Mobile: 064 615 0644
Email: Veli.Mbele@dst.gov.za or Adziliwi Nematandani,
Mobile: +27 82 765 9191
Email: anematandani@hsrc.ac.za
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