{"id":1838,"date":"2025-05-08T17:29:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T15:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/?page_id=1838"},"modified":"2026-07-01T19:32:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:32:13","slug":"about-naci","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/?page_id=1838","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1838\" class=\"elementor elementor-1838\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d64acfa e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d64acfa\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5bd1e0e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5bd1e0e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">About NACI<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01276d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"01276d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/Orange-Dash-r5ifuhjfc8dp071mi4vinee2slogwci0r42iio3g2w.png\" title=\"Orange Dash\" alt=\"Orange Dash\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bbf5ddd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bbf5ddd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>NACI shall advise the Minister, and through the Minister, the Ministers Committee<br \/>and the Cabinet, on the role and contribution of science, mathematics, innovation and<br \/>technology, including indigenous technologies, in promoting and achieving national<br \/>objectives, namely to improve and sustain the quality of life of all South Africans,<br \/>develop human resources for science and technology, build the economy, and strengthen<br \/>the country\u2019s competitiveness in the international sphere<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b86e2c6 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"b86e2c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-962e441 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"962e441\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94629ff e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"94629ff\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3467fe6 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3467fe6\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d943c4f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d943c4f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\ud83d\udc41\ufe0f<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bb1abe elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1bb1abe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Vision<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d1ef1b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d1ef1b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) to be a leading advisory body for the government on Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&amp;I) within a well-coordinated, responsive, and functioning National System of Innovation (NSI)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db76dfb e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"db76dfb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfbc2e3 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"dfbc2e3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d5ae53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9d5ae53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\ud83d\udca1<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-40a4560 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"40a4560\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mission<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1153cb9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1153cb9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>To provide evidence-based advice to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and, through the minister, Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) and Presidential Plenary for ST&amp;I, and the Cabinet, on ST&amp;I matters, through research expertise and stakeholder engagement.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ba33e9 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1ba33e9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6dd256c e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6dd256c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25ccaaa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"25ccaaa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">\u2696\ufe0f<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-807bc99 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"807bc99\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Values<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c8853d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4c8853d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li><p>Professionalism.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Integrity.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Innovation and knowledge sharing.<\/p><\/li><li><p>Transparency and accountability.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8049044 e-transform e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8049044\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_transform_skewX_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewX_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewX_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc76dcb elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"cc76dcb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e59fea elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1e59fea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Our History<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15ffff5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"15ffff5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/Orange-Dash-r5ifuhjfc8dp071mi4vinee2slogwci0r42iio3g2w.png\" title=\"Orange Dash\" alt=\"Orange Dash\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b737b14 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"b737b14\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c68510 e-con-full e-flex wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1c68510\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0866c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"f0866c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style>\r\n        .history {\r\n            position: relative;\r\n            max-width: 1000px;\r\n            margin: 0 auto 60px;\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        .timeline {\r\n            position: relative;\r\n            padding: 40px 0;\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        .timeline::before {\r\n            content: '';\r\n            position: absolute;\r\n            height: 100%;\r\n            width: 4px;\r\n            background: var(--primary-color);\r\n            left: 50%;\r\n            transform: translateX(-50%);\r\n            top: 0;\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        .timeline-item {\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: flex-end;\r\n            padding-right: 50%;\r\n            position: relative;\r\n            margin-bottom: 40px;\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        .timeline-item:nth-child(even) {\r\n            justify-content: flex-start;\r\n            padding-right: 0;\r\n            padding-left: 50%;\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        .timeline-content {\r\n            width: 90%;\r\n            padding: 20px;\r\n            background: white;\r\n            box-shadow: 0 3px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\r\n            border-radius: 8px;\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        .timeline-content h3 {\r\n            color: var(--primary-color);\r\n            margin-top: 0;\r\n        }\r\n        \r\n        .timeline-year {\r\n            position: absolute;\r\n            background: var(--secondary-color);\r\n            color: white;\r\n            width: 80px;\r\n            height: 80px;\r\n            border-radius: 50%;\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            align-items: center;\r\n            justify-content: center;\r\n            font-weight: bold;\r\n            font-size: 18px;\r\n            left: 50%;\r\n            transform: translateX(-50%);\r\n            top: 0;\r\n            z-index: 1;\r\n        }\r\n                @media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n            .top-bar-inner, .logo-nav-inner {\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n                text-align: center;\r\n            }\r\n            \r\n            .main-nav ul {\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n                align-items: center;\r\n                gap: 15px;\r\n                margin-top: 20px;\r\n            }\r\n            \r\n            .timeline::before {\r\n                left: 20px;\r\n            }\r\n            \r\n            .timeline-item,\r\n            .timeline-item:nth-child(even) {\r\n                justify-content: flex-start;\r\n                padding-right: 0;\r\n                padding-left: 60px;\r\n            }\r\n            \r\n            .timeline-year {\r\n                left: 20px;\r\n                width: 60px;\r\n                height: 60px;\r\n                font-size: 16px;\r\n            }\r\n            \r\n            .timeline-content {\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n        }\r\n        <\/style>\r\n        <div class=\"history\">\r\n            <div class=\"section-title\">\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"timeline\">\r\n                <div class=\"timeline-item\">\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-year\">1997<\/div>\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-content\">\r\n                        <h3>Establishment of NACI<\/h3>\r\n                        <p>The National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) was officially established under the National Advisory Council on Innovation Act No. 55 of 1997. Its core mandate was to serve as an advisory body to the Minister of Science and Technology (now Science, Technology and Innovation), with the goal of promoting innovation and the effective use of science and technology to achieve national development goals. The Act laid the foundation for NACI to act as a key policy influencer, with the responsibility to support strategic decision-making in the science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) ecosystem.<\/p>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"timeline-item\">\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-year\">1998<\/div>\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-content\">\r\n                        <h3>Initial Council Appointment<\/h3>\r\n                        <p>In 1998, the Minister appointed the first NACI Council. This council was composed of leading figures from academia, industry, research institutions, and government, selected for their expertise in science and innovation. The structure ensured representation across various sectors, promoting balanced and well-informed recommendations. The appointment of council members in their personal capacities (rather than as representatives of organizations) was intended to foster independent, objective, and forward-thinking policy advice.<\/p>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"timeline-item\">\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-year\">2000<\/div>\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-content\">\r\n                        <h3>Strategic Framework Contribution<\/h3>\r\n                        <p>By 2000, NACI had begun playing an increasingly active role in shaping the country\u2019s strategic science and technology framework. It contributed to aligning national innovation policies with socio-economic priorities, such as job creation, education, and sustainable development. This period marked the start of formal assessments and reviews of the innovation system, including advising on the restructuring of science councils and the allocation of research funding to support long-term national objectives.<\/p>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"timeline-item\">\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-year\">2010<\/div>\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-content\">\r\n                        <h3>Emphasis on National System of Innovation (NSI)<\/h3>\r\n                        <p>A decade later, NACI intensified its focus on the National System of Innovation (NSI). Recognizing that innovation is not confined to the lab but extends across education, industry, and society, NACI worked to promote better coordination among all players in the system. It emphasized the need for policies that encourage collaboration, reduce duplication of effort, and increase the social and economic returns on public investment in research and development (R&D). This era saw greater scrutiny of innovation indicators and system-wide performance monitoring.<\/p>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"timeline-item\">\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-year\">2020<\/div>\r\n                    <div class=\"timeline-content\">\r\n                        <h3>Focus on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Inclusivity<\/h3>\r\n                        <p>By 2020, NACI\u2019s advisory role expanded to include more inclusive and transformative innovation policies. A major shift occurred with the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the national innovation agenda. NACI supported efforts to recognize and integrate traditional knowledge into modern ST&I frameworks, especially in areas such as agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability. This also coincided with a broader push for inclusive innovation, ensuring that the benefits of science and technology reached marginalized communities and addressed inequality.<\/p>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f47f87 e-transform e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"1f47f87\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_transform_skewX_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewX_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewX_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13b32f4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"13b32f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Executive Committee (ExCo)<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-416f237 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"416f237\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/Orange-Dash-r5ifuhjfc8dp071mi4vinee2slogwci0r42iio3g2w.png\" title=\"Orange Dash\" alt=\"Orange Dash\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28f16d3 elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-pagination-position-outside elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-carousel\" data-id=\"28f16d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:3000,&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;both&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;speed&quot;:500}\" data-widget_type=\"image-carousel.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel-wrapper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Image Carousel\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-carousel swiper-wrapper\" aria-live=\"off\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11a-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Mr Tilson Mphathi Manyoni\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Dr-Ntsiki-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Dr Ntsiki Tshayingca\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ilse-Kargi-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Ms Ilse Karg\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"4 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ozzie-Franks-teaser-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Dr Oswald Franks\" \/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"5 of 5\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide-inner\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"swiper-slide-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/about4-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Ms Funeka Khumalo\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-prev\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-left\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M646 125C629 125 613 133 604 142L308 442C296 454 292 471 292 487 292 504 296 521 308 533L604 854C617 867 629 875 646 875 663 875 679 871 692 858 704 846 713 829 713 812 713 796 708 779 692 767L438 487 692 225C700 217 708 204 708 187 708 171 704 154 692 142 675 129 663 125 646 125Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper-button elementor-swiper-button-next\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-chevron-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M696 533C708 521 713 504 713 487 713 471 708 454 696 446L400 146C388 133 375 125 354 125 338 125 325 129 313 142 300 154 292 171 292 187 292 204 296 221 308 233L563 492 304 771C292 783 288 800 288 817 288 833 296 850 308 863 321 871 338 875 354 875 371 875 388 867 400 854L696 533Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-348063f elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"348063f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a433cd e-transform e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5a433cd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_transform_skewX_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewX_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewX_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;_transform_skewY_effect_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;deg&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6ba3d8 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"b6ba3d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b14c34b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b14c34b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">OUR ACTS<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15819ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"15819ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/Orange-Dash-r5ifuhjfc8dp071mi4vinee2slogwci0r42iio3g2w.png\" title=\"Orange Dash\" alt=\"Orange Dash\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c50050e elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"c50050e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b8b88af elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b8b88af\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/National-Advisory-Council-on-Innovation-Act-No.55-of-1997.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">National Advisory Council on Innovation Act No. 55 of 1997<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd4d498 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"bd4d498\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-49cb169 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"49cb169\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Science-and-Technology-Laws-Amendment-Act-No.-16-of-2011.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Science and Technology Laws Amendment Act No. 16 of 2011<\/a><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0ea42ff elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"0ea42ff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81cde2a e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"81cde2a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About NACI NACI shall advise the Minister, and through the Minister, the Ministers Committeeand the Cabinet, on the role and contribution of science, mathematics, innovation andtechnology, including indigenous technologies, in promoting and achieving nationalobjectives, namely to improve and sustain the quality of life of all South Africans,develop human resources for science and technology, build the economy, and strengthenthe country\u2019s competitiveness in the international sphere \ud83d\udc41\ufe0f Vision For National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) to be a leading advisory body for the government on Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&amp;I) within a well-coordinated, responsive, and functioning National System of Innovation (NSI) \ud83d\udca1 Mission To provide evidence-based advice to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and, through the minister, Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) and Presidential Plenary for ST&amp;I, and the Cabinet, on ST&amp;I matters, through research expertise and stakeholder engagement. \u2696\ufe0f Values Professionalism. Integrity. Innovation and knowledge sharing. Transparency and accountability. Our History 1997 Establishment of NACI The National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) was officially established under the National Advisory Council on Innovation Act No. 55 of 1997. Its core mandate was to serve as an advisory body to the Minister of Science and Technology (now Science, Technology and Innovation), with the goal of promoting innovation and the effective use of science and technology to achieve national development goals. The Act laid the foundation for NACI to act as a key policy influencer, with the responsibility to support strategic decision-making in the science, technology, and innovation (ST&#038;I) ecosystem. 1998 Initial Council Appointment In 1998, the Minister appointed the first NACI Council. This council was composed of leading figures from academia, industry, research institutions, and government, selected for their expertise in science and innovation. The structure ensured representation across various sectors, promoting balanced and well-informed recommendations. The appointment of council members in their personal capacities (rather than as representatives of organizations) was intended to foster independent, objective, and forward-thinking policy advice. 2000 Strategic Framework Contribution By 2000, NACI had begun playing an increasingly active role in shaping the country\u2019s strategic science and technology framework. It contributed to aligning national innovation policies with socio-economic priorities, such as job creation, education, and sustainable development. This period marked the start of formal assessments and reviews of the innovation system, including advising on the restructuring of science councils and the allocation of research funding to support long-term national objectives. 2010 Emphasis on National System of Innovation (NSI) A decade later, NACI intensified its focus on the National System of Innovation (NSI). Recognizing that innovation is not confined to the lab but extends across education, industry, and society, NACI worked to promote better coordination among all players in the system. It emphasized the need for policies that encourage collaboration, reduce duplication of effort, and increase the social and economic returns on public investment in research and development (R&#038;D). This era saw greater scrutiny of innovation indicators and system-wide performance monitoring. 2020 Focus on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Inclusivity By 2020, NACI\u2019s advisory role expanded to include more inclusive and transformative innovation policies. A major shift occurred with the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the national innovation agenda. NACI supported efforts to recognize and integrate traditional knowledge into modern ST&#038;I frameworks, especially in areas such as agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability. This also coincided with a broader push for inclusive innovation, ensuring that the benefits of science and technology reached marginalized communities and addressed inequality. Executive Committee (ExCo) OUR ACTS National Advisory Council on Innovation Act No. 55 of 1997 Science and Technology Laws Amendment Act No. 16 of 2011<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1838","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1838"}],"version-history":[{"count":66,"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4709,"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1838\/revisions\/4709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naci.org.za\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}