"Transformation requires intention"

Research

On 25 November 2024, Unisa proudly kicked off its Innovation Festival 2024, a dynamic platform where innovation meets purpose. This event brought together a diverse community of researchers, academics and entrepreneurs, as well as Unisa staff and students, all united with a commitment to advancing societal innovation.

Innovation for societal impact and change

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Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane

Taking the podium, Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, reminded the audience that the festival coincides with the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism. In her address, Moya highlighted the critical role that partnerships with higher institutions and student-led initiatives could play in tackling societal issues such as unemployment and poverty. "Transformation requires intention," Moya said, as she urged attendees to approach challenges with a mindset of turning them into opportunities that can change lives.

Addressing Tshwane’s challenges

Moya acknowledged the significant socio-economic challenges faced by the residents of the City of Tshwane. She acknowledged the city’s financial constraints and the burdens placed on its people, particularly in relation to electricity and water services.

One stark example she shared involved residents’ reluctance to upgrade their electricity metering systems due to fears of being penalised for past illegal connections. "This," she said, "reflects a broader need for innovative and empathetic approaches to address such deeply rooted issues."

Water scarcity was another critical area she highlighted, pointing to past crises that left the city vulnerable. "As innovators," she urged, "let us develop solutions that not only address the immediate challenges but also pave the way for sustainable development." She further emphasised that leadership in innovation requires vision, action and courage to challenge the status quo.

A call for collaborative innovation

Moya’s address underscored the festival’s central theme: leadership, creativity and commercialisation to drive societal impact. She called on innovators, students and institutions to work together in designing solutions that tackle these complex issues, saying "it is through intentional collaboration that we can truly transform our communities and turn challenges into opportunities".

Moya’s address served as a rallying cry for attendees to harness the power of innovation in addressing the city’s most pressing concerns. She mentioned that through partnerships with institutions like Unisa and the University of Pretoria, more than 50 innovation champions have been trained in design thinking, intellectual property management and entrepreneurship. She also referenced a project by a Unisa student that aims to improve public health through community-driven solutions.

From eradicating poverty to solving infrastructure challenges, Moya’s message resonated as a beacon of hope and a call to action for change-makers at the festival.

A celebration of creativity

The opening session also featured inspiring remarks by Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Vice-Principal of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation at Unisa. Meyiwa described the festival as a celebration of creativity, leadership and collaboration. Highlighting this year’s theme, Leadership, Creativity, and Commercialisation, Meyiwa emphasised the importance of translating bold ideas into impactful solutions, asserting that, without commercialisation, innovation will not have its impact. She challenged participants to take their ideas further, transforming them into solutions that change lives, build communities, and contribute to African and global knowledge systems.

Flanked by members of their respective institutions are (third from left) Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Vice-Principal of Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation at Unisa, and (third from right) Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane

Meyiwa elaborated on the collaborative nature of innovation, noting that partnerships among government, academia, industry and civil society are essential. She pointed to Unisa’s role in driving cutting-edge research, nurturing future leaders, and addressing pressing challenges like energy sustainability, climate resilience, unemployment and digital transformation.

Quoting former president and Unisa alumnus Nelson Mandela, she said, "It always seems impossible until it is done", encouraging participants to dream of solving seemingly insurmountable challenges and driving transformation in the service of humanity. She also highlighted Unisa’s focus on catalytic niche areas such as renewable energy solutions, water engineering and digital transformation, aligning them with the goals of the national system of innovation.

Concluding her address, Meyiwa issued a powerful call to action for collaboration, quoting Chancellor Thabo Mbeki’s words: "Africa’s success depends on the determination of its people to determine their destiny and uplift themselves." This call to action set the mood for a festival dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and shaping futures in the service of humanity.

As the festival unfolds, the spirit of collaboration and the drive for innovation will be critical in shaping a brighter future for the country and its people.

* By Seyabonga Thipe, Intern Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement, with input from ChatGPT

* * Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre