East London's science park now supports more than 71 young companies
South Africa's only science park inside an industrial zone hosts Science Minister Blade Nzimande on Friday, as the government looks for ways to turn research into products.
East London — South Africa's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, will visit the Science and Technology Park at the East London Industrial Development Zone on Friday, the government news agency SAnews reports.
The park
- It opened in 2014.
- It is South Africa's first and only science and technology park fully inside an industrial development zone.
- It supports entrepreneurs with incubation, product development, specialised facilities and technical help.
- It currently supports more than 71 businesses in the Eastern Cape.
The visit
The minister will meet provincial and local leaders, the development zone, innovators and entrepreneurs to discuss how to turn research and new ideas into products and services that sell. He will be joined by the province's economic development MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City, Princess Faku, and the chairperson of the zone's board, Ayanda Kanana.
The visit is part of the ministry's work to strengthen ties with special economic zones and industry, and to build regional innovation systems that drive industrialisation.
Source: SAnews, 15 October 2026, based on a statement from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
