South Africa has taken another bold step towards innovation-led sustainable development with the rollout of the Viability and Validation for Innovations for Service Delivery Programme (VVISDP). The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), is designed to advance the National System of Innovation (NSI) and address the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges through the priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP).

According to Programme Manager for the Energy Management component, Dr. Neville Smith, the VVISDP directly supports the NDP by working towards eliminating poverty, reducing inequality, building skills and capabilities, fostering an inclusive economy, and strengthening state capacity through partnerships and innovation.

The programme is funded by the European Union Sector Budget Support (SBS) programme and National Treasury, with planning and design support from CoGTA, Human Settlements, and SALGA. The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) acts as the Funding Agency, while SANEDI has been entrusted as the Executing Agency for the Energy Management component of the programme.

To date, five municipalities have been selected through an open call to participate in the energy management component of VVISDP. These include the City of Cape Town (two projects), Drakenstein, Rustenburg, Mbombela, and uMhlathuze. The projects range from energy load management and solar public lighting to rooftop solar PV, ripple control, CCTV cameras, and Wi-Fi extension, bringing innovative energy solutions directly into communities.

The programme is structured into three phases. Phase 1 has already been successfully completed, while Phase 2 has just been contracted, with four energy management technologies set for installation in target municipalities. To ensure collaborative implementation, working group committees have been established with municipal technical teams, and the Project Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Tshepang Mosiea (DSTI) and supported by Dr. Anitha Ramsuran and Mr. Ashaal Roopchan (TIA), provides strategic direction and guidance.

Dr. Smith emphasised the importance of community involvement:

“Stakeholder engagements are central to the success of the VVISDP. By drawing insights from local communities, we can strengthen the technical, social, and environmental dimensions of the programme while also creating job opportunities that bring tangible socio-economic benefits.”

SALGA continues to play a vital role in facilitating municipal relationships and driving training and capacity-building interventions, ensuring the sustainability of the programme beyond its implementation phases.

On 1 August 2025, SANEDI reported progress on the energy management component of VVISDP to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Honourable Dr. Blade Nzimande, affirming the programme’s momentum and contribution to South Africa’s innovation and sustainability goals.

In recognition of SANEDI’s leadership in energy innovation, SANEDI CEO, Dr. Titus Mathe, will serve as a member of the VVISDP National Executive Committee (NEC). His participation underscores SANEDI’s critical role in shaping sustainable solutions for South Africa’s development.

The VVISDP is more than a technical intervention; it is a catalyst for sustainable growth, inclusive development, and innovation-led transformation. With strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and active community participation, South Africa is positioning itself to unlock new opportunities that will strengthen municipalities, empower communities, and drive the nation closer to achieving the aspirations of the National Development Plan.