The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) has, for many years, taken the inititative to recognise outstanding contributions to South African Science, Engineering and Technology by individuals and organisations.  This recognition is intended to honour South African scientists and engineers thereby encouraging them and their colleagues to greater achievement.  Excellence in research and technology development is a key enabler of growth in any economy.

The NSTF is the most representative body of SET stakeholders in SA.  Every year there is a  NSTF competition in 9 categories.   SUNSTEP, at the Engineering School Centre, entered the competition in November 2003  and was nominated as a finalist in the Not-For-Profit-Organisation-Category.  A finalist by the NSTF definition is a nominee who has made a significantly outstanding contribution to Science, Engineering and Technology in SA and qualifies to be considered as a worthy role model and potential winner.  There were 125 entrants and 50 were chosen as finalists.  The 9 winners in their different categories was announced on 28 May at Ceasar's Palace in Gauteng at a high profile event. SUNSTEP was among the first five in the Not-For-Profit-Organisation category and is recorded in the Who's Who of Science Engineering and Technology in South Africa 2003.