The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Nomalungelo Gina, is proud of her department's role in demonstrating the value of science to society, and says South Africa has made significant progress in STI since the end of apartheid.

"As the achievements of the past 30 years have shown, it can be done and, as we say at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, it is possible," she said.

The Deputy Minister was speaking on 4 December, at the annual Science Forum South Africa (SFSA), currently under way at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.

Addressing hundreds of delegates attending a plenary session, the Deputy Minister emphasised the transformative role of STI in driving social and economic development.

The plenary, which featured esteemed speakers such as former Minister Dr Naledi Pandor, was held to celebrate the three decades of progress in STI since South Africa's democratic transition, as well as Dr Pandor's stellar leadership in the national system of innovation during her tenure as Minister of Science and Technology.

Dr Pandor received rousing applause from the audience for her contribution to the country's scientific achievements, in particular for her role in securing South Africa's successful bid to host the mid-frequency part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) – a defining moment for the country.

Former Minister Dr Pandor reflected on the sector's growth and challenges since 1994, highlighting the pivotal role of collaboration. "Despite the inadequate funding, South Africa has marked important areas of progress. This is largely due to excellent research universities, science agencies, skilled scientists, and a keen and bright youthful science population."

Dr Pandor also mentioned the landmark SKA win and the successful MeerKAT radio telescope, emphasising that "the SKA is iconic for its excellent Africa-wide collaboration and the global partnerships that create the best science."

She noted the need for continued investments in research, particularly in genetics and women's reproductive health, to support South Africa's development goals.

Deputy Minister Gina also addressed the need for a greater focus on societal challenges in STI. She highlighted areas requiring urgent attention, and emphasised the need to transform the national system of innovation to ensure inclusivity and foster innovation at all levels, including in energy, transport and safety, in line with the STI Decadal Plan and the Medium-Term Development Plan.

"We must spare no effort to advance women in the science agenda, strengthen the capabilities of all historically disadvantaged institutions and individuals, and create opportunities for grassroots innovators and entrepreneurs," said the Deputy Minister.

She highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships across sectors and borders. "We cannot work alone. Deepened cooperation between all actors in our national system of innovation must be our objective. Science knows no borders, and we must continue our efforts to promote science diplomacy, especially our collaboration with fellow African countries," said the Deputy Minister.

Dr Pandor, too, spoke for a pan-African approach to innovation, urging the forum to contribute to the African Union's Agenda 2063.

The session included the announcement of findings from the first South African Public Relationship with Science Survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council across a nationwide sample of over 6 000 individuals aged 16 years or older in 2022.

The survey provides a reference point for measuring public attitudes to science. Seventy-six percent of respondents stated that science and technology had made their lives healthier, easier and more comfortable, while 61% believed that science and technology would create more opportunities for future generations. These findings reaffirm the importance of promoting science as a driver of progress and public well-being.

Both Dr Pandor and Deputy Minister Gina emphasised the importance of making science more accessible to the public through effective communication, as there were many success stories to share with the public. The forum reiterated South Africa's commitment to placing science, technology and innovation at the heart of societal progress.

Issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

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