Introduction
One of the best decisions made by newly democratic South Africa in 1994 was to create a department dedicated to science, technology, arts, and culture. As this democracy matured an even more insightful decision was adopted - a fully-fledged department of Science and technology.
It is interesting to look to our beginnings as a democracy to understand our progress and our failings.
Speaking in 1994 the first Minister of this portfolio Dr Ben Ngubane announced the establishment of a national archival system aligned with the democratic principles of our new Constitution. In the second Parliament Dr Ngubane referred to the need to attend to the training of oral historians, as well as working to achieve a full reflection of our nation’s diversity in archival records and the use of archives to reflect the history of all our people. He also referred to the role technology would play in broadening access to archives. The Timbuktu Manuscripts initiative was mentioned.
In the third Parliament from 2004 to 2009 the archive focus expanded significantly to include the Memory of the World programme, Freedom Park, the Lilliesleaf Project, and the creation of the Oral History Association of South Africa. This period also marked the affirmation of seminal archives that would be a focus of the department.
This recollection is a useful reminder that while the 1994 government began a focus on a range of scientific disciplines, they also dedicated attention to the importance of historical record and its role in advancing science from rock painting to written record, to transcript, to wireless and to digital.
The development of science technology and innovation in South Africa has marked steady advances in palaeontology, astronomy science, biotechnology, laser science and artificial intelligence.
The beginnings
South Africa’s science technology and innovation system has made commendable progress in the thirty years of democracy alongside immensely troubling and stubborn challenges. In the Kaplan report of 1996, it was indicated that while South Africa had considerable scientific and technological capabilities, the new democratic government inherited a system which harboured considerable resistance to change and one that would operate under significant economic constraints.
The report offered policy advice to the new democratic government suggesting it works to develop a Science and Technology system which would simultaneously support the emergence of an internationally competitive business sector and the enhanced provision of infrastructure such as, housing, clean water and domestic electricity. It argued that addressing the legacy of inequality had to be a key focus of government, and that a fundamental refocusing of existing science and technology activities and a novel inclusion of civil society in supporting and framing policy priorities in this sector.
The idea of inclusion in some form was confirmed by the esteemed professors who presented at one of the early meetings of the portfolio committee in the National Assembly. They were the leaders of the then Science Academy and were keen to alert MPs to the importance of academic freedom to Science and Technology and also to advance interest in disciplines politicians may not regard as relevant to development. Among these were astronomy sciences, certain mathematics and physical science projects and too concentrated a focus on diversity.
The portfolio committee was fortunate in being chaired by a respected revolutionary poet (Mongane Serote) and included a renowned activist mathematics professor (Professor Mohammed). Also noted in the report was a concern that in much of the continent there was inadequate science infrastructure and funding and that while international cooperation enhanced performance, intra- African cooperation would be minimal.
At the 1995-96 date the budget for the department was around 2,8 billion rands (800 million dollars approximately). The budget has more than doubled in the thirty years but has not reached nor exceeded the target of at least one per cent of GDP devoted to science and innovation.
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.
Important capacity has been achieved in astronomy capabilities. The Square Kilometre Array project is the best known example, alongside the Meerkat, the SALT telescope initiative and the Satellite Centre. Big data computing skills engineering feats and exciting imagery of dark matter are all outcomes of this area of science and innovation. The SKA is iconic for these reasons and for the excellent Africa wide Collaboration and the global partnerships that create the best science.
Alongside SKA the bold decision of the sector to mirror the Canada research chairs initiative has been a significant boost for the sector. Over 180 research chairs focussed on diverse fields such as food security, health, human development, social sciences, energy and biodiversity. The departments efforts to ensure women researchers access this programme has been an affirmation of the wide breadth of talent we have in South Africa.
The CSIR, our host has played a leading role in advancing innovation in our system. Its work in AgroSciences bio engineering, advanced manufacturing, and outstanding support in the response to covid has been outstanding. Women scientists in this institution lead on health research food security and water safety.
Two years ago, the department began a hydrogen energy initiative to support science institutions and the private sector in becoming leaders in the hydrogen economy. Experienced gained through the hydrogen South Africa Strategy initiative is contributing immensely to the hydrogen energy work. South Africa as a rich source of platinum will play a central role in a hydrogen derived clean energy strategy.
The South African innovation sector benefits from institutions such as the Academy of sciences or ASSAF and the CSIR, the NRF, the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), the National Space Agency and the Technology Innovation Agency. Smaller allied agencies contribute to the work of these institutions and to our universities and universities of technology that are all striving to improve their research and teaching profiles.
Our challenges remain a worrying decline in resources and a growing wariness among young researchers about the viability of pursuing a full-time research career. The sector is also sadly not immune from the impact of the current toxic geopolitical environment. South Africa’s support for the struggle for sovereignty has resulted in some key research initiatives that rely on international funding, facing the threat of funds being withdrawn. This is reportedly happening to universities that have decided not to pursue links with institutions in Israel that have links to the military actions in Palestine. The department needs to give attention to the likely impact of such funds withdrawal on institutions and researchers and support them in identifying alternative resources. Disciplines that advance research in novel areas such as genetics and women’s health especially reproductive health, require increased support to help advance our development goals. Fortunately, we do have a proactive department and leadership in science technology and innovation.
One of the most important areas of success recently was the work done by South African scientists in identifying a Covid-19 virus variant (Omicron), and thus alerting the globe early to this threat. That discovery placed South African researchers and their collaborators at the apex of science excellence. This is the kind of advance our government must continue supporting and investing in.
One of the areas of distress is the continuing inadequate continent-wide investment in science and technology. Lack of resources has led to us losing talent to the North, we need to establish modes of collaboration with the African diaspora and work more closely together to advance Agenda 2063, the Africa we want. Our future is set out in this agenda and in the AFCFTA. These instruments envision a prosperous industrialised productive Africa, we need science and innovation to come to life throughout Africa for these ambitions to be realised, this forum provides a fantastic opportunity for concrete project formulation. The forum must not be a mere talk shop, it must play a full role in advancing African capabilities and ensuring that Africa rising becomes a reality and not a populist slogan.
I wish to conclude by congratulating the ministry for continuing this Africa led collaboration on science technology and innovation. I wish the forum well.
Thank you.