DST shares new science, technology and innovation plan during University of Stellenbosch visit
A high-level delegation from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently paid a visit to Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).
Photo (from left to right): Mr Ben Durham, Dr Phil Mjwara, Ms Bongekile Skosana, Prof. Jimmy Volmink, Dr Daniel Adams and Mr Beeuwen Gerryts.
The DST delegation was led by the Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara, and included Mr Beeuwen Gerryts, Chief Director: Technology Localisation, Beneficiation and Advanced Manufacturing, Mr Ben Durham, Chief Director: Bio-innovation, and Dr Daniel Adams, Acting Deputy Director-General: Research Development and Support.
The delegation observed first-hand a sample of research being conducted within the Faculty, and had the opportunity to interact directly with researchers on their successes and challenges.
"The Director-General's visit was of mutual benefit to both the Faculty and the DST," commented Ms Bongekile Skosana, a junior lecturer in the Division of Medical Physiology. “The Faculty had the honour of engaging with the delegation, and was able to provide constructive input on policies that the DST has in place, and give suggestions on policies that could be put in place to assist with current challenges faced by both postgraduate students and researchers."
As part of the visit, Mjwara presented the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation to a full lecture hall of students and scientists and afterwards engaged with the audience about the DST's plans and vision for the future of science, technology and innovation (STI) in South Africa.
“Despite policy progress by various STI-intensive departments in their respective domains, and by the DST specifically, the South African national system of innovation has not yet lived up to its potential to contribute to the development challenges of South Africa," Mjwara said in his presentation.
According to the Director-General, socio-economic and environmental factors, and the rapid global advancement of technology, required the government to review its policies on STI. Mjwara said that the new White Paper aims to develop an inclusive, interactive and coherent national system of innovation; to create a more enabling environment for innovation; and to expand and transform the STI human resource base as well as the research system.
“The 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation sets a long-term policy direction for the South African government, and ensures a growing role for science, technology and innovation in a more prosperous and inclusive society," Mjwara said.
Issued by the University of Stellenbosch
