SA’s science, technology and innovation under review

By Ofentse Mokae
14 June 2010


South Africa’s science, technology and innovation landscape has been placed under review with the establishment of a ministerial committee to be led by WITS University’s Loyiso Nongxa.

The primary task of the committee, appointed by science and technology minister Naledi Pandor, will review the science, technology and innovation landscape of the country as well as its readiness to meet the needs of South Africa and assess how well it can support development.

The Democratic Alliance’s Wilmot James came in full support for the committee, highlighting though that it is long overdue.

“I have consistently put it to President Zuma in Parliament that our challenge is to position South Africa as a knowledge-based economy with the assurance that ordinary South Africans will benefit from the pay-off,” James said.

James also criticised Higher Education & Training Minister Blade Nzimande’s lack of support in fostering knowledge economy at South African universities.

“New ideas come largely from there, or so they should. However, the only knowledge Nzimande ever talks about is the worn-out notion of the developmental state,” James argues.

Pandor tasked the committee to develop a vision for Science, Technology and innovation for South Africa into the future.

The committee will assess whether South Africa is making optimal use of its existing strengths and whether it is appropriately positioned to respond rapidly to a changing global context and thus meet the country’s needs in the next 10 to 30 years

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