Minister Blade Nzimande highlights South Africa’s scientific achievements at Science Forum South Africa 2024

South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, has underscored the country’s remarkable strides in science and technology during his opening address at Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2024 on Tuesday, 3 December 2024. 

The Minister emphasized the vital role of science journalism in bringing these achievements to the forefront, calling for increased focus on reporting the country’s scientific advancements.

Dr Nzimande highlighted notable accomplishments, including South Africa’s identification of the 501Y.V2 variant of COVID-19 during the pandemic and its leadership in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, spearheaded by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). These groundbreaking initiatives showcase South Africa’s position on the global stage of scientific innovation.

In his speech, the Minister also addressed pressing global challenges such as genocide and war, stressing the moral responsibility of science to confront these issues. “Science must not remain silent as killings and torture unfold before our eyes on live television,” he remarked. He called for the application of scientific knowledge to tackle real-life challenges and contribute to building a better world.

Dr Nzimande officially opened the SFSA 2024 at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria, encouraging collaboration and active participation. This year’s forum is expected to attract over 5000 guests and participants from more than 50 countries, fostering meaningful dialogue and partnerships within the global science community.

As part of the forum’s diverse programme, a panel discussion reflecting on the Minister’s address will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to delve deeper into the themes that he raised.

SFSA 2024 is taking place under the theme Igniting Conversations about Science – Innovation and Science for Humanity. Hosted annually by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the event serves as a premier platform for scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to engage on critical topics in science, technology, and innovation.

Dr Nzimande also announced the launch of the first report of the South African Public Relationship with Science survey. “We have decided to use the occasion of SFSA 2024 to launch South Africa’s first report on the South African Public Relationship with Science survey. Through our 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology, and Innovation, we committed to creating suitable metrics to gauge our progress in relation to science engagement. This is why we asked our entity, the Human Sciences research Council to independently conduct the South African Public Relationship with Science Survey,” said Dr Nzimande.

The National Research Foundation and SARAO have a significant presence at the forum, featuring an exhibition and presentations from SARAO delegates. These sessions will highlight SARAO’s cutting-edge contributions to radio astronomy and its impact on international scientific collaboration.

For more details about the event, including the full programme, visit: Science Forum South Africa Programme.

 Watch live streamed event: https://youtu.be/mGhSDOzCWHM

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