Science changes Africa – Pandor

The third Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) started in Pretoria yesterday with Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor saying groundbreaking scientific innovations were changing the African continent.

“This forum will cover a broad range of topical issues with regards to the role of science in society,” said Pandor, welcoming delegates from across the world.

“Our forum has three primary objectives, first to put science in the service of African society. We believe it is through science that many of the challenges faced by our communities can be addressed.

“Secondly, we intend to promote international collaboration. We believe it’s through collaboration that our ties are strengthened, that science not only becomes stronger in Africa, but globally and that groundbreaking research is enabled.

“Thirdly, we wish to showcase African science and technology to the world. We want to change the way they talk about us.”

The two-day SFSA is regarded as Africa’s largest “open science” event, aimed at stimulating debate on the role of science in society.

The programme comprises plenary panel debates, short seminars and talks, with the participation of local and international thought leaders from the scientific community.

The national department of science and technology said the forum had a special focus on promoting pan-African cooperation in science and technology and on the role of innovation in promoting inclusive development.

Organised this year for the third time, the SFSA has become an annual highlight for the South African science community and has achieved global acclaim as Africa’s premier public platform for debate on science and its role in society.

Earlier, Communications Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane spoke about the importance of the media in the development of science. – ANA