Ramaphosa sticks to science, gets standing ovation
President Cyril Ramaphosa made his first public appearance in almost a week when he addressed the opening session of the first World Science Forum on African soil at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Tuesday night.
Ramaphosa got a standing ovation from the full house of scientists in the ballroom after his speech stuck to the science, touching on his advocacy for the manufacture of Covid-19 vaccines on African soil and for the development of a hydrogen economy in SA. He made no mention of the Phala Phala scandal, which reportedly drove him to the edge of resignation last Thursday and which may still lead to impeachment proceedings against him when parliament meets next week.
The quote by former president Nelson Mandela with which he concluded his speech may not only have been an exhortation to scientists and how they work, but possibly reflected his own feelings.
“What counts in life is mere fact that we have lived, not”the he quoted Mandela. “It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life that we lead.”
In a lighthearted moment at the start of his speech, Ramaphosa also made a joke about the name of higher education, science & technology minister of Blade Nzimande. Even though Nzimande’s first name, Bonginkosi, means “we thank the lord”, those who work with Nzimande know him as Blade, Ramaphosa said.
In his speech earlier, Nzimande expressed confidence in Ramaphosa’s understanding of the importance of science, and of sticking to the science during the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.
Ramaphosa deviated briefly from his speech to remark that for years, every month, he had had read the magazines published by Sudip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. “You’ll be pleased to know I’m a great follower of the work you do in America,” Ramaphosa said.
He also advocated the use of science in diplomacy. “What role can science play in reinforcing multilateralism and global solidarity, which is under threat in the face of rising geopolitical tension,” Ramaphosa said.
Parliament was scheduled to sit on Tuesday to consider the report by the section 89 committee, which could set in motion impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa. The debate and vote on the report is now set for next Tuesday.
In recent days, the ANC’s national executive committee has rallied around him, which implies that his position is safe until at least the ANC’s conference at Nasrec, which starts in just under 10 days.