Feeling proudly South African

In times when South Africa seems beset by all manner of woes – from Covid to the stagnant economy to our poorly performing sports teams – it seems as though a cloud of pessimism and cynicism hangs over the country. On Thursday, though, on the eve of National Heritage Day, we had reason to pull our shoulders back, puff out our chests out and enjoy, for a moment at least, the feeling of being up with the best in the world in science and technology.

Biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong said he will begin transferring technology to make Covid and cancer vaccines in South Africa.

Born here, Dr Soon-Shiong has made a global name for himself and his company, NantWorks, in a number of areas, including revolutionary cancer vaccines and treatments.

Yet, when making the official announcement of the programme, this highly-acclaimed man applauded his partners in the effort – Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Wits and KwaZulu-Natal universities, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Medical Research Council.

In doing so, he recognised that the people working in those institutions are world-class scientists and the work being done is world-leading.

One of the projects which Soon-Shiong is supporting will be the largest genomic research facility in Africa. Those involved there have already proved they are at the top of their profession by being among the first to identify Covid variants, like the beta one, which caused so much havoc during our second wave.

What is most encouraging, though, is the commitment of Soon-Shiong and our government to make this country a centre of medical excellence for the continent and to pioneer new vaccines and treatments for Covid, as well as other debilitating diseases.

Although it is early days still, perhaps this will show that Africa’s time is coming.