Benoni: Investment in science, technology, and innovation (STI) is essential for any nation aiming to achieve its development goals, as emphasized by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande. He delivered this message at the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla, which commenced today in Benoni, Gauteng.
According to South African Government News Agency, Professor Nzimande highlighted South Africa's substantial investment in STI over the past three decades as a means to enhance the country's ability to tackle historical and contemporary challenges. He noted that South Africa boasts the largest public science system in Africa, supported by key institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), National Research Foundation (NRF), and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
The Minister pointed out that South Africa is home to two of the world's largest scientific instruments: the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). These tools are not only pivotal for scientific advancement but also play a role in supporting math and science education in rural areas like Carnarvon in the Northern Cape. Additionally, he mentioned the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility at Steve Biko Hospital, which aids in drug development, clinical research, and advanced diagnostics for diseases like cancer and tuberculosis.
Professor Nzimande stressed that South Africa's status as an emerging global leader in science is partly due to the foundational training in math and science provided through the public education system. He underscored the necessity of a future-proof education system amid global challenges such as armed conflicts, pandemics, economic and digital inequality, climate change, and disruptive technologies.
In his address, the Minister mentioned the country's Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2022-2032), which advocates for an education system that not only anticipates the future but actively shapes it. He argued that education should focus on digital and future skills, preparing young people for fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology.
To achieve this, the department is implementing initiatives to equip learners with digital and future skills. These include support for STEM Olympiads, which foster analytical and problem-solving skills. Nationally, the South African Mathematics Foundation and the Eskom Expo lead initiatives like the South African Maths Olympiad and the International Science Fair.
The Minister reaffirmed the department's commitment to supporting these initiatives, with a focus on grassroots coaching and mentoring. He also emphasized the importance of introducing math and science at the early childhood development level to alleviate longstanding fears about these subjects.
Concerns raised by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube were addressed, particularly regarding the low percentage of 2025 matric candidates writing mathematics. Professor Nzimande highlighted interventions, such as supporting a KwaZulu-Natal primary school that recently excelled in a coding and robotics competition. He concluded by proposing a special program to assist underperforming matric learners in obtaining their certificates and preparing for further study.