South Africa’s (SA) Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, says investment in science and research is critical to strengthening the country’s economy and government.
He was speaking at a strategic meeting at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, hosted by the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Blade Nzimande.
The meeting focused on how science, technology and innovation can support economic growth, structural reforms and a more effective government.
The visit forms part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s ongoing efforts to place science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society.
In his remarks Godongwana commended the work being done by the CSIR, saying its contribution is vital to ensuring that the state has the capacity to effectively use the country’s resources and advance its development agenda.
But while commending the CSIR’s contribution, Godongwana expressed concern over SA’s economic growth trajectory, saying the country must do more to match the growth rates being recorded elsewhere on the continent.
He says the CSIR could play a key role in achieving the government’s target of at least three-percent economic growth.
–ChannelAfrica–
