Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in South Africa (SA), Blade Nzimande, says Africa’s journey towards an independent research agenda starts with strengthening mathematics and science education in public schools.
Speaking at the opening of the Science Forum SA in Pretoria, he noted that the continent’s youth have the potential to lead globally, but fear of these subjects must be tackled.
Nzimande added that governments across the continent must treat Science, Technology and Innovation as pillars of development, rather than sidelining them when budgets are tight.
“If my colleagues were here, they wouldn’t like what I’m about to say. We still have the challenge of convincing governments themselves to embrace science, technology and innovation, including my own government. Much as it has done the things it has done, it remains a continuous struggle, especially when there isn’t enough money. Usually science then falls to the bottom. And one of the things that we need, particularly in Africa, is to ensure that we place science and technology, as our theme says, at the centre of society.”
–SABC–
