In reflecting upon the past 30 years of our democracy, we are reminded of the profound transformation our nation has undergone. As Nelson Mandela once said, “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” This wisdom underscores the essence of our democratic journey—a journey marked by an unwavering commitment to uplift every citizen and harness their potential.
Since the dawn of our democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in the realms of science, technology, and innovation (STI). The promulgation of the White Paper on Science and Technology in 1996 was a pivotal moment, aligning STI policy with our democratic aspirations. We established new institutions with specialized mandates, including the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). We also repositioned key entities such as the CSIR and the HSRC, all aimed at enhancing our national STI capabilities.
These initiatives have borne fruit, as evidenced by our country’s increased global research output, rising to 0.98% from 1996 to 2024. In our third decade of democracy, the government has focused on driving transformative change through STI, as detailed in the White Paper on STI of 2019 and our Decadal Plan (2022-2032). This plan outlines our commitment to addressing critical societal challenges—climate change and environmental sustainability, the future of education, skills, and work, and the future of society itself.
Deputy Minister Gina will elaborate on these strategic measures, but it is crucial to recognize that our investment in STI is not merely a response to contemporary challenges but a forward-looking commitment to shaping a future where innovation drives social progress and economic development.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing science and technology, ensuring that our legacy of democratic values continues to inspire and transform lives across South Africa.
