​​​A high-level delegation from the South African National Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently paid a visit to Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).

The DST delegation – consisting of Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General (DG), Mr Beeuwen Gerryts, Chief Director Technology Localisation, Beneficiation and Advanced Manufacturing, Mr Ben Durham, Chief Director of Bio-innovation, and Dr Daniel Adams, Acting deputy DG, Research Development Support – observed, first hand, a sample of research being conducted within the Faculty and had the opportunity to interact directly with researchers on their successes and challenges.

“The DG's visit was of mutual benefit to both the Faculty and the DST," commented Ms Bongekile Skosana, a junior lecturer in the Division of Medical Physiology. “The Faculty had the honour of engaging with the delegation and was able to provide constructive input on policies that the DST has in place, and give suggestions on policies that can be put in place to assist with current challenges faced by both postgraduate students and researchers."

As part of the visit, Mjwara presented the DST's 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation to a full lecture hall of students and scientists and afterwards engaged with the audience about the DST's plans and vision for the future of science, technology and science in South Africa.

“Despite policy progress by various STI-intensive departments in their respective domains, and by the DST specifically, the South African national system of innovation has not yet lived up to its potential to contribute to the development challenges of South Africa," Mjwara said in his presentation.

According to him, socioeconomic and environmental factors, and the rapid global advancement of technology, are requiring government to review its policies on science, technology and innovation. Mjwara said that the new STI White Paper proposal aims to develop an inclusive, interactive and coherent national system of innovation; to create a more enabling environment for innovation; and to expand and transform the human resource base, as well as the research system.

“The 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, sets a long term policy direction for the South African Government, and ensures a growing role for science, technology and innovation in a more prosperous and inclusive society," Mjwara said.

Caption: Mr Ben Durham, Dr Phil Mjwara, Ms Bongekile Skosana, Prof Jimmy Volmink, Dr Daniel Adams and Mr Beeuwen Gerryts.