Nzimande urges SA to adapt science policy amid global shifts
Nzimande says South Africa must respond to changes among major partners.
South African Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande has called for a reevaluation of the nation's science and technology policy in response to evolving international funding priorities and rising geopolitical tensions. The Minister unveiled the findings of a ministerial working group report during a press conference in Pretoria.
This report arrives in the aftermath of the United States' decision to withdraw funding from numerous South African research initiatives, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. Nzimande highlighted the critical need for South Africa to adapt to changes among key partners, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
He emphasized the potential risks posed by foreign dependency, citing instances where geopolitical actions, like those during the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupted the availability of crucial vaccines and treatments.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
