DST: South Africa and China enhance cooperation in science, technology and innovation

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) with China during the state visit by President Xi Jinping.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Xi met on 22 August ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit held in Sandton, which was attended by leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

South Africa became Chair of BRICS on 1 January 2023 under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism". The theme informs the Chair's five priorities for 2023.

The state visit by China took place within the context of celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung Conference of 1955.

Relations between South Africa and the People's Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, whose programme of action is set out in a 10-year strategic programme of cooperation (2020–2029).

The visit crowns deliberations in which the two governments have been engaging on implementing structures such as a binational commission, joint working group, people-to-people exchange mechanism, and strategic dialogue.

Various memoranda of understanding were signed by government departments.

The agreement signed by Minister Nzimande will provide a framework to improve the strategic coordination between the South African Department of Science and Innovation and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology in advancing bilateral cooperation.

South Africa and China collaborate closely in STI, including through instruments such as:

• The South Africa-China Joint Research Programme, which annually sees an average of 15 joint research projects co-funded by the two governments.
• A programme that supports the creation of joint virtual research institutes in strategic priority areas such as the sustainable management of mineral resources.
• The South Africa-China Young Scientist Exchange programme, which aims to cultivate future leading scientists by promoting the exchange of researchers between research institutes, universities and enterprises.
• The global Square Kilometre Array radio telescope project, part of which is hosted in South Africa.

This article was first published on 25 August by South Africa Department of Science and Innovation.