South Africa announces science cooperation deal with Czechia

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr Jiří Kozák, recently visited the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to explore potential areas of collaboration with South Africa.  The Deputy Minister was in South Africa for bilateral political consultations with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Organised by the DSI, Mr Kozák toured the CSIR's National Centre for Nanostructured Materials and the Cybersecurity Security Operations Centre on Monday, 4 March.

The visit laid the foundation for future discussions in science, technology and innovation (STI) between the countries.  The potential areas of collaboration included food security, academies of science, hydrogen, nanotechnology, cybersecurity, technology transfer, aerospace technologies, and partnering under the Square Kilometre Array mega science project.

South Africa will host a delegation of Czech startups in November 2024 to link them with South African startups.  

Both the CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, and Mr Kozák expressed commitment to continue the discussions on these topics.  A follow-up meeting is planned to concretise the discussions.

Amid the collaborative endeavours in STI, the relationship between South Africa and the Czech Republic also exemplifies the growing significance of science diplomacy.

In a dialogue on science diplomacy, Mr Kozák said the Czech government had established a department on science diplomacy, as international collaboration in research and innovation was a very important task in furthering the country's unique qualities.

Through joint initiatives, exchange programmes and diplomatic engagements, both nations could leverage scientific cooperation as a vehicle for fostering diplomatic ties and addressing global challenges.

Mr Daan du Toit, the Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation and Resources at the DSI, said science diplomacy enhances mutual understanding and facilitates the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, ultimately paving the way for sustainable development and prosperity.

"In this context, the partnership between South Africa and the Czech Republic transcends traditional diplomatic channels, embracing a forward-looking approach that harnesses the transformative power of science and technology for the betterment of society," said Mr Du Toit.

South Africa and the Czech Republic are expected to sign a bilateral agreement that will enable the establishment of long-term relations in STI and serve as a cornerstone for progress in both countries.

This article was first published on 5 March by South Africa Department of Science and Innovation.