Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called for stronger science-centred public-private partnerships to drive development in the country.

Addressing the inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation Public Lecture at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening, Nzimande said South Africa has a robust national system of innovation supported by government, universities, science councils and public agencies.

However, he stressed that public funding alone cannot deliver the innovation and economic resilience the country requires.

“At the same time, private-sector research driven solely by commercial interests may not adequately address the developmental priorities and public-good objectives central to South Africa’s socioeconomic context,” the Minister said.

To bridge this gap, Nzimande said South Africa needs a science-centred public-private partnership model that combines public oversight and academic excellence with private-sector investment, commercialisation expertise and agility.

“Such a model should align public oversight and academic rigour with private-sector capital, commercialisation capability, and agility. Most importantly, it should place scientific research at the centre of national development,” he said.

The Minister noted that while universities and science councils continue to produce world-class foundational science, many promising discoveries fail to progress beyond laboratory research and into commercial application.

At the same time, private companies are often reluctant to invest in early-stage, high-risk scientific research because of commercial pressures and shareholder expectations.

Nzimande said South Africa’s science agenda is guided by the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (2022–2032), which shifts the focus beyond pure research towards technology commercialisation and innovation-led socioeconomic development in support of the National Development Plan.

The plan also seeks to develop the country’s human capital and transform the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pipeline by improving racial, gender and spatial representation while strengthening advanced research capabilities through initiatives such as the Presidential PhD Programme.

In addition, he said, the Decadal Plan prioritises strengthening the foundational capabilities needed for the digital economy and building South Africa’s digital sovereignty.

The Minister acknowledged that implementing the vision would require managing institutional differences, as universities and science councils operate within frameworks of academic freedom, peer review and longer research timelines.

“A science-centred public-private partnership therefore needs effective facilitation mechanisms, such as jointly governed technology-transfer offices or special-purpose vehicles,” he said.

Nzimande also emphasised that innovation must be inclusive and support transformation.

“Innovation cannot be confined to elite institutions or established firms and therefore, the model must also carry a clear transformation mandate and make it a measurable outcome.

“Every science-centred public-private partnership should support the development of researchers from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and integrate local small, medium, and micro enterprises into the supply chains of scientific hubs,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has moved to address growing public concern regarding its handling of disciplinary processes related to medical negligence and financial misconduct within its facilities.

In a statement on Thursday, the department noted these concerns and provided clarity on its internal mechanisms for ensuring accountability.

“The department wishes to reiterate that disciplinary action was instituted in all matters where sufficient evidence existed to proceed and that outcomes were implemented in accordance with labour legislation, public service prescripts and applicable legal frameworks.

“In relation to cases of medical negligence, the department is currently reviewing matters involving healthcare professionals, including former employees, to determine whether referral to the relevant professional councils for further investigation is warranted,” the statement read.

Regarding financial misconduct, GDoH said criminal cases have been laid and investigations are also underway.

GDoH is also exploring mechanisms available for the “recovery of losses suffered by the State where supported by evidence”.

“The department acknowledges the need to continuously strengthen accountability mechanisms and consequence management processes and remains committed to protecting public resources, upholding patient safety and maintaining the highest standards of governance and professional conduct.

“The department will continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, professional councils and other oversight bodies in investigations relating to professional misconduct, financial irregularities and governance failures where required,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has announced plans to establish a political steering committee to track progress on Phase 2 of the R14.9 billion Vaal-Gamagara Bulk Water Supply Scheme (VGBWSS), currently under implementation in the Northern Cape.

Mahlobo made the announcement after meeting various stakeholders in Kathu on Tuesday, alongside Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, and Gamagara Local Municipality Executive Mayor Johannes Roman.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Vaal-Gamagara Water User Association, Vaal Central Water Board, Mining Labour Forum and Kalahari Water User Association to assess progress on the bulk water project.

Located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, the VGBWSS is a landmark public-private partnership aimed at strengthening water security for communities, municipalities, mines, farmers and industries in the arid Northern Cape.

The private sector, including mining companies, farmers and industrial water users, is contributing 56% of the project’s funding, while government is providing the remaining 44%.

Phase 1 of the project, valued at R1.4 billion, was completed in 2022 and currently supplies water to municipalities, various mines, the agricultural sector and about 6 000 households in the Gamagara and Tsantsabane Local Municipalities.

Phase 2 includes the upgrade of the remaining 300-kilometre pipeline from the Vaal River Pump Station to Roscoe near Kathu, as well as associated water infrastructure, including pump stations and reservoirs. Once completed, the project is expected to improve water supply to municipalities, mines, farmers, and other industries within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.

Mahlobo was briefed on the performance of the existing scheme, progress on the Phase 2 project, governance arrangements, implementation milestones and challenges affecting progress of the whole mega bulk water supply project.

Mahlobo said he was encouraged by improvements in the operation of the Gamagara Water Treatment Works, attributing the progress to the technical expertise provided by the Vaal Central Water Board.

“I am pleased to note that the management of the Gamagara Water Treatment Works has improved because of the technical capacity that the Vaal Central Water Board is bringing on board. I am told in the months of April, May and June, water supply to water users has been stable in terms of pumping and distribution.”

He added that he had inspected the Olifantshoek reservoir and was satisfied with the chlorination system installed to improve water quality issues.

The Deputy Minister said measures were also in place to ensure reliable water supply despite the province’s harsh climatic conditions.

“Due to the extreme weather in the Northern Cape that could affect capacity, the Vaal Central Water has come up with what they call ‘Trigger Response Plan’, through which they will be working with municipalities and stakeholders to tackle any challenge that may arise. Water losses are also being addressed as there is an optimisation system in place,” he said.

Mahlobo said finalising institutional arrangements remained a priority, including a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Water and Sanitation as the guarantor, Vaal Central Water as Asset Manager and the Mining Forum, to enable the Phase 2 to move with speed.

“It should not take us long to finalise issues of designs and water authorisations. Commitment on finances also needs to be finalised,” the Deputy Minister said.

To fast-track progress on the project, Mahlobo said his office will set up a political steering committee in the Northern Cape where the project managers will be expected to submit monthly progress reports.

The Vaal-Gamagara Bulk Water Supply Scheme is regarded as a strategic infrastructure project aimed at improving long-term water security while supporting mining, agriculture, and industrial development in one of South Africa’s driest provinces. – SAnews.gov.za