South Africa is taking the lead in global scientific collaboration as it assumes the G20 Presidency, with a strong focus on pandemic preparedness, emerging technologies and sustainable development.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, opened the inaugural meeting of the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) at the University of the Free State in Mangaung, emphasising the need for ambitious and lasting contributions to the global scientific landscape.
Addressing approximately 150 delegates from G20 countries, Nzimande stressed the importance of collaboration in ensuring that all nations benefit from scientific advancements.
Nzimande envisions the RIWG as a driving force for solidarity, providing science-based policy advice for sustainability. Discussions from this meeting will shape key resolutions for the G20 ministerial gathering scheduled for September 2025.
A major highlight of the meeting was the focus on the bioeconomy — a transformative economic system that uses renewable, plant-based raw materials for energy and industry.
Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, underscored the bioeconomy’s potential to drive economic growth, while mitigating environmental impacts. She introduced the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB), which outlines 10 voluntary, high-level principles promoting sustainable development, inclusivity, climate change mitigation and responsible innovation.
South Africa has long been at the forefront of bioeconomy initiatives. The country’s Bioeconomy Strategy, launched in 2013 as an evolution of the 2001 Biotechnology Strategy, aims to establish and expand bio-based industries.
This strategy seeks to enhance international competitiveness, create sustainable jobs, improve food security, and promote a greener, low-carbon economy.
As one of the world’s most biologically diverse nations, South Africa is a prime location for bioprospecting investments. It boasts 10% of known plant species, 15% of all recognised coastal marine species, and the globally unique Cape Floristic Region — making it a key player in the future of sustainable innovation.
With its G20 leadership this year, South Africa is positioning itself as a hub for research and innovation, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into tangible, impactful outcomes for human development and environmental sustainability. – SAnews.gov.za
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East Army
Van der Merwe is approached by SANRAL one day who want to build a new highway through his donkey farm. Van is really concerned with how his donkeys can get from one side of the farm to the other without having to cross the highway and risk being injured or killed. He is promised that they will build bridges the highway so that his donkeys can cross under the highway. Van agrees and gives them the go-ahead.
The highway is built and a year later the same rep goes to the farm to go see how Van and his donkeys are. He eventually finds Van under one of these bridges chipping away at the roof of the tunnel with a hammer and chisel.
\”Mnr Van de Merwe, what are you doing damaging the highway bridge?\”
White Dragon
Fun South African Fact: The first successful heart transplant was in a Cape Town hospital