CC Image courtesy of Chris Greenberg.
South African deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe has said technology is part of the answer to problems created by apartheid, pointing to necessary education reformation.
Speaking at a summit on science and technology in Polokwane, Limpopo, Motlanthe discussed the advantages of technology, innovation and research for South Africa’s growth.
“I submit that the benefits of science, technology and innovation are not only potentially immense for us but also, and more crucially, constitute the pre-conditions for South Africa’s development,” he said as reported by TimesLIVE.
Motlanthe also discussed the government’s National Development Plan, which lays down outlines for social partners to take part in achieving the shared vision.
“This shared vision entails the reduction of poverty, stimulating economic growth, effecting economic transformation and creating employment,” he explained.
He continued to point to the need for the country’s education system to improve, particularly in the essential focus areas of mathematics and science.
Resources for better education is, however needed to equip both learners and teachers.
Lack of collaboration and not reaching full research potential yet were mentioned as two backlogs leading to “wasted” expenditure.
He explained the current absence of the central framework for research to avoid duplication and be open to partnerships.
Once these obstacles are overcome, research will play a key role in development to overcome challenges face because of previous political agendas.
“Inevitably, most if not all of the historically inherited challenges constituting a dead weight on our development ambitions can only be addressed through the research agenda of our national research institutes,” Motlanthe said.
