South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, is currently leading a high-level delegation at the Second Ministerial Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference in Chengdu, China.
The conference, themed “Together for Innovation, Development for All – Jointly Building a Scientific and Technological Innovation Community for the Belt and Road,” aims to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation among developing nations in partnership with China.
Key Takeaways from Minister Nzimande’s Address
In a live interview, Minister Nzimande highlighted the significance of the conference for South Africa, emphasizing China’s role in supporting developing countries through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013.
1. Strengthening South Africa-China Tech Collaboration
Nzimande noted that South Africa and China have had science and technology partnerships since 1999, including China’s involvement in South Africa’s Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project in the Northern Cape.
One of the major outcomes of this visit will be the establishment of a BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) station in South Africa. “If the U.S. were to switch off GPS in South Africa today, there would be chaos,” Nzimande said, stressing the importance of having an alternative navigation system.
Additionally, South Africa and China will set up a joint research center on Artificial Intelligence (AI). “Whoever gets left behind in AI will face serious challenges in economic growth and problem-solving,” he warned.
2. Expanding Science and Tech Infrastructure
The minister also discussed plans to strengthen local science and technology forums, inspired by China’s model of provincial and municipal-level science governance.
He praised China’s science museums and mobile laboratories, which engage youth in rural areas. “We need to excite our young people about science,” he said, suggesting similar mobile science labs for South Africa.
3. Broader Discussions on National Challenges
Beyond technology, Nzimande touched on South Africa’s upcoming National Dialogue, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He stressed the need for an inclusive discussion that centers on the working class and poor, addressing issues like crime, unemployment, and gender-based violence.
“We must reflect on where we’ve gone wrong since 1994, while also recognizing our progress,” he said. “This dialogue must not just be an elite conversation—it must restore hope for ordinary South Africans.”
Conclusion
The Belt and Road Science and Technology Conference presents significant opportunities for South Africa in AI, space technology, and scientific collaboration. As Minister Nzimande’s delegation engages with Chinese counterparts, the focus remains on leveraging these partnerships for innovation, skills development, and economic growth.
The minister is expected to return to South Africa later this week, where further details on the new Sino-South African tech initiatives will be announced.