Blade banks on working group on US funding cuts
SCIENCE, Technology and Innovation (STI) Minister Blade Nzimande has announced a 12-member working group to advise him on the implications and impact of the recent withdrawal of funding by the US government from key research and development programmes in South Africa.
The group consists of some of the country's prominent names in the sector including Universities' South Africa chairperson Prof Francis Petersen, Stellenbosch University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor Sibusiso Moyo, South African Medical Research Council chief executive Professor Ntobeko Ntusi and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) chief executive Dr Thulani Dlamini.
They will help analyse the impact and implications of the US withdrawal of funds to South African public research and innovation; analyse the current geo-political risks related to STI and how South Africa should position itself to deal with the current situation; and propose policy and strategic responses to enhance the long-term security and sustainability of the STI system and the role of the department.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Catch and release helps conserve fish, 20-year study finds
Marine life is rapidly declining, and urgent action is needed to protect it – one such action being the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). According to the Zululand Observer, in the build-up to MPA Day on August 1, South African scientist Dr Bruce Mann highlights the value of these 'nature reserves of the sea'. 'MPAs provide many benefits for both ocean health and human activities,' said Mann, a research associate at the Oceanographic Research Institute in Durban. 'One benefit is that they enable fish stocks to increase in abundance and biomass and, over time, these spill over into adjacent fished areas, improving catches and ensuring fisheries' sustainability.' One thing that stands out to Mann is that these conservation areas give a clear view of what nature looks like without human impact. 'This forms a useful 'control', which provides a solid foundation for our research into the natural world and the conservation techniques needed. By looking after these special places, we can make a real difference.' He shared three examples of MPAs: A Scotsman tagged in the Pondoland Marine Protected Area (Eastern Cape); a giant kingfish tracked from southern Mozambique to the Eastern Cape; and catch and release angling at iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KZN. A 20-year study in the iSimangaliso MPA tested whether catch and release can help conserve shore angling species. The study tagged fish caught by volunteer anglers in zoned areas within the MPA. The findings showed that when best-practice handling was used, catch and release angling had minimal impact on most species, though more sensitive species still showed higher post-release mortality, especially under increased angling pressure. The study concluded that while catch and release is not suitable in strict no-take zones, it offers real conservation value as a buffer around MPAs or in specially zoned areas. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Paul Mashatile highlights South Africa's role as chair of the G20
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the importance of solidarity and collaboration in today's rapidly evolving global landscape. Delivering a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University, the Deputy President explained that South Africa's Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) comes at a time characterised by geopolitical tensions and economic disparities. 'As we gather here today, amidst the tumultuous global crises characterised by rising geopolitical tensions, trade wars, unemployment, inequality, poverty, armed conflicts, and climate catastrophe, it has become very clear that the world needs solidarity now more than ever,' the Deputy President said on Thursday. Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Russia this week for a working visit aimed at strengthening economic and trade ties between the two nations. The visit focuses on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining industries, as well as cooperation in science and technology. Deputy President Mashatile's speech highlighted South Africa's role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. South Africa's G20 Presidency theme: 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability' articulates the necessary principles of fostering a more inclusive global community. 'Only through exercising solidarity and identifying with each other's struggles can we do justice to the notion of international community or 'Ubuntu'.' Deputy President Mashatile reiterated the importance of global solidarity, urging those present to work together to create a more equitable world. 'We aim to capitalise on the prospects of globalisation while limiting its risks and ensuring that the benefits of economic progress and technological advancement are shared by all,' he said. He called for unity, adding that 'we must build upon that legacy and strengthen our cooperation in science, technology, research, and innovation'. Universities like St. Petersburg State University can play a pivotal role in bridging the priorities of BRICS, the African Union, and the G20. 'Our future lies in knowledge economies, and your institution is a natural partner in this effort,' Mashatile added. The country's second-in-command praised the university's Faculty of International Relations and the Institute for African Studies for their engagement with scholars across Africa. He extended an invitation for deeper collaborations with leading South African institutions, emphasising the mutual benefits that such partnerships could foster. The Deputy President highlighted the university's impressive legacy, noting that it has produced numerous renowned figures, including President Vladimir Putin and the Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. 'The presence of so many renowned scholars, leaders, and diplomats here today is a testament to the university's continued relevance in shaping discourse on global affairs.' The Deputy President reflected on the historical ties between South Africa and Russia, expressing gratitude for the support received during the anti-apartheid struggle. Despite the prevailing geopolitical environment, he said South Africa is steadfast in its commitment to this course. '… And with our G20 Presidency, we possess a unique opportunity to influence the global discourse on critical issues.' The G20 has a significant role to play in fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. He announced the country's G20 Presidency will, through its four overarching priorities, seek to address challenges that stifle the ability of the Global South to achieve desired levels of growth and development. In addition, South Africa will take steps to enhance disaster resilience and response. The country also aims to ensure debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilise financing for a Just Energy Transition, and seek to leverage critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Summit hears Pretoria company's small nuclear reactor offers independence
As South African cities confront load-shedding and economic stagnation, the search for energy independence has never been more urgent. For the Tshwane metro and other municipalities, a new option has emerged in the form of a locally developed small modular reactor, designed by Pretoria engineers, that promises to change how cities generate and control their electricity. This option was recently discussed and caught a lot of attention at the Energy Summit 2025 held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The summit aimed to build a smarter energy system focused on powering a sustainable and inclusive future. It drew all stakeholders grappling with growing energy demands and pressure to transition towards clean, reliable energy sources, where Tshwane's energy future was the main theme. Developed by Pretoria-based company Stratek Global, the reactor offers a combination of safety, cost-efficiency, and energy security, making it an ideal fit for municipal deployment. Rekord spoke to a nuclear physicist and Stratek chairperson from Pretoria east, Dr Kelvin Kemm. He is confident that it can help municipalities. 'The reactor is designed specifically to be deployable at the municipal level. With this system, a municipality like Tshwane can own and operate its own nuclear power facility, independent of Eskom and free of geographic limitations.' He told Rekord that it is ideal for the metro, as unlike large-scale nuclear power plants, which require vast infrastructure and access to significant water sources, the reactor is self-contained and highly adaptable. He explained that gravity, natural cooling paths, and other physics functions have been used in design such that safety devices will fall into place naturally, under gravity, as cooling paths exist without active pumps running. When it comes to whether the metro would be able to use such a reactor if interested parties decide to commission the construction, he said, once the teams start building, it will take about five years to build the first reactor. 'This first one will take a year to 18 months for all the legal compliance, testing, and certification. From the second one onwards, construction will go faster.' He explained that the costs for such a reactor should be measured by how much the electricity will cost the customer. 'The electricity from the reactor will cost about the same as coal-fired electricity now. It is completely untrue that nuclear electricity will cost a huge amount,' stressed Kemm. He said there are huge economic benefits for the metro. During construction, hundreds of people will be employed in good-quality jobs, like any industrial construction. Construction materials will also be purchased from local suppliers. Tasks like forming metal parts, cutting, machining and high-integrity welding, and so on, all need to be performed and sourced. 'When the reactor is running, it will employ a couple of hundred people on a full-time basis. These range from engineers to skilled technicians to react to operators to draft craftsmen, such as plumbers and electricians. Many private companies will be involved, supplying goods and services on a regular basis.' According to Kemm, a representative from their Pretoria branch has twice travelled to a country in the Middle East to explain their proposal and architectural designs were carried out for that country, by Pretoria east architects JKDA. To him, it is a positive factor that South Africa has one of the oldest and most experienced nuclear regulators in the world. He said Stratek Global has an impressive building in Centurion, and there is a staff of some 150 people. 'They check and certify all issues concerning the design and construction of any nuclear system, to ensure the safety and protection of people and the environment.' He added that the principle of private or municipal ownership of electricity has already been established by the government for wind and solar systems. 'There is no reason why nuclear will be different. So, the metro, or groups of companies in Rosslyn, could install their own nuclear power. One reactor complex will fit easily on a piece of land the size of a football field. Such ownership is perfectly feasible. In fact, it is possible to have your own private grid,' he concluded. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
