South Africa South Africa’s Minister of Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande has announced a new program to bolster cooperation in science, technology, and innovation between South Africa and Palestine.
The announcement was made during the parliamentary vote on the 2024/25 budget on Tuesday.
Nzimande emphasized that the program would prioritize supporting the protection, reconstruction, and development of research and innovation capacities and infrastructure in Palestine.
This decision follows a series of partnerships between the two nations, as reported by the South African Government News Agency.
The collaborative efforts include a joint research project, initial funding for developing knowledge networks between South Africa and Palestine, and hosting Palestinian researchers and students in South African exchange programs.
Additionally, the initiative will facilitate the exchange of political expertise in science policy and system development from South Africa.
Nzimande stated that the program aligns with the strategic goal of the Department of Science and Innovation to use science diplomacy to promote human solidarity, social justice, and support South Africa’s foreign policy. He assured parliament members that the National Research Foundation would implement the new program, funded from the department’s current budget for international cooperation.
