Scientific and Technological co-operation
16 April 2009
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be hosting the visit of
the Ugandan Minister responsible for Science and Technology, the honourable
Ephraim Kamuntu, and a high profile delegation to South Africa from 14 to 18
April 2009.
The visit will culminate in the signing of the bilateral agreement on
scientific and technological co-operation between the two countries.
Dignitaries from the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology
include the honourable Charles Ngabirano (Chairperson of the Science and
Technology Committee of Parliament), the honourable Edward Baliddawa
(Chairperson of the Information and Communication Technology Committee of
Parliament), Mr Michael Olupot-Tukei (Commissioner in charge of science and
technology matters), Mr Gessa Nathan Dawunah (Legal Administrative Officer /
Personal Assistant to the Minister), Dr Peter Ndemere (Executive Secretary), Mr
Julius Ecuru (Assistant Executive Secretary), Mr Edward Tujunirwe (Science
Officer), Ms Aminah Bukenya (Communications Officer) and Ms Hellen Naluyima
(Science Officer).
The DST and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology has been
negotiating a bilateral co-operation agreement since 2006 when a delegation
from Uganda undertook an exploratory visit to acquaint them with the South
African science, technology and innovation system.
The signing ceremony will be held at the Department of Science and
Technology in Pretoria on 16 April 2009 and marks the beginning of deliberate
efforts to position science, technology and innovation as a main driver of
development in the two countries.
The visit will afford both countries the opportunity to deliberate on areas
of mutual interest and cooperation and will include biosciences, indigenous
knowledge systems, environment and climate change, energy research, research
and innovation management capacity, formulations of strategic partnerships,
information and communication technology, science technology and innovation
policy development, public understanding of science and technology, and human
capital development in basic sciences.
The delegation will undertake visits to a number of institutions in the
South African National System of Innovation, including the Agricultural
Research Council, National Research Foundation, Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research, Innovation Hub, Tshwane University of Technology,
University of Pretoria and Department of Science and Technology.
The signing of the bilateral agreement signals the commitment by both
parties to work together in the advancement of science, technology and
innovation and will pave the way for the development of a plan of action which
will facilitate the identification of priority areas and the consolidation of
resources to implement the agreement.
All media are invited to attend the signing ceremony.
Event details:
Date: 16 April 2009
Venue: DST Offices, Ministerâs Boardroom, Building No 53, Council Scientific
and Industrial Resources (CSIR) Campus, Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria,
Pretoria
Time: 11h00 to 12h00
To RSVP and media enquiries contact:
Zama Mthethwa
Assistant Director: Media Liaison: Department of Science and Technology
Tel: 012 843 6781
Cell: 082 808 3956
E-mail: zama.mthethwa@dst.gov.za
For more information about the South Africa, Uganda bilateral cooperation,
contact:
Ms Anneline Morgan
Manager: Africa Cooperation: Department of Science and Technology
Tel: 012 843 6334
Cell: 082 523 4918
E-mail: anneline.morgan@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
16 April 2009
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za)
