By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
South African National Space
Agency (SANSA) CEO Humbulani Mudau has called for stronger collaboration
between universities, government institutions, research organisations, industry
and communities to translate scientific research into practical solutions for
South Africa’s development.
Mudau made the remarks
following his participation in the 9th Annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Lecture
at the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus.
The lecture, delivered by
South Africa’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Ambassador Phil Mjwara, was
held under the theme “The Role of Universities in Local Economic Development in
Modern-Day Industrialisation.”
The lecture examined the
contribution of universities and state institutions to innovation, industrial
development and the country’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Mjwara outlined three stages
in South Africa’s industrial development, including the establishment of
foundational industrial capabilities, the development of state entities and
strategic industrial sectors such as defence, energy, chemicals, nuclear and
space, and the subsequent shift towards strategic technology missions and
demonstrators.
Mudau said the discussion
highlighted the need for institutions to move beyond generating knowledge and
research towards developing capabilities and practical solutions that address
national development challenges.
He pointed to the SANSA-led
Natural Resources Management Programme (NRMP) as an opportunity for the
University of Fort Hare to apply Earth observation capabilities to local
development challenges in the Amathole Municipality.
The programme could support
the municipality in monitoring land-use changes and strengthening planning for
long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Mudau said closer
collaboration between universities, science councils, government and
communities would be critical to ensuring that research and innovation generate
measurable development outcomes.
He also highlighted
digitalisation, sustainability and manufacturing as key elements of South
Africa’s emerging industrial landscape, saying realising opportunities in these
areas would require coordinated action across the country’s National System of
Innovation.
For SANSA, Mudau said the
focus remains on ensuring that investments in space science, Earth observation
and related technologies translate into practical applications that support
better planning, sustainable development and improved outcomes for communities.
