Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor said her department’s role in stimulating economic growth and job creation had never been more important.
Speaking to the staff in her department this month, Pandor said economic growth and job creation remained a priority for her under this administration.
South Africa’s economic growth has stalled under the current administration. While Pandor’s department is needed to try help stimulate growth, it also needs the economy to perform better if Pandor’s goals are to be realised.
“As you all know this year you are going to have to do more with less, more tasks with fewer resources, more projects with fewer staff,” said Pandor.
“I want you all to stay committed to achieving the goals set out in the Annual Performance e Plan,” added the Minister.
Research and Development continues to be a key area of performance, and attracting foreign investment for that research is crucial.
While Pandor wants her department to be a spearhead in this sphere, she admits that government cannot do this alone, adding that the private sector’s role had also become increasingly significant.
“The support and more active participation of the private sector in the commercialisation process will assist not only in increasing the local pool of high-tech investment resources, but also address the scarcity of skilled individuals to take more products, processes and services to the market,” she said.