Page 3 - Science in Africa

Honouring

our African

SCIENTISTS

It is within the possibility of
science and technology to
make even the Sahara bloom

into a vast field with verdant
vegetation for agricultural and

industrial development

KWAME NKRUMAH, 25 MAY 1963

hursday, 25 May 2017, marks the 54th anniversary of
the Organisation of African Unity, now the African
Union, which was established with the aim of
creating an integrated, prosperous and peaceful
continent. The day is a celebration of African
Tidentity, culture and values.
25 May this year also marks five years since South
Africa and its African partners were awarded the rights
to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) by the
international SKA Organisation in 2012.
Our continent is one with a history of oppression,
exploitation, slavery and colonialism, but also one
with hope, drive and dynamic potential. A taste of
this potential is given here, in the stories of a
few of our outstanding researchers.
This booklet profiles 52 of the scientists in
Africa who are generating knowledge to
make the continent, and the world, a better
place. There are many more, but those
acknowledged here, nominated by the
institutions for which they work, are doing
some phenomenal scientific work towards
addressing poverty, unemployment and
inequality.
The booklet also acknowledges the
excellent research done by women
scientists, who are increasingly taking
their place in a once male-dominated
domain.
The Department of Science and
Technology will continue to support the
implementation of the Science, Technology
and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA)
and Agenda 2063.
I hope that many more potential scientists
will follow in the footsteps of the men and
women proudly showcased in this publication.
Minister of Science and Technology,
South Africa
Naledi Pandor, MP
SCIENCE IN AFRICA 3