South Africa-Japan Science and Technology Relations

8/9/2019 South Africa-Japan Science and Technology Relations

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FOREWORD

I welcome the signing of the Science and Technology Co-operationAgreement between the South African and Japanese Government on 28

August 2003. This agreement places South Africa as the only African countrywith fully-fledged science and technology co-operation agreement with Japanand has paved a way for further collaboration between the two countries.

The establishment of the Science Forum in May 2004, for example,demonstrates the commitment of both countries in identifying and promotingcollaboration in specific areas of science and technology. The secondment ofMr Yoshinari Akeno as a Science and Technology Advisor to the Departmentof Science and Technology in South Africa confirms the commitment of theJapanese Government to strengthen scientific and technological collaborationwith South Africa. In order to mirror this appointment and ensure strategic

management of the science and technology agreement, the South AfricanGovernment appointed Mr Vuyani Lingela as a Science and TechnologyRepresentative to Japan.

Notwithstanding these successful interventions, other areas of mutual benefitin science and technology need to be addressed, including:

Advanced manufacturing applying Computer-Aided Design andComputer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) Rapid Prototyping tobenefit industries in both countries.

Co-operation in research on new materials. South Africa remains theworlds leading producer of platinum, a metal used by the autocatalystindustry. Japanese companies on the other hand continue to lead inthe development of micro fuel cells using platinum electrode catalysts.

Co-operation in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to supportboth countries to meet the emission reduction targets agreed to underthe Kyoto Protocol, as well as the Millennium Development Goals.

Enhancing the exchange of postgraduate students, researchers andteaching positions between universities and research institutions inboth countries.

In collaboration with both the South African and Japanese Government, I willcontinue working towards increased co-operation in science and technologybetween the two countries.

Dr B NgubaneAmbassador of South Africa

September 2004


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South Africa and Japan: science and technology 2

Table of contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................... 5

1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 7

2. South Africa-Japan Partnership Forum............................................................. 7

2.1 The 1st Partnership Forum............................................................................... 8

2.2 The 2nd Partnership Forum .............................................................................. 8

2.3 The 3rd Partnership Forum............................................................................... 8

2.4 The 4th Partnership Forum............................................................................... 8

2.5 The 5th Partnership Forum............................................................................... 9

2.6 The 6th Partnership Forum............................................................................. 10

3. Science and Technology Co-operation............................................................ 10

3.1 Inter-governmental collaboration ................................................................... 10

3.1.1 Department of Science and Technology ................................................. 10

3.1.2 Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) .................................... 11

3.2 Inter-institutional collaboration ....................................................................... 12

3.2.1 National Institute for Material Science (NIMS)......................................... 12

3.2.2 South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) ................................... 13

3.2.3 Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory (HartRAO)................. 14

3.2.4 iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Science (iThemba LABS) .... 14

3.2.5 South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI).......................... 14

3.2.6 Council for Geoscience........................................................................... 14

3.3 Inter-university collaboration.......................................................................... 14

3.3.1 University of Witwatersrand .................................................................... 14

3.3.2 University of Cape Town......................................................................... 14

3.3.3 University of KwaZulu-Natal.................................................................... 15

3.3.4 University of Pretoria............................................................................... 15

4. Science and Technology Agreement ............................................................... 15

4.1 The role of The Presidency............................................................................ 15


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4.2 Japanese Science and Technology Advisor .................................................. 16

4.3 South African Science and Technology Representative ................................ 17

5. The 1st South Africa-Japan Science Forum..................................................... 17

5.1 Biotechnology................................................................................................ 18

5.2 Information and communications technology................................................. 19

5.3 Infectious diseases........................................................................................ 20

5.4 New and advanced materials ........................................................................ 21

5.5 Nanotechnology ............................................................................................ 21

5.6 Human capital development .......................................................................... 22

5.6.1 High performance computing .................................................................. 22

5.6.2 Infectious diseases ................................................................................. 22

5.6.3 New and advanced materials, as well as nanotechnology....................... 23

5.6.4 Exchange of scientists and students....................................................... 23

6. The 1st Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Co-operation ....... 24

7. Future co-operation in science and technology ............................................. 25

7.1 The 7th Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum.............................................. 25

7.2 The 2005 Aichi World Expo ........................................................................... 25

7.3 The Japan-South Africa S&T Policy Forum ................................................... 25

7.4 Research collaboration.................................................................................. 25

7.5 New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD)..................................... 28

8. Conclusion......................................................................................................... 29


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List of abbreviations and acronyms

ARC : Agricultural Research CouncilCSIR : Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

CSTP : Council for Science and Technology PolicyDACST : Department of Arts, Culture and Science and TechnologyDST : Department of Science and TechnologyFABI : Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology InstituteGDP : Gross Domestic ProductHartRAO: Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical ObservatoryHPC : High Performance ComputingICT : Information and Communication TechnologyIT : Information TechnologyJICA : Japanese International Co-operation AgencyJSPS : Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

MEXT : Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, science and TechnologyMINTEK : Council for Mineral TechnologyMRC : Medical Research CouncilNACI : National Advisory Council on InnovationNEPAD : New Partnership for Africas DevelopmentNFRI : National Food Research InstituteNIAS : National Institute of Agrobiological SciencesNII : National Institute of InformaticsNIID : National Institute of Infectious DiseasesNIMS : National Institute of Materials SciencesNIPR : National Institute for Polar ResearchNISTEP : National Institute of Science and Technology PolicyNRF : National Research FoundationNSI : National System of InnovationODA : Official Development AssistancePlantBio : National Innovation Centre for Plant BiotechnologyR&D : Research and DevelopmentRCAST : Research Centre for Advanced Science and TechnologyRIKEN : Institute of Physical and Chemical ResearchSAAO : South African Astronomical ObservatorySAAVI : South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative

SADC : Southern African Development CommunitySINET : Super Science Information NetworkSPII : Support Programme for Industrial InnovationTHRIP : Technology and Human Resources for Industry ProgrammeTICAD : Tokyo International Conference on African DevelopmentTitech : Tokyo Institute of TechnologyUCT : University of Cape Town


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Government of South Africa played a significant role in establishing and

fostering bilateral relationship with Japan through the four Partnership Forummeetings hosted by South Africa (SA) as well as the two Partnership Forummeetings hosted by Japan since 1999. Bilateral issues discussed in thesemeetings include international affairs, trade and investment, economic co-operation, S&T, and cultural exchanges. It was during the fifth PartnershipForum meeting in 2002 where the content of the draft S&T agreement wasnegotiated by government officials from both countries with a view toconcluding an agreement on S&T collaboration. The S&T Agreement wasfinally concluded between SA and Japan during the 6th Partnership Forummeeting on 28 August 2003 in SA. This Agreement constitutes a frameworkfor scientific and technological collaboration between Japanese and South

African institutions.

Even then a limited number of South African government departments, highereducation institutions, as well as public and private R&D institutionsestablished collaboration activities with relevant Japanese S&T institutionssince 1997. These activities included: Policy meetings between MEXT andDST, as well as public R&D institutions; ODA programmes between JICA andprovincial government departments as well as schools; S&T collaborationactivities between Japanese institutions such as NIMS, NIPR, RIKEN withSouth African institutions such as CSIR, MINTEK, Council for Geoscience,SAAO, HartRAO, iThemba LABS, as well as universities such as University ofWitwatersrand, UCT, University of KwaZulu-Natal and University of Pretoria.

Following the agreement on S&T, the Japanese Government dispatched aS&T Advisor, Mr Yoshinari Akeno, to SA for a period of two years with effectfrom 1 March 2004. He has been appointed to advice on concrete co-operation between SA and Japan in the process of implementation of the SA-Japan S&T Co-operation Agreement. The South African Governmentappointment Mr Vuyani Lingela as a S&T Representative to Japan for aperiod of four years with effect from 1 September 2004. He has beenappointed to facilitate collaboration in S&T between SA and Japan.

With the S&T agreement in place, S&T co-operative activities between SAand Japan may include:

Meetings of various forms, such as those of experts, to discuss andexchange information on scientific and technological aspects of generalor specific subjects and to identify research and development projectsand programmes that may be usefully undertaken on a co-operativebasis.

Exchange of information on activities, policies, practices, and laws andregulations concerning scientific and technological research and

development.


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Visits and exchange of scientists, technical personnel, or other exertson general or specific subjects.

Implementation of agreed co-operative projects and programmes Other forms of co-operative activities as may be mutually agreed upon.

The first Science Forum meeting between SA and Japan in May 2004established priorities for co-operation in S&T between SA and Japan. Priorityresearch areas that were identified include: biotechnology; information andcommunication technology; advanced and new materials; nanotechnology;infectious diseases; and S&T policy studies. The first Joint Committeemeeting between the Government of SA and Government of Japan adoptedthese research priority areas as a basis for future co-operation in S&Tbetween the two countries. In addition to the areas adopted above, thepossibility to include additional areas of co-operation, such as the S&T policystudies and co-operation between funding agencies was considered.

In the joint Committee Meeting, it was agreed that a Working Group chaired atthe level of Director for Bilateral Co-operation will be established to implementco-operation in the areas above. The Working Group will meet once a yearand the dates for meetings would be finalised through correspondence. Othernew areas of co-operation will include the 7th SA-Japan Partnership Forummeeting that will take place in Japan on 30 September to 1 October 2004.South African delegation consisting of government representatives willparticipate in the Partnership Forum meeting. South Africa will also beparticipating in the 2005 World Expo to be held in Aichi, Japan on 25 March to25 September 2005. Several South African Government departments andother relevant public and private institutions will exhibit in the Expo.

The S&T Policy Forum is proposed to be held as a side event during the AichiWold Expo in Japan in April 2005 to create a platform where Japanese andSouth African Government officials and researchers can openly exchangeviews and experiences on key S&T issues. The two key outcomes of thePolicy Forum will include: Increased understanding by government officialsand researchers of the reorganization of the Government of Japan tosignificantly strengthen its national S&T administrative system; and sharedlessons by both the South African and Japanese Government officials andresearchers on compilation of indicators for scientific research, technological

development and innovation activities to strengthen national innovationsystems.

The common interest in S&T policy between SA and Japan unlocksopportunities for joint collaboration between researchers in higher educationinstitutions, as well as other public and private R&D institutions. On the otherhand, the differences characterised by the economic dominance of Japancombined with the wealth of human capital with high-quality training in mathsand science unlocks opportunities to support South Africas S&T as well asAfrican systems of innovation in general.


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1. Introduction

After the release of former President Nelson Mandela from prison, Japanopened an Embassy in Pretoria in 1992, but fully-fledged diplomatic relations

between South Africa and Japan started only after 1994. President ThaboMbeki paid a state visit to Japan at the invitation of the Government of Japanin October 2001. During this visit, President Mbeki said:

Japan is for us in Africa, an important and inspiring example of how to overcomeseemingly insurmountable obstacles to become one of the leading economies inthe world. The impressive lesson that is found amongst the Japanese people - thesheer energy, industry and innovation - has on numerous occasions, helped to buildand rebuild this country from setbacks, including the destructions and ruins of theSecond World WarFrom the success of this country since the Meiji Restoration,through the breathtaking advances out of the ruins of the Second World War, I am

confident that Japan has many lessons to offer many of us as we strive to createconditions that will ensure that all of humanity lives the life fit for humans.

The Agreement concluded on 28 August 2003 between South Africa andJapan on co-operation in science and technology (S&T) constitutes aframework for South African and Japanese S&T institutions to build capacityand promote S&T co-operation between the two countries as well as theAfrican continent as a whole. Following this Agreement, the South AfricanGovernment appointed Mr Vuyani Lingela as a Science and TechnologyRepresentative to Japan for a period of four years with effect from 1September 2004. He has been appointed mainly to facilitate collaboration in

S&T between South Africa and Japan.

This report describes inter-governmental, inter-institutional and inter-universityrelationships that contributed to the implementation of the agreement on S&Tbetween South Africa and Japan. Further, it presents modalities for future co-operation in S&T to increase flows of scientific knowledge and resources toSouth Africa through participation in joint programmes with Japan, as well asfacilitating the participation of South Africa as a significant player in theinternational S&T arena.

2. South Africa-Japan Partnership Forum

At the invitation of the Government of Japan, the previous South AfricanDeputy President Thabo Mbeki and Mrs Zanele Mbeki, accompanied by theDeputy Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad and senior officialsvisited Japan from 7-10 April, 1998. During the course of the visit, the DeputyPresident and Mrs Mbeki had an audience with Their Majesties, The Emperorand Empress of Japan, at the Imperial Palace.

Deputy President Mbeki exchanged a wide range of views of future bilateraland multilateral relations with then Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, thenMinister for Foreign Affairs Keizo Obuchi, and then Minister of InternationalTrade and Industry Mitsuo Horiuchi. In order to also expand relations further


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in various areas, the Government of South Africa and Japan decided toestablish a "Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum" co-chaired by Ministers inorder to strengthen co-operation in the areas such as international affairs,trade and investment, economic co-operation, science and technology, andcultural exchanges.

2.1 The 1st Partnership Forum

The Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum meeting was held for the first timein January 1999 on the occasion of a visit to South Africa by former JapanesePrime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. Mr Hashimoto, who became a SeniorForeign Policy Advisor to the late Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi after resigningin July 1998, headed the Japanese delegation to the Partnership Forum. Healso and had talks with then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, then ForeignMinister Alfred Nzo and other South African leaders.

2.2 The 2nd Partnership Forum

The 2nd South Africa-Japan Partnership Forum meeting was held later in April1999 when Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Keizo Takemi held discussionswith Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad in South Africa.

2.3 The 3rd Partnership Forum

The 3rd Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum meeting was held in March2000 during a visit of Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in Japan. Co-operation in science and technology between South Africa and Japan wasdiscussed amongst other matters.

2.4 The 4th Partnership Forum

In July 2001, Minister Essop Pahad chaired the 4th South Africa-JapanPartnership Forum meeting, which was attended by Mr Seiken Sugiura, then

Senior Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this Forum, the Department of Arts,Culture, Science and Technology (now DST) made an input, once again, onthe desirability of concluding a Science and Technology Agreement betweenSouth Africa and Japan. The Japanese Government, once again, suggestedthat it was important to first seek to achieve exchange between South Africaand Japan in science and technology.

His Excellency Ambassador Yasukuni Enoki of Japan requested that aworkshop be held at the end of August 2001 to discuss specific projectproposals for South Africa in the field of Information Technology (IT).

Ambassador Enokis request followed four important events:


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In January 2001, the then Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori made a tour ofAfrican countries and pledged co-operation for IT development in Africa.

At the G-8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit in July 2000, IT was taken up asone of the main subjects of discussion and the Okinawa Charter on

the Global Information Society was adopted.

Prior to the Summit, Japan had announced a Comprehensive Co-operation Package to Address the International Digital Divideconsisting of non-Official Development Assistance (ODA) and ODApublic funding with the view to extending a total of US$15 billion overfive years. This Co-operation Package is carried out by positivelyexamining IT-related project proposals and no special framework is setup for IT co-operation. The Package puts emphasis on the followingfour fields: raising awareness and contributing intellectually to policyand institution-building; developing and training human resources;

building IT infrastructure and providing assistance for networkestablishment; and promoting the use of IT in development assistance.

In order to bring the idea of a Co-operation Package into practice,Japan engaged in policy dialogues with developing countries interestedin IT development. In June 2001, the Japan IT delegation headed byMr Wataru Nishigahiro, the Deputy Director-General of the EconomicCo-operation Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited SouthAfrica institutions to investigate the possibilities of Japanese assistancein the field of IT to South Africa. In a meeting with the IT delegation, DrG Von Gruenewaldt was requested to prepare two proposals forsupport under Japans Comprehensive Co-operation Package toAddress the International Digital Divide.

The two project proposals in the field of IT were submitted by the Departmentof Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (now DST) to the Embassy of Japanand the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for consideration.One proposal was on ICT Research and Training Capacity in South AfricanInstitutions of Higher education with a total budget of about R12.5 millionover 5 years. The second proposal was on Assistance with Training of ITStaff at Higher Education Institutions in South Africa with a total budget of

about R9.9 million.


The Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad led the South African delegation to the 5thJapan-South Africa Partnership Forum meeting in Japan in May 2002. TheSouth African delegation included four officials of the Department of Arts,Culture, Science and Technology (DACST) including Mr Themba Wakashe,Deputy Director-General; Dr Botlhale Tema, Chief Director International Co-operation; Mr Simon Mpele, former Deputy Director Bilateral Co-operation;

and Mr Vuyani Lingela, former Assistant Director Technology Development.


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The DACST delegation discussed the content of the draft Science andTechnology (S&T) Agreement with Japan and the dispatching of the S&Texpert to South Africa to facilitate and expedite the implementation of theAgreement. Minister Pahad emphasised that the S&T agreement will be thefirst ever between Japan and an African nation.


The 6th South Africa-Japan Partnership Forum meeting was held in SouthAfrica on 28-29 August 2003. Participating institutions in the PartnershipForum included the Departments of Trade and Industry; Arts and Culture,Science and Technology; National Treasury; Environmental Affairs andTourism; Education; Agriculture; Health; and the South African Police Service.

Minister Yano was accompanied by among others, Masahiro Kono, Director-

General: Sub-Saharan African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; YasukuniEnoki, Japan's Ambassador to South Africa; Hiroshi Nagano, Director-General: International Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Scienceand Technology (MEXT); Hideyuki Tsunoda, Director: International ExchangePromotion, International Science and Technology Affairs Bureau (MEXT); andYoshinari Akeno, Manager, International Co-operation Office of TechnologyTransfer and Research Co-ordination Division, RIKEN.

3. Science and Technology Co-operation

3.1 Inter-governmental collaboration

3.1.1 Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Arts and Culture, Science and Technology (now the DST)has undertaken a number of high-level visits to Japan, including the visits inMarch 2000 by Mrs Bridgette Mabandla then Deputy Minister and by thenMinister Dr Ben Ngubane in October 2000, to discuss co-operation in the fieldof science and technology. During Minister Ngubanes visit, the two countriesagreed to intensify co-operation in areas of mutual interest, especially in

Information Technology, Biotechnology and New Materials.

At the invitation of the DACST (now Department of Science and Technology),the Japanese delegation visited South Africa on 17-19 September 2001. TheJapanese delegation was led by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,science and Technology (MEXT). The delegation visited a number of SouthAfrican science and technology institutions to discuss opportunities for futureco-operation. The delegation participated in a South Africa-Japan Scienceand Technology Workshop with various stakeholders. In the workshop it wasagreed that an intergovernmental science and technology agreement wouldfacilitate future co-operation between the two countries; the exchange of

students and scientists could be an important element in future collaboration;


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and direct inter-institutional co-operation could likewise be an importantelement in future collaboration.

The DST led a visit to Japan by a delegation consisting of Mr Simon Mpele,Deputy Director Bilateral Co-operation; Dr Dave Walwyn, CSIR; and Dr

Francis Petersen, MINTEK; and Dr Khotso Mogele, President of the NationalResearch Foundation (NRF) in February 2003. The visit was supported byMEXT for to main reasons; to further draft the S&T agreement prior to theMinisterial signature; and to visit various Japanese institutions of interest toSouth Africa as possible partners in collaborative projects. The delegationvisited the NIMS, NIAS, NFRI, RCAST, NIID, Titech and JICA, where anumber of potential areas for co-operation and possible mechanisms forfunding joint projects between South Africa and Japan were made known.Most of the areas for co-operation and possible mechanisms for funding werefurther discussed during the South Africa-Japan Science Forum held in May.

3.1.2 Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA)

The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), one of Japans ODAimplementing body, is manly responsible for implementing technical co-operation for developing countries. JICA invites engineers (and skilledworkers) and governmental officials from developing countries to Japan fortraining in a variety of fields. It also dispatches experts with skill andknowledge suited to the countrys needs. It provides the equipment needed totransfer technology appropriately and effectively. It also sends various studygroups to draw up development plans for developing countries and regions.JICA dispatches volunteers such as Japan Overseas Co-operation Volunteers(JOVC) and Senior Volunteers. It also organises major training programmesfor international co-operation specialists in Japan.

As of 2003, 14 JICA volunteers have been working in South Africa in thefollowing five areas.

Education. Two training courses on Local Educational Administrationand Management and the In-Service Teacher Education and Trainingin Science and Mathematics to the Mpumalanga Department of

Education. The University of Pretoria, as a partner, supports the projectwith academic issues, research activities and teachers careerdevelopment. JICA also offers a scholarship programme, at the NarutoUniversity and Horoshima University in Japan.

Health. Seven Departments of Health received equipment for theInformation Education and Communication Programme in 2002. InKwaZulu-Natal, the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studiesreceived laboratory equipment to aid research in 2003. JICA alsoconducts training in Japan for South Africans to acquire advancedinformation already available in Japanese medical institutions.


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Agriculture and Rural Development. In October 2002, JICAintroduced a Study for the Integrated Holistic Rural Development andSoil Conservation in Limpopo province. It also offers two trainingcourses, Rural Development in the Field of Agriculture and VegetableCultivation, annually in Japan.

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). JICA is offering twotraining courses on Policies for Promotion of Small and Medium ScaleEnterprises, and Consultancy Service on Small and Medium Industries.It also conducted a study in 2002 on the Development of Small andMedium Enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal.

Capacity Building for Local Government. JICA offers trainingcourses in Japan, entitled Regional Development Administration andLocal Government Administration, to relevant officials at both provincialand local level especially in the North West Province.

In July 2004, JICA expressed interest to support mobilisation of academichuman resource including research, consultation and training initiatives intothe developing programmes based on the Department of Science andTechnology.

A DST delegation including Ms Noncedo Vutula, Manager InternationalTechnology Information; Ms Nonhlanhla Mkize, Deputy Director InternationalTechnology Information; and Albert Gazendam, CSIR, visited Japan on 3-9April 2004 to learn from and develop a joint training programme withJapanese institutions involved in database development and technologyinformation gathering, analysis, monitoring and dissemination. The visitculminated in a S&T Policy Analysis Internship programme that will be offeredto the DST officials by NISTEP in November 2004 with the support of JICA.

3.2 Inter-institutional collaboration

3.2.1 National Institute for Material Science (NIMS)

The NIMS is a research institution in Japan established on 1 April 2001,

following a merger of the National Research Institute for Metals (NRIM) andNational Institute for research Inorganic Materials (NIRIM). Activecollaborations between South African science councils, CSIR-Mattek andMINTEK, and NIMS were initiated with the aim to develop advanced high-temperature alloys for the next generation of jet engines, high efficiency gas-turbines, high performance space rockets and others. Table 2 detailscollaboration activities between these three institutions since 1997.

Platinum group metals (PGM) are becoming key elements as alloy additionsor even as base metals because of their high melting points, highoxidation/corrosion resistance, etc. Hence the effective use of PGMs for

developing high temperature alloys is the main aspect of the collaboration.Continuing activities at the NIMS include the development of new materials for


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nano-devices, research into nano-scale materials for energy andenvironmental applications, and other nano-materials research, primarilyfocusing on metallic and inorganic materials.

Table 1. Collaboration activities

Period Activity

02/05/2004 During the 1st South Africa-Japan Science Forum in May 2004, NIMSconcluded two Memoranda of Understanding with MINTEK and CSIR toexpand collaboration in the field of new and advanced materials.

12/2000 Dr H. Harada and Mr S Sato visited South Africa for a few days toconsolidate existing collaborations in both formal and practical aspects.

06-12/2000 Ms Patricia Hill of MINTEK visited NRIM to conduct microstructuralinvestigation of Platinum-based alloys. Several academic papers based

on this research were published in a scientific journal.

11/1999 South African delegation visited NRIM to follow up on the memorandumon Collaboration in Materials Research and Development. Thedelegation included Dr C. Scheffer (DST), Dr M. Corties (MINTEK), ProfP. Ngoepe (University of the North), Mr J. Benson (CSIR), and Dr L.Cornish (University of the Witwatersrand) who were received by Dr H.Harada.

06/1999 NRIM launched the High Temperature Materials 21 Project (FY. 1999-2004). The Project plan involves Mattek (CSIR) and MINTEK

03/1999 Visit by NRIM delegation led by Dr H. Harada to the Department of Arts,

Culture, Science and Technology (now DST), Mattek, and MINTEK.Mattek, MINTEK and NRIM signed a memorandum on Collaboration inMaterials Research and Development including four potential areas forcollaboration; Nickel-based superalloys, PGM-based alloys, Computersimulation, and Ceramics.

10/1997 Visit of the South African Technology Foresight Programme members toNRIM. Members included Mr John Stanko and Mr Bongani Mamela,with specific responsibility for the Mining, Mineral and Metal processingsector.

09/1997 Visit by the Dr Ngubane: Minister of Arts and Culture, Science andTechnology (now DST) to NRIM: Nickel-based superalloys with platinum

group metals (PGMs) additions, PGMs-base refractory superalloys, andothers.

09/1997 Evaluation test of Nickel-base superalloys developed at NRIM wasmade by Mattek: collaboration bridged by the Dr Brendan Barker of theBritish Council Tokyo, Japan.

3.2.2 South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)

The agreement on scientific collaboration in the field of astronomy was

concluded between the SAAO and the Graduate School of Science, NagoyaUniversity in 1998.


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3.2.3 Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory (HartRAO)

The agreement on scientific collaboration in the field of astronomy wasconcluded between the HartRAO and the National Institute for Polar Research(NIPR) in 2001.

3.2.4 iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Science (iThembaLABS)

The agreement on scientific collaboration in the field of nuclear physics wasconcluded between the iThemba LABS and the Research Center for NuclearPhysics, Osaka University in 2003. The iThemba LABS is also collaboratingwith Kyushu University in the field of nuclear physics on theoreticalcalculations for experimental data.

3.2.5 South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI)

The SANBI started collaborating with RIKEN in the field of life science onFunctional Annotation of Mouse Project.

RIKEN is engaged in basic research, which will form the foundation of nano-science technology for future generations. This includes the measurementand control of nano-level properties and functions, simple quantummanipulation toward the development of new information processing devices,

and space-time function materials for manufacturing auto-changing, auto-reacting materials, and materials that can change over time.

3.2.6 Council for Geoscience

The Council for Geoscience is collaborating with the NIPR in the field ofGeology on polar research and on semi-controlled earthquake-generationexperiments in deep gold mines.

3.3 Inter-university collaboration

3.3.1 University of Witwatersrand

The agreement on inter-university exchange between the University ofWitwatersrand and the Soka University was concluded in 1995.

3.3.2 University of Cape Town

The agreement on inter-university exchange between the University of CapeTown and the Waseda University was concluded in 2000.


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3.3.3 University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Kansai Gaidai University wasconcluded an agreement on inter-university exchange.

3.3.4 University of Pretoria

The agreement on inter-university exchange between the University ofPretoria and the Naruto University of Education was concluded in 2002.

4. Science and Technology Agreement

4.1 The role of The Presidency

In October 2001, President Thabo Mbeki paid a state visit to Japan at theinvitation of the Government of Japan. He was accompanied by his wife, MrsZanele Mbeki, and six Ministers including Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dr B Ngubane, Minister of Arts, Culture, Scienceand Technology; Mr A Erwin, Minister of Trade and Industry; Mr V Moosa,Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism; Ms AT Didiza, Minister ofAgriculture and Land Affairs; and Dr ME Tshabalala-Msimang, Minister ofHealth.

During the course of the visit they had an audience with Their Majesties the

Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Imperial Palace on October 1.President Mbeki met Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and a wide range ofviews on bilateral relations, African regional issues, and multilateral issueswere exchanged. Japan expressed its willingness to facilitate co-operation forIT dissemination throughout Africa. Japan also emphasised its activeimplementation of a US$ 3 billion programme over five years under the"Okinawa Infectious Diseases Initiative", also for African countries, which aremost seriously affected by infectious diseases. At the same time, Japanrepeated its intention to contribute US$200 million to the Global HIV/AIDS andHealth Fund, which is highly appreciated by the international community.South Africa welcomed the policy visits by Japanese IT and Infectious

Diseases task teams to various African countries in this regard earlier in theyear.

Welcoming progress on bilateral co-operation in the area of science andtechnology, both Governments decided to start negotiations with a view toconclude an agreement on science and technology co-operation. They alsoshared the view that the conclusion of the first ever agreement on science andtechnology co-operation, based on the principle of equality and mutual benefitbetween Japan and an African country would be of great significance. Japanalso provided South Africa with a draft Agreement, a document approved byall the Ministries involved in Science and Technology in Japan.


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The Science and Technology Agreement between South Africa and Japanwas finally concluded during the 6th Partnership Forum on 28 August 2003 inPretoria, South Africa. Dr B Ngubane, then Minister of Arts, Culture, Scienceand Technology and His Excellency Mr Yori Enoki, the former Ambassador ofJapan, signed the Science and Technology Agreement on behalf of the South

African and Japanese Government respectively. This Agreement constitutes aframework for scientific and technological collaboration between Japaneseand South African S&T research institutions.

In terms of this Agreement, S&T co-operative activities between South Africaand Japan may include:

Meetings of various forms, such as those of experts, to discuss andexchange information on scientific and technological aspects of generalor specific subjects and to identify research and development projectsand programmes that may be usefully undertaken on a co-operative

basis.

Exchange of information on activities, policies, practices, and laws andregulations concerning scientific and technological research anddevelopment.

Visits and exchange of scientists, technical personnel, or other exertson general or specific subjects.

Implementation of agreed co-operative projects and programmes.

Other forms of co-operative activities as may be mutually agreed upon.

4.2 Japanese Science and Technology Advisor

At the request of the South African Government, the Japanese Governmentdispatched a Science and Technology Planner, Mr Yoshinari Akeno, to SouthAfrica from 26 August to 23 September 2003. During his visit to South Africa,Mr Akeno visited research councils, other public and private institutions anduniversities to collect information on the current research and development

activities and needs in South Africa. He identified possible areas or projects ofmutual benefit for collaboration between both countries and proposed theaction plan to realize the collaboration.

Following the agreement on science and technology on 28 August 2003, theJapanese Government dispatched a science and Technology Advisor, onceagain Mr Akeno, to South Africa for a period of two years with effect from 1March 2004. His key responsibilities in South Africa include policy advice inthe field of science and technology for better co-operation between the twocountries under the Science and Technology Agreement; and advice onconcrete co-operation between the two countries in the process of

implementing the Science and Technology Agreement. He facilitated the visitof two Japanese experts Missions to South Africa in March 2004 and


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contributed in organising the South Africa-Japan Science Forum and the JointCommittee meeting in May 2004.

4.3 South African Science and Technology Representative

The South African Government appointment Mr Vuyani Lingela as a scienceand Technology Representative to Japan for a period of four years with effectfrom 1 September 2004. Mr Lingela, a former recipient of the JapaneseGovernment Scholarship (Monbusho), studied in Japan at the TokyoUniversity of Agriculture and Technology in 1999-2001.

Mr Lingela has been appointed to facilitate collaboration in science andtechnology between South Africa and Japan.

His key responsibilities include:

Supporting international cooperation programmes and buildingpartnerships in the field of the development and joint commercializationof high technologies, science-intensive products and services.

Supporting the alignment of South African science and technologypolicies and programmes trough active participation in internationalscience benchmarking exercises.

Supporting through international cooperation programmes SouthAfricas skills and human resource development imperatives.

Attracting foreign investment and venture capital to support the nationaland regional science and technology and innovation systems.

Promoting a strong South African input into the international scienceand technology for sustainable development discourse as well asNEPAD and international science and technology policy formulation.

Assistance to key customers and ad hoc requests.

5. The 1st South Africa-Japan Science Forum

During the 6th Partnership Forum, it was agreed between the Japanese andSouth African Government that South Africa host the first South Africa-JapanScience Forum in May 2004. At the invitation of the Ministry of Education,Culture, Sports, science and Technology (MEXT), the Department of Scienceand Technology (DST) delegation including Ms Anati Canca, GeneralManager Human Capital and Science Missions; Mr Moeketsi Modisenyane,Deputy Director Bilateral Co-operation; and Mr M Chetty, ProgrammeManager NEPAD-ICT, CSIR visited Japan on 19-23 January 2004. The

delegation discussed areas of science and technology co-operation; aframework of co-operation; preparation for the South Africa-Japan Science


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Forum; and the dispatching of a science and Technology Adviser to SouthAfrica.

The Science Forum was held in South Africa on 10-14 May 2004. The aim ofthe Science Forum was to identify and stimulate specific areas of science and

technology collaboration by involving relevant research institutions in bothcountries. It consisted of site visits to public research institutions; theworkshop between researchers, private organizations and governmentorganizations at the CSIR International Convention Centre; and the JointCommittee Meeting between the two Governments. The framework forresearch co-operation in biotechnology, information and communicationtechnologies, infectious diseases, new and advanced material andnanotechnology was discussed by separate interest groups at the workshop.

5.1 Biotechnology

The group discussing biotechnology agreed that co-operation must be drivenby strategic issues from both countries and be of mutual benefit. Thediscussions on research co-operation included:

The relevance of food security for both South Africa and Japan

The opportunity offered by biotechnology to increase yields, developresistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stressors (particularly droughtin the case of Africa) and increase nutritional value (e.g. levels of

protein, amino-acids and vitamins).

The opportunities resulting from the rice genome information, andresources data developed in Japan were welcome.

The relevance of bio-fortification for poorer African Union countries.

The opportunity for South Africa to learn from the extensive Japaneseexperience on the public understanding of biotechnology arising fromthe attitude of Japanese public towards genetically modified organisms.

Alternative routes to genetic improvement (e.g. cyclotron mutagenesis)

The importance of wood (a major South African export item) and fibrebiotechnology and the importance of pulp and paper industry for Japan.

Post-harvest pathogens (fungi in particular).

Opportunities to add value to Africas indigenous plant biodiversity.

Research on indigenous crops (e.g. millet and sorghum) for the benefitof the poorer African Union countries.


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During the biotechnology group discussions, the following four researchthemes and nodal points were identified to facilitate joint collaboration:

Application of the rice genome information and resources, andalternative transformation methods, for the benefit of Africas staple

cereal crops. This theme will include key stressors such as drought.The nodal points are Dr D Berger (FABI, South Africa), Dr S Mundree(PlantBio, South Africa) and Dr K Okuno (NIAS, Japan).

Value addition to secondary metabolites from Africas indigenousplants to aid in combating infectious diseases. The nodal points are DrB Okole (CSIR, South Africa) and Dr T Muranaka (RIKEN, Japan).

Wood and fibre biotechnology. The nodal points are Dr AA Myburg(FABI, South Africa) and Dr T Demura (RIKEN, Japan).

Public understanding of biotechnology. The nodal points are Mr BenDurham (DST, South Africa) and Dr K Higo (NIAS, Japan).

It was agreed that the above research themes do not prevent groups talkingto each other about other possible areas of collaboration in the future. BothJapanese and South African organisations must be prepared to invest timeand effort into learning more about science policies and issues of strategicimportance between both countries.

It was suggested that Japan and SA should develop templates from theiruniversities and research organisations summarising their capacity andexpertise. It was agreed that short-term exchange visits by scientists fromboth countries is an excellent way of learning about one another s capacitywhile working together to develop complete project proposals to be submittedat a bi-lateral or international level for research funding.

5.2 Information and communications technology

The discussion group focusing on information and communicationstechnology (ICT) identified the three research priority areas and nodal points

to facilitate joint collaboration:

In the area of High Performance Computing, it was suggested thatcollaboration should focus on intensive skills transfer and humancapital development programmes between Japan and SA. The nodalpoints are the University of Cape Town (UCT, South Africa) and theNational Institute of Informatics (NII, Japan).

It was suggested that emphasis of Human Language Technologies beon collaborative research programmes and projects. These projectsshould focus on multilingual computer user interfaces, robust spoken

dialogue systems and open source tools for language technologyresearch. The nodal points are the University of Pretoria and MEXT.


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With regard to Earth Observation and Space, collaboration should beproject-related. The following two projects were suggested; thedevelopment of an integrated web-based remote sensing portal andthe development of an appropriate Earth Observation system fordisaster management.

5.3 Infectious diseases

The group on Infectious diseases focused on HIV/AIDS and otheropportunistic diseases particularly entero-pathogens and respiratorypathogens and medicinal plants. The following areas were identified for co-operation:

Capacity building by teaching programmes and training.

Clinical trials in South Africa of vaccines developed in Japan.

Manufacturing capacity, facility and product Development.

Direct investment by Japan in the SAAVI.

Safety and efficacy evaluation of HIV candidate vaccines.

The four research themes proposed for joint collaboration included:

Genetic and phenotypic characterization of HIV.

Genetic subtype monitoring and surveillance of entero-pathogens andrespiratory pathogens and tuberculosis in HIV positive and negativepatients.

Bio-prospecting for therapeutic agents such as medicinal plants andfauna.

Immunology of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

The South African institutions that expressed interest in the areas identifiedabove include;

SAAVI; University of Venda; MEDUNSA; Stellenbosch University; WitsUniversity; University of Kwa-Zulu Natal; and the National Institute ofinfectious Diseases (Japan).

Fact-finding missions of the South African researchers to Japan and viceversa were proposed as an immediate action in order to identify specificinstitutions and researchers, the required capacity and infrastructure and todecide on time fames, budget and implementation.


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5.4 New and advanced materials

Previous interactions and agreements on high temperature materials betweenJapanes and South African researchers date back a number of years, and thediscussions started at the point of finalising a Memorandum of Understanding

between NIMS, MINTEK and CSIR on 12 May 2004. The collaborations in thearea of high temperature materials will be further developed towards actualbenefits in the field of energy, environment, transportations and others in bothcountries.

The group on new and advanced materials identified the following areas forcollaboration and the nodal points to facilitate joint collaboration:

Nickel-base superalloys and coatings. The nodal points are Mr. R Bean(CSIR, South Africa) and Dr Harada (NIMS, Japan).

Platinum group metals base superalloys. The nodal points are Dr LCornish (MINTEK, South Africa) and Dr Harada (NIMS, Japan).

Modelling and analysis. The nodal points are Prof P Ngoepe(University of the North, South Africa) and NIMS (Japan).

Turbine materials for Helium-gas nuclear reactor. The nodal point isNIMS (Japan).

Refractory alloys. The nodal points are MINTEK (South Africa) and

NIMS (Japan).

Exchange of researchers.

5.5 Nanotechnology

The Japanese group that attended the session is not directly involved innanotechnology and for that reason the South African group proposed areasthat should be of mutual benefit. Areas of mutual benefit were based ongeneral focus and the Japanese nanotechnology research strategy articulated

in the Basic Plan. The following areas were identified for co-operation:

Precious Group Metals and gold. The nodal points are Dr D Compton(MINTEK) and Dr Harada (NIMS).

Drug delivery, nano-encapsulation of drugs (TB, Malaria, HIV). Thenodal points are Dr Hulda Swai (CSIR), Biomaterials Centre, Dr HiroshiWatanabe; possibly Dr Tanaka (NIMS).

Synthesis of nanomaterials. The nodal points are Dr Malik Maaza (WitsUniversity) and Dr Bando (NIMS).


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Energy materials, fuel cells, solar cells etc. The nodal points are Ms LPetrick (UWC) and Dr Miyazawa (NIMS).

Characterization (Japan has well equipped facilities in characterizationand synthesis but SA lacks such facilities). The nodal points are Dr T

Hillie (CSIR) and Dr Kazuo Furuya (NIMS).

Modelling. The nodal point is Prof P Ngoepe (University of the North,South Africa).

A full list of activities in South Africa to be studied by Japan as possiblestarting point for other areas of collaboration. The current focus should firstlybe on the areas identified.

5.6 Human capital development

5.6.1 High performance computing

The following human capital development opportunities were identified in thearea of High Performance Computing (HPC):

Programme on student exchange.

Sharing of information on Japanese experiences in setting up andmanaging the HPC and Super Science Information Network (SINET)facilities.

Technical assistance from Japan in setting up the grid infrastructure atthe University of Cape Town.

Opportunities for the South African students, researchers to dointernship programmes at Japanese HPC facilities.

5.6.2 Infectious diseases

The type of human capital development suggested by the group focusing oninfectious diseases was;

The exchange of scientists through studentships, fellowships and shortvisits.

The Japanese researchers expressed interest to learn more about theSouth African ethical policies on HIV/AIDS and the implementation ofthe clinical trials in South Africa.

A programme encouraging visits by the Japanese Postdoctoral fellows

to conduct research in South African institutions was proposed.


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5.6.3 New and advanced materials, as well as nanotechnology

The group on new and advanced materials, together with the nanotechnologygroup considered human capital development. Their discussions focused onthe following areas:

Awareness generation is important to excite young people aboutscience and particularly materials and nanotechnology fields.

Materials research must be relevant and have a social impact. If notyoung people will not be interested. Japan can play an important role indemonstrating job opportunities in materials and nanotechnology fields.

Post doctoral exchange programs are required, but a support base willbe needed upon return. Industry contribution is critical to create to takenew researchers.

Develop relevant curriculum and strengthen capacity for materialsactivities and research in the higher education institutions.

5.6.4 Exchange of scientists and students

The total numbers of the South African (SA) and Japanese exchangestudents under the Japanese Government Scholarship, as well as the SouthAfrican scientists in Japan under the Japan Society for the Promotion of

Science (JSPS) Program are detailed in Table 1 below. The data suggestslow numbers of exchange students between South Africa and Japan; eventhen the number of Japanese students studying in South Africa is much lowercompared to South African students studying in Japan.

The number of South African JSPS Postdoctoral Fellows in Japan is also verylow compared to the number the Egyptian JSPS Postdoctoral Fellows. Aspecial funding mechanism proposed in the 1st South Africa-Japan ScienceForum meeting is necessary to stimulate joint research collaboration andexchange of students and scientists between South Africa and Japan.

Table 2. Japan-South Africa student exchange

2000 2001 2002

SA research students in Japan 7 9 7

Other SA students in Japan 1 2 3

Japanese students in SA 3 4 5

SA Invitation Fellows (JSPS) 1 0 0

SA Postdoctoral Fellows (JSPS) 0 2 2

Egyptian Postdoctoral Fellows (JSPS) 20 27 31


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6. The 1st Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Co-operation

The South Africa-Japan Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Co-operation (hereinafter referred to as the Joint Committee) met for the first timein South Africa on 13 May 2004. The South African delegation was led by Mr

D Naidoo, Group Executive International Co-operation and Resources of theDepartment of Science and Technology, and the Japanese delegation wasled by Mr Yoshitaka Hanada, Minister of the Embassy of Japan in SouthAfrica. It was agreed that the Joint Committee meet once in two years and bechaired at Deputy Director-General level by both the South AfricanDepartment of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ofJapan.

The chairpersons of the interest groups of the 1st Science Forum workshoppresented summary reports on the four areas of co-operation, which includedbiotechnology, ICT, infectious diseases, new and advanced materials andnanotechnology. The delegates discussed and deliberated issues such as keyareas of co-operation, identifying participating institutions, time-frames andnext steps such as exchange visits. The significance of future co-operation,particularly in the application of the rice genome information, resources, andalternative methods for research on Africas crops and Infectious Diseaseswas emphasized. In is considered that the Memorandum of Understandingconcluded between NIMS, CSIR and MINTEK will help accelerate progress inco-operation between these institutions.

The Joint Committee adopted the report-back on the South Africa-Japan

Science Forum Workshop. It was agreed that the possibility to includeadditional areas of co-operation, either than biotechnology, ICT, infectiousdiseases, new and advanced materials and nanotechnology, such as thescience and technology policy studies and co-operation between fundingagencies be considered. It was agreed that a Working Group chaired at thelevel of Director for Bilateral Co-operation will be established to implement co-operation these areas. The Working Group will meet once a year and thedates for meetings would be finalised through correspondence.

It is envisioned that the co-operation between the respective funding agencies,the National Research Foundation (NRF, South Africa) and the JSPS, could

facilitate South Africa-Japan S&T co-operation. It was agreed to hold the 2nd

Joint Committee meeting in 2006 in Japan. An invitation was extended toJapan to participate in the Innovation, Science, and Technology Fair to beheld in South Africa on 1-3 November 2004 as part of the Department ofScience and Technologys celebration of the 10 years of South AfricasDemocracy. The Japanese delegation requested to be given more time toconsult with their government and their private sector on possible participationin the Fair.

It was agreed that the draft minutes of the Joint Committee meeting besubmitted for consideration by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The

final dates for the 7th Japan-South-Africa Partnership Forum in Japan will beannounced by both the Japanese and South African Governments.


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7. Future co-operation in science and technology

7.1 The 7th Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum

The 7th South Africa-Japan Partnership Forum will take place in Tokyo, Japan

on 30 September to 1 October 2004. Mr Aziz Pahad, Deputy Minister ofForeign Affairs, will lead the South African delegation. The aim of thePartnership Forum is to strengthen the bilateral co-operation in the areas suchas international affairs, trade and investment, economic co-operation, scienceand technology, and cultural exchanges. The S&T Representative will provideassistance at the request of the South African Government departments andthe relevant public institutions to facilitate their participation in the PartnershipForum.

7.2 The 2005 Aichi World Expo

Following the Cabinet approval, South Africa will be participating in the 2005World Expo to be held in Aichi, Japan on 25 March to 25 September 2005.The S&T Representative will provide assistance at the request of the SouthAfrican Government departments and the relevant public and privateinstitutions to facilitate their participation in the 2005 World Expo.

7.3 The Japan-South Africa S&T Policy Forum

It is proposed that the Science and Technology Policy Forum be held as aside event during the Aichi Wold Expo in Japan in April 2005. The aim of thisPolicy Forum is to create a platform where Japanese and South AfricanGovernment officials and researchers can openly exchange views andexperiences on key S&T issues based on their research experience and S&Tpolicy implementation in both countries.

The two key outcomes of the Policy Forum will include:

Increased understanding by government officials and researchers ofthe reorganization of the Government of Japan to significantly

strengthen its national S&T administrative system.

Shared lessons by both the South African and Japanese Governmentofficials and researchers on compilation of indicators for scientificresearch, technological development and innovation activities tostrengthen national innovation systems.

7.4 Research collaboration

Figure 1 below illustrates an approach adopted to identify, communicate and

facilitate opportunities for joint research collaboration between South Africanand Japanese researchers in priority research areas including biotechnology;


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information and communication technology; advanced and new materials;nanotechnology; infectious diseases; and science and technology policystudies, as agreed in the 1st South Africa-Japan Science Forum in May 2004.

Stage 1

The Bilateral Co-operation Unit (Unit) in South Africa and the South AfricanScience and Technology Representative (S&T Representative) to Japan willmeet and interview researchers, research managers and policy makers inboth countries to assess the research situation and needs, as well as plans toimplement research strategies.

South African Researchers Japanese ResearchersStage 2

Research Abstracts Research AbstractsStage 3

Joint Research ProposalsStage 4

Request for Abstracts,Needs and Situational Analysis

Stage 1

South African Fund

NRF

Stage 3Institutional Fund

MRC MINTEK PlantBio CSIR ARC

SAAVI etc.

SA-Japan Joint Funding ProgrammeStage 4

SA-Japan Research CollaborationStage 5

Competitive Fund NRF Innovation Fund THRIP SPII etc.

Japanese Fund

JSPS

Institutional Fund

NIMS RIKEN NIAS NIID etc.

Competitive Fund Grants-in-Aid for

Scientific Research JST Basic Research

Program Special Coordination

Funds for Promoting S&T etc.

South African Researchers Japanese ResearchersStage 2

Research Abstracts Research AbstractsStage 3

Joint Research ProposalsStage 4

Request for Abstracts,Needs and Situational Analysis

Stage 1

South African Fund

NRF

Stage 3Institutional Fund

MRC MINTEK PlantBio CSIR ARC

SAAVI etc.

SA-Japan Joint Funding ProgrammeStage 4

SA-Japan Research CollaborationStage 5

Competitive Fund NRF Innovation Fund THRIP SPII etc.

Japanese Fund

JSPS

Institutional Fund

NIMS RIKEN NIAS NIID etc.

Competitive Fund Grants-in-Aid for

Scientific Research JST Basic Research

Program Special Coordination

Funds for Promoting S&T etc.

Figure 1. Framework for research collaboration


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Stage 2

Following meetings with researchers in the Unit and the S&T Representativeidentify researchers in both countries and request abstracts of their researchproposals. The relevant opportunities will be reported or communicated timely

to appropriate South African and Japanese institutions. Research proposalsfrom researchers (bottom-up approach) will also be accepted for submissionto appropriate researchers in both countries.

Stage 3

The Unit and the S&T Representative submit abstracts to relevantresearchers in both countries. The S&T Representative in Japan will follow-upby arranging meetings with Japanese researchers who received abstractsfrom the Unit in SA. The Unit, in return will follow-up by arranging meetingswith South African researchers that received abstracts from the S&T

Representative in Japan.

In addition to the above, both the Unit and the S&T Representative will consultgovernment, independent institutions (science councils and independentadministrative institutions) to identify opportunities for research funding. TheUnit and the S&T Representative will provide sufficient information onopportunities for competitive research funding, where South African andJapanese researchers can jointly apply for open competitive funding, basedon their novel research concept and a combination of their expertise.

Stage 4

When the South AfricanJapan research funding for human capitaldevelopment is established under a joint NRF-JSPS Memorandum ofUnderstanding, funding can be ring-fenced specifically to support proposalssubmitted jointly by South African and Japanese researchers. The NRF-JSPSEvaluation Committee can meet once per year to evaluate proposals. Ad hocrequests will be funded, subject to the availability of money and the number ofresearch proposals per year. The research proposals will focus largely onpriority areas agreed upon in the South Africa-Japan Joint Committeemeetings, but will not exclude new important initiatives.

Stage 5

As a result of this approach:

A limited number of researchers can undertake research jointly basedon the positive evaluation by the NRF-JSPS Evaluation Committee,subject to the availability of human capital development funding forSouth Africa-Japan research collaboration.

Independent institutions such as MRC, NIMS, PlantBio, RIKEN, etc.

can provide funding, subject to the availability of funds in theseinstitutions to undertake joint research initiative.


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South Africa and Japan researchers can also undertake joint researchdepending on the successful joint research proposal approved forfunding by a competitive research fund in either country.

7.5 New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD)

Japan initiated the Tokyo International Conference on African Development(TICAD) process in 1993, and the conference is held in Tokyo every fiveyears to discuss and promote African development. That process wasbolstered with a second Tokyo conference in 1998. The Heads of AfricanState adopted the NEPAD in October 2001. The goals of the NEPAD are toachieve and sustain an average GDP growth rate of over 7% per year for thenext 15 years and to ensure that the African continent achieves the agreedInternational Development Goals for education, poverty reduction and genderequity.

Remarking on Japan's African Co-operation Initiative on 14 May 2003, PrimeMinister Junichiro Koizumi said:

Now that NEPAD is in place, Japan's basic policy on co-operation for Africa will beto support NEPAD through the TICAD process, and to expand partnership for thatpurpose.

The NEPAD Ministerial Conference in 2003 stressed that it is a priority for allAfrican countries to have comprehensive national science, technology andinnovation policies with emphasis on the development of effective National

Systems of Innovation. The Conference also recommended that allprogrammes of NEPAD should ensure that S&T are integral inputs in theirconceptualisation and implementation in order to accelerate progress alongthe pathways for the realisation of Africas goals: job and wealth creation,poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.

The following flagship programme areas were identified and adopted:Biodiversity science and technology; Biotechnology; Information andCommunication Technologies; Energy technologies; Materials science; Spacescience and technologies; Post harvest food technologies; Water sciencesand technology; Indigenous Knowledge & technologies; Desertificationresearch; Science and technology for manufacturing; and Laser technology.

Following an approach detailed in Figure 1, the South African S&TRepresentative in Japan will meet and interview the Diaspora of Africanscientists, international divisions in Government, higher education institutions,as well as public and private R&D institutions in Japan to investigateavailability of opportunities for collaboration in areas identified in the NEPADScience and Technology Action Plan to benefit South Africa and the Africancontinent as a whole. The S&T Representative will report relevantopportunities for collaboration with Japan timely to appropriate South African

institutions.


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8. Conclusion

The physical distance, economic and cultural differences between Japan andSouth Africa are some of the obvious disparities between the two countries. Inthe words of Mr Yasukuni Enoki, former Ambassador of Japan to South Africa

on 21 September 2001:

Japan and South Africa both stand with one foot in each two worlds. For Japan,one foot is in Asia, while the other is in the Western World or the Global World. ForSouth Africa, one foot is in Africa, while the other is in the Western/Global World.

Despite marked differences between South Africa and Japan, concluding ascience and technology agreement has established a basis for co-operation inR&D and human capital development. There are also common interests inS&T policy between the two countries, particularly the strong focus on lifesciences and biotechnology, information and communication technologies,

advanced materials and nanotechnology.

The common interest in S&T policy between South Africa and Japan unlocksopportunities for joint collaboration between researchers in higher educationinstitutions, as well as other public and private R&D institutions. On the otherhand, the differences characterised by the economic dominance of Japancombined with the wealth of human capital with high-quality training in mathsand science unlocks opportunities to support South Africas S&T as well asAfrican systems of innovation in general.


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Contact:

Mr Vuyani LingelaScience and Technology Representative

South African Embassy, Japan

414 Zenkyoren Building, 2-7-9 Hirakawa-cho, 2-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093Tel: +81 3 3265 3366, Fax: +81 3 3265 1108, E-mail: [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]

South Africa-Japan Science and Technology Relations

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