South Africa Joins the GFCC as Sustaining Member

The GFCC is proud to welcome the Government of South Africa, through its Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), as a sustaining member, the highest level of GFCC membership.

DSTI's mandate is to advance South Africa's socio-economic development through research and innovation, providing the leadership, enabling environment and resources that science, technology and innovation require. Its work centers on four areas: research excellence, technology transfer and commercialisation, global partnerships and social and economic impact.

The Department carries out this work with the country's science councils and funding agencies, including the Academy of Science of South Africa, the National Research Foundation, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Human Sciences Research Council, the National Advisory Council on Innovation, the Technology Innovation Agency and the South African National Space Agency. 

South Africa also holds a leading role in the SKA Observatory (SKAO), the intergovernmental organization building the Square Kilometre Array, a global radio astronomy facility hosted across two continents. MeerKAT, South Africa's 64-dish telescope in the Karoo, is being integrated into the array's mid-frequency telescope.

“We are delighted to welcome the Government of South Africa as a GFCC Sustaining Member. South Africa's membership is a milestone for our global community. As one of Africa's most dynamic economies and a hub for science, technology, and innovation on the continent, South Africa brings a vital perspective to our shared work on competitiveness and inclusive prosperity. Its leadership will deepen our engagement with Africa, where some of the world's most important opportunities for growth and innovation lie”, says Deborah L. Wince-Smith, GFCC Founder and President.

“I especially want to recognize Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe, who has been part of the visionary team at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in South Africa that has helped the country  establish its leadership role in science, technology and innovation, including hosting the landmark global science project that is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)".

"On behalf of South Africa, I am pleased that we have officially joined the GFCC. We have already started reaping the benefits of our membership as we have access to an extensive network of technical expertise and innovation ecosystem that stands ready to support our vision of ensuring that science, technology and innovation become embedded as a public good in society, education, industry, and government," Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director‑General Socio‑Economic Innovation Partnerships Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.