South Africa and Botswana are to increase their scientific and technological cooperation in line with a bilateral agreement signed this week.
The agreement provides for research partnerships and exchange programmes between the two countries.
Speaking at the official signing ceremony in Gaborone, Science and Technology minister Mosibudi Mangena noted that the agreement marked an important milestone in the history of the science and technology systems of the two countries.
He said the critical role played by science and technology in poverty reduction had been recognised in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and New Partnership for Africa`s Development (NEPAD).
The minister reiterated the government`s view that learners should be encouraged to pursue natural and life sciences.
"This will happen more easily if our scientists, engineers and technologists can demonstrate to learners that their efforts can lead to the improvement of their daily lives in things such as clean water supply, safe and affordable energy, improved telecommunications infrastructure and services," Mangena said.
Mangena said the agreement was particularly meaningful "given the long and difficult path we had to traverse in the history of our two countries."
He said: "In South Africa in particular, the apartheid regime considered mathematics, science and technology as irrelevant for the African majority. All opportunities for the majority of our people to develop in science and technology were deliberately closed."
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