Johannesburg: Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has highlighted the importance of building regional knowledge to drive industrialisation in Southern Africa. He emphasized that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) cannot achieve industrialisation by exporting raw materials while importing the knowledge and technology needed to produce finished products.
According to South African Government News Agency, Manamela addressed the SADC Vice Chancellors' Meeting at Wits Business School, stressing the critical role universities play in fostering regional industrialisation, innovation, and economic transformation. He warned that relying on external technologies and knowledge could leave SADC countries as mere consumers while exporting raw materials.
Manamela pointed out that the industrialisation agenda adopted by SADC Heads of State and Government requires strengthening regional capacities in engineering, science, technology, research, and innovation. He emphasized that human capability is an essential part of this infrastructure, highlighting the need for skilled professionals in various fields to design and transform regional infrastructure.
The Minister also discussed the challenges faced by students, academics, and qualifications in crossing borders within the region, emphasizing the need for improved systems of learning. He underscored the importance of the SADC Protocol on Education and Training and the SADC Qualifications Framework as foundational elements but noted that they must be actionable to make a tangible impact.
Manamela supported the proposed SADC University of Transformation, advocating for it to be a network of regional capability rather than a conventional university. He envisions a collaborative approach that connects universities, research councils, and industry through shared programs and resources, enabling a more effective use of regional strengths.
He outlined several areas of focus, including critical-minerals beneficiation, food and water security, climate resilience, energy transition, public health, digital capability, and infrastructure. Additionally, Manamela called for greater investment in regional computing capability and other technological advancements to ensure SADC's participation in the global economy on equal terms.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of increasing women's participation in science, engineering, and technology, pointing out that excluding half the intellectual potential of the region is not viable. He concluded by identifying five immediate priorities, including implementing the SADC Higher Education Strategy and improving academic mobility and qualifications recognition across the region.
