Keabetswe T. Ncube, the NEF ambassador of South Africa. A PhD candidate at the Agricultural Research Council, registered PhD Genetics with University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is the recipient of the National Research Foundation Innovation Doctoral Scholarship Award as well as the Agricultural Research Council Professional Development Scholarship which rewards excellence among young scientists and researchers. United States Forest Services International Visitor Program Alumni by completing her research exchange program at the USDA-ARS Animal Genomics Improvement Lab in Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Ms. Ncube’s work with ARS enhances ongoing work by the ARS lab on the USDA-USAID Feed the Future Livestock Improvement Project. She has been named a Top Outstanding Young Person in academic Excellence by Junior Chamber International South Africa (2017).
South Africa is currently considered one of the most technologically advanced countries in Africa. South Africa is working to profile its scientific achievements and to advance its position among the world’s scientifically and technologically advanced countries. In order to achieve this, the Department of Science and Technology provides leadership, an enabling environment and resources for science, technology and innovation. It will be necessary to accelerate our efforts to build a society that is scientifically literate. This means that we must ensure that our citizens are aware of the importance of science for the growth of the economy and the well-being of ordinary people and are sufficiently informed about science to engage critically with policymakers. It also means that we must support science education and promote careers in science. Science, technology and innovation serve to make people’s lives easier and more comfortable. Therefore, South Africa has enabled research and development in strategic and emerging focus areas such as space science, energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, photonics and indigenous knowledge systems. Science Engagement provides the basis for the national coordination of science engagement initiatives that will stimulate an appreciation of the role of science and technology in building a knowledge-intensive economy and a better life for all.
