‘Science and Technology Policy: A Report from the Mission on Science and Technology Policy for a Democratic South Africa’

“This book is the third in a four-volume series that describes policy-related processes undertaken by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in South Africa. It represents part of the contribution of Canada, and in particular IDRC, to the process of political transition from apartheid to democratic governance.” (van Ameringen, 1995)

In the Preface to the book, editor and IDRC Regional Director Marc van Ameringen writes: “The current interest in S&T policy is a major break from the past. Under apartheid, S&T policy formulation was a selective process controlled by a few key officials in the government and involving limited consultation even within its own ranks. S&T policy was captive to South Africa’s strategic and military interests, forwarding those of the white minority. As Jayendra Naidoo (then COSATU negotiations coordinator) remarked: ‘Science and technology policy was used to underpin the state’s oppressive apparatus and bolster apartheid.’ In essence, the S&T system that emerged was fragmented, unfocused, and poorly managed. […]

“The Mission process was significant for a number of reasons. It empowered the democratic movement by putting international resources at its disposal to undertake a comprehensive review of theS&T systems in South Africa. Furthermore, the process gave the democratic movement the credibility it needed to engage with the leadership of key national institutions and government. It also clearly moved the terrain for charting S&T policy for South Africa from government to the democratic movement.

“The report itself represented an important contribution to the S&T debate. Key principles outlined the steps that needed to be taken into account to transform the sector; at the same time, it provided a fair assessment of the status of the S&T system. Although the report was clearly important, what was more critical was the fact that the Mission provided a vehicle to address these issues. The significance of this cannot be underplayed in terms of its role in addressing the past, beginning to change mindsets, and paving the way for the future.” (van Ameringen, 1995)