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Visit by Minister Mosibudi Mangena at the invitation of the Swiss State Secretary for Education and Research, Dr Charles Kleiber

26-30 June 2005

Venue: Switzerland

Berne – South African Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, is visiting Switzerland at the invitation of the Swiss State Secretary for Education and Research, Dr Charles Kleiber, from 26 to 30 June 2005. Minister Mangena is accompanied by senior representatives from his Department of Science and Technology, the National Research Foundation (NRF), Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Minister Mangena’s visit takes place against the background of South Africa’s objective to:

• Strengthen the existing good relations with Switzerland;
• Develop and increase cooperation in the field of science and technology; and
• Discuss challenges in National Systems of Innovation, especially progressing from research to innovative products and services.

In Switzerland, Minister Mangena paid a courtesy visit to his counterpart, Minister of Interior and also responsible for Education and Research, Mr Pascal Couchepin, on Monday, 27 June 2005.

During the visit, Minister Mangena engaged in bilateral discussions with the Swiss Secretary of State for Education and Research, Dr Charles Kleiber. The major theme of their discussions was to increase Science and Technology Cooperation between the two countries. The discussions culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between South Africa and Switzerland.

The MoU commits the two countries to maintain and develop cooperation in various fields of science, technology and innovation, promote joint workshops, seminars etc. in the priority areas agreed upon. The conclusion of the MoU follows a Declaration of Intent signed in Pretoria during a visit by Dr Charles Kleiber and delegation to South Africa in November 2004.

Both parties used the opportunity to discuss the possible reciprocal exchange of scientists from South Africa and Switzerland. Such an exchange between the two countries will focus on post graduate/doctoral research in areas such as life sciences and nanoscience. Exchanges of scientists and joint research opportunities will be used to celebrate 2005 as the International Year of Physics, and a special collaborative project in the area of physics will be introduced.

Minister Mangena and his delegation had numerous appointments with various Swiss science and innovation institutions to determine and discuss possible areas for closer cooperation.

Issued by: The Department of Science and Technology