Prof Makgoba will also deliver the Phillip Tobias Lecture during INSITE 2008, the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, on 17 September at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The Lecture and award ceremony are one of the highlights of INSITE which is held biennially by the Department of Science and Technology.  

The Phillip Tobias Award was developed from the establishment of the Philip Tobias Lecture, which honours Professor Tobias’ contribution to the sciences of palaeo-anthropology and genetics through anatomical studies.

“We have nominated Professor Makgoba in acknowledgement of the contribution he has made as an intellectual and scientist. His ongoing contributions to the country’s science systems are truly valued,” said Dr Mangena.

Said Professor Makgoba: “I feel inspired and humbled by the honour, particularly because it was Philip Tobias who has been a great inspiration and unifier for science and society in South Africa for many years. To be asked to give a lecture named after him is special to me.”

Professor Makgoba, an internationally recognised molecular immunologist, has received a number of honours and distinctions, one of which being the opportunity to present one of the plenary talks at the Annual Conference of the British Society for Immunology in Glasgow.

In October 2007, he was awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Imperial College Faculty of Medicine in the United Kingdom, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical research, international public health and university administration.

About INSITE

Driven by the DST, INSITE showcases progressive solutions for many of the world’s problems today through demonstrating the practical application of world leading innovation, science and technology and creating a vision of what the future holds.

The theme of INSITE 2008 will focus on three core and interrelated focal areas, namely: Youth and the imperative to address the critical skills shortages in science and engineering sectors of the economy; strategic economic interventions; and, sustainable development.

Held alongside this Exhibition will be the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) themed: “The role of science parks in accelerating knowledge economy growth – contrast between developed and emerging economies.”

It is hoped that staging INSITE alongside such a prominent international conference will further bridge the gap between developed and emerging economies through the sharing of best practices.  

This will provide INSITE 2008 visitors and exhibitors with an opportunity to view and compare regional and international S&T expertise as well as an opportunity to link up with the vast international IASP network (comprising 358 members emanating form 73 countries).

Commenting on the range of local, regional as well as international visitors and exhibitors that are expected to participate, Dr Mangena expressed his department’s confidence that the exhibition would result in further fruitful science and technology partnerships for the region.

“We expect this exhibition to provide opportunities for collaborative efforts between our researchers and their international counterparts,” says the Minister.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is: "The role of science, Technology and Innovation as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development".

Minister Mangena says economic growth and sustainable development is of particular importance to developing countries, where there is a need to find technological innovations to address some of its more pressing problems such as housing and energy shortages.

“As a continent we are hard pressed to find affordable but durable building materials in the place of bricks and mortar, and to develop a sustainable supply of cheaper and safer forms of energy,” he adds.

The capacity for science and technology in South Africa has not yet been fully translated into innovative and dynamic business opportunities. In a competitive international environment a sound scientific and technological base, from which wealth-creating technological innovations and applications can develop, is essential for economic growth.

In this environment South Africa must develop a competitive, sustainable, and fast growing economy that creates national prosperity, with the key to building a competitive industrial base, being knowledge, innovation and productivity.

“However, for this to be achieved, South Africa needs to embrace the current skills shortages in Science, Engineering and Technology and INSITE 2008 will address some of these issues,” says Dr Phil Mjwara, Director General of the DST.

Dr Mjwara says the competitiveness of a country depends on its capability to create innovations that are based on science and technology, and on its industry’s ability to turn them into products and services for the world market.

“It is only through a competitive economic strategy that we can ensure the relevance of South Africa in the African and international community. Therefore, South African industry has to invest in technology, research and development, quality of product and operations, and in worldwide marketing like we’re doing at INSITE,” he adds.

INSITE drew 5 899 and 6 298 visitors and exhibitors from over 50 countries in 2004 and 2006 respectively. These included key decision makers, big business, the general public, learners and teachers, as well as local and international science and technology practitioners and the private sector.

Booking for exhibit space started at the end of 2007. Exhibition pavilion spaces at INSITE 2008 will range from 24sqm to 108sqm.

For more information, contact:

Kristin Klose, Manager: Communication, Department of Science and Technology, Mobile +27(0) 82 902 9503 or email: Kristin.klose@dst.gov.za

or

Jo Melville, managing director of Exhibitions for Africa on (011) 886 3734 or email: jom@exhibitafrica.co.za