Uncategorized
By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation used a Freedom Month event in one of KZN’s most rural municipalities to show how technology can be used to close service-delivery, safety, and youth-opportunity gaps.
Deputy minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina hosted the community engagement on democracy and science at Oqondweni Hall in Mbazwana, where about 250 community members, including young people and older residents, were exposed to government services, SAPS drone technology and internship opportunities through the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
Other institutions to take part in the event were the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department of Social Development and the Independent Electoral Commission.
ALSO READ: Manamela charts path for sustainable higher education funding
“All the institutions that you see here today are using science, technology and innovation to improve service delivery to communities countrywide. For example, South Africa uses digital technology to manage social grants for millions of citizens because digitalisation increases efficiency and financial inclusion,” Gina told the crowd.
“Access to scientific knowledge, innovation and opportunities is essential for participating fully in our democracy, and for building a more equal and prosperous society,” she said.
Gina said democratic South Africa had, since 1994, invested in science and innovation as tools for transformation, inclusion and development. She said democracy was strengthened not only through political rights, but also through equitable access to knowledge, innovation and practical solutions that respond to everyday community challenges.
Local residents were given the opportunity to interact directly with government departments and agencies on issues including justice, social development, safety, employment and access to public services.
Nqubeko Mbhele, an Information Technology expert at the HSRC, told the community that research helped government better understand people’s needs and improve services in areas such as health, education, safety, jobs and social support.
“From visiting households across the country to strengthening community voices, the HSRC continues to ensure that democracy works for the people by putting their lived experiences at the centre of decision-making,” said Mbhele.
The HSRC also promoted its internship graduate programme, which has benefited more than 7,000 unemployed graduates since 2005 by providing workplace experience and research skills in science, engineering and technology, as well as in humanities and social sciences.
ALSO READ: Malatsi withdraws draft AI Policy
Mbhele encouraged youth in the area to further their studies so they could access opportunities created through democracy and science-based development programmes.
In one of the most practical demonstrations of the day, Warrant Officer Owen Howard, a SAPS drone pilot in KwaZulu-Natal, flew a Matrice M30 drone fitted with wide, zoom and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder.
“Years ago, the SAPS did not have this technology to locate a missing person in the bush, for example. Now we can use thermal imaging to help find missing persons without immediately deploying a helicopter,” said Howard.
Resident Lindiwe Mabika said the event gave her useful information about science, technology and future opportunities. Mabika said her main focus was to continue her studies in primary health.
“The information I received today will help me plan for a better future for myself. I am also grateful to have known about the HSRC internship programme. Hopefully, I will be one of its beneficiaries in the future,” said Ms. Mabika.
Senamile Khumalo, 36, from Heifer Project South Africa (HPSA), said communities benefited when they were exposed to information and support that could help them improve their lives.
“I am particularly hopeful that the youth in the area stand to benefit the most. It was also encouraging to hear those government initiatives that can assist in protecting the young and elderly in our community,” Khumalo said.
Khumalo also appealed to young people to join HPSA, a community development organisation that partners with impoverished rural communities to fight poverty through agricultural development.
“At HPSA, we provide rural youth with training support to learn how to take care of livestock and to start their own farming businesses,” she said.
The event also gave Gina an opportunity to assess how science, technology and innovation were being applied in the local municipality to improve service delivery.
The ministry said the engagement demonstrated how the District Development Model could improve socio-economic conditions by aligning local, provincial and national government planning.
uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality is situated in the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal and has a population of about 163,694 people. The rural municipality is heavily dependent on subsistence farming, with major agricultural initiatives including fruit processing and livestock farming aimed at alleviating poverty.
According to the municipality, 18% of the population has had no formal education, 57% did not complete Grade 12, and only 8% completed Grade 12 or higher.
