Strengthening the voice of African science globally through pan-African collaboration is imperative for shaping a stronger continent, says UP Future Africa Director

Edwin Naidu

PRETORIA – Inter-African collaboration among academics and science researchers on the continent remains low despite widespread calls at a political level to foster partnerships, according to Dr Heide Hackmann, University of Pretoria’s Director of Future Africa at the University of Pretoria.

“There’s been steady growth in international (foreign) collaborative papers with countries outside Africa: 58% of all papers in 2022 were multi-authored papers with at least one African author compared to 34% in 2003,” says Dr Hackmann.

Dr Hackmann was part of a panel discussing “Research funding flows in and for Africa: A SGCI Masterclass Working Paper” by, among others, fellow presenter Prof Johann Mouton, (Director of the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST) at Stellenbosch University) at a Masterclass under the auspices of the Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI) Annual Forum and Global Research Council (GRC) Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya.

The draft paper, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), shows that an increase in foreign collaboration (measured only by multi-authorship) in any study of science in Africa was linked to the massive investment by international funders in fields (such as global health, agriculture, climate change, astronomy, and astrophysics) where international collaboration is essential.
In addition to Prof Mouton, and Dr Hackmann, the research team that compiled the review was made up of Stellenbosch University’s Dr Isabel Basson, Dr Ahmed Hassan, and Ms Lynn Lorenzen; Future Africa’s Mr Jason Owen, STEPRI (CSIR-GHANA): Dr Wilhemina Quaye, Dr Gordon Akam-Yonga, Dr George Essegbey, Dr Justina A. Onumah and Dr Nana Kofi Safo; and, the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (Leiden University): Dr Rodrigo Costas, Dr Ismael Rafols and Mr Jonathan Dudek.

Considering the challenges faced by the world, Dr Hackmann adds that people are recognising the importance of strengthening African science systems by strengthening the voice of African scientists in global science arenas. Ahead of a consultative meeting, which is part of the 2023 South Africa Science Forum event, convened by Future Africa and the International Science Council (ISC), entitled “Unleashing the global potential of African science: Towards the next level of collaborative action,” on 4 December, Dr Hackmann says longstanding efforts to build scientific capacity and develop African science systems are starting to yield positive outcomes with Africa’s share of academic publication output more than doubling from 1.5% in 2005 to 3.2% in 2016, and the citation impact of African-authored papers has been increasing steadily over the past 30 years from 0.48 in 1980 to 0.73% in 2014.

“Furthermore, institution-building efforts such as the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) were strengthened, and new multilateral funding partnerships have emerged, for example, the 20 clusters of research excellence of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities (The Guild).” Despite these positive developments, persistent challenges exist across the broader African science ecosystem.

During the presentation in Mombasa, Prof. Mouton says, however, that the low public and private investment levels in research and development (R&D) remain a trend in most African countries. This bleak narrative contrasts with knowledge production patterns by African nations as bibliometric studies of articles authored or co-authored by scientists and scholars over the past two decades show healthy annual growth, according to findings in a paper on global science funding flows in Africa. According to Mouton, research publication output increased nearly tenfold, from 13,470 articles in 2003 to 128,076 published articles by African academics and scientists in 2022.

Prof Mouton indicates that the results presented at the Masterclass only constitute the work of the first three months of a more extensive study that will continue until the end of 2024 as the team will systematically track the flow of science funding to the 17 SGCI countries in Africa by analysing the top funders in the world. The aim is to understand better who funds science in what fields in African countries and the beneficiaries of such funding.

He says the paper reviewed many publications, highlighting the structural effects of the new and changing funding landscapes in and around Africa, with two significant aspects emerging from this overview of scientific research institutions in the African continent today: the increasingly complex governance arrangements amidst multilateral funding frameworks and the increasing involvement – even need – of national institutions and the very central role of universities.

Discussing the paper, Dr Hackmann adds that the extensive data-driven study notes a clear link between the increase in overall publication output (and world share), which is linked to a commensurate increase in foreign-authored publications. “And the latter are most prevalent where African scientists have received the biggest chunks of international funding. The increased output and prominence of African science was driven by increased international collaboration, which is linked to the increased funding of research by international funders,” Dr Hackmann says.

While knowledge production in many African countries remains fragmented, Dr Hackmann says the study attributes it to various factors: low academic population, low if non-existent participation of private businesses, insufficient budgets, and often uncertain commitments of national Governments. However, large philanthropic funders and global actors have tried to address the issue with apparent policies or clustering of knowledge sources such as the Centres of Excellence.

Despite positive developments, Dr Hackmann says persistent challenges still exist across the broader African science ecosystem, with a large share of scientific outputs from the continent primarily noticeable in “islands of excellence”, mainly in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, leaving most of the continent with weaker science systems, underscoring the imperative for the global science system to collaborate with the continent.

In terms of options for next-level collaborative action, Dr Hackmann urges the establishment of an African Science Leaders’ Forum – not a new institution, but an alliance of committed partners that will regularly convene and connect African science system leaders across various science sectors to boost the visibility and voice of African science on a global stage.

INSIDE EDUCATION

STAFF REPORTER

Following the success of the winter games in July this year, PlayerNation brought yet another wave of excitement to the Karoo earlier this month, with its much-anticipated summer athletics games completing on December 5 and 6. School learners, communities and surroundings had an unforgettable experience.

The two-day event provided not only fun to sport enthusiasts but also relaxation for residents and school learners in the Karoo, offering a much-needed opportunity to unwind after long exams.

The winter holiday sports programme attracted more than 1000 young people, boys and girls from Somerset-East, Cookhouse, Bed-
ford, and Adelaide communities.

The programme, featuring rugby, soccer, netball, and indigenous games, surpassed expectations and set the stage for a comprehen-
sive rollout.

“PlayerNation is all about showing the incredible impact that sports can have on our young people, shaping their future in
ways beyond imagination. We are thrilled to bring this amazing wave of excitement to the Karoo with our upcoming summer athletics games,” said John O’Connor, CEO of Arch Group Holdings and its Institute of Sport.

“The games are not just about competition; they are about empowering youth through sports excellence. We are inviting all communities in the Karoo and surroundings to join us in this thrilling two-day event,” he added.

The two-day event took place at Bedford, Eastern Cape, and at tracted an overwhelming participation of young people who ea-
gerly engaged in a day filled with fun, and the joy of sports.

“This unique platform provides young athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills, promote active living, and foster a sense of pride in their accomplishments. We could not wait to welcome the scores of talented individuals who will contribute to the vibrant sports community that we are building,” said O’Connor.

PlayerNation, is an initiative developed by the Institute of Sport partnering with Exxaro as the first founder partner, through its re-
newable energy business Cennergi.

It was launched in May 2023. With a multifaceted approach encompassing sport, health, education, and skills development, PlayerNation, in partnership with the Department of Sport and the Department of Basic Education aims to become the ultimate school sports programme, impacting 28,000 schools nationwide.

Designed as a day out event in the Karoo, for young people, family and friends, the summer games focused on empowering youth through sports excellence, contributing to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Cennergi’s Economic Development and Community Programmes Coordinator in Amakhala Emoyeni Windfarm, Mr. Simphiwe Mbenya, expressed the organisation’s pride in supporting the programme to create a lasting impact on South African schools and communities. “PlayerNation goes beyond sculpting athletes; it’s about cultivating a new generation of champions and laying the foundation for a nationwide movement that extends beyond sports.”

“At Cennergi, we believe in contributing to the communities that we serve, and partnering with PlayerNation aligns with our commitment to holistic development. We are proud to support an initiative that creates a positive impact on the lives of young indi-
viduals,” he added.

The summer athletics games featured various types of sports including, soccer, rugby and netball and indigenous games.

Reflecting on the winter games, School Governing Body Chairperson for Templeton High School, Rudi Arends noted with satisfaction the remarkable transformation witnessed among school learners in the community. He stated that the spark of interest in sports that ignited during the winter games has continued to grow.

“It’s heartening to see our learners eagerly anticipating future sports games with such enthusiasm,” he said. The excitement and impact of the winter games have not only lingered within the school but has extended beyond our school gates. It’s not just the learners who are enthusiastic; even parents have expressed their desire for these games.”

Arends urged learners and communities in the Karoo to come out in full support and embrace the summer games as an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and actively participate in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

INSIDE EDUCATION

Lucas Ledwaba

Matthew Goniwe’s excellent skills and commitment to teaching and empowering the community extended way beyond the
classroom. His discipline, passion and dedication to the profession and deep love for his community made him an
outstanding educator and community builder.

This is how Professor Mbulelo Goniwe, a former student of the slain political activist remembers the man who has come
to epitomise the ethos of ethical, committed and dedicated leadership and servitude both inside and outside the
classroom.

Professor Goniwe was a pupil of Matthew’s during his high school years in Mqanduli, a rural village in the Eastern Cape in
the early 1970s.

“He was a patriot, someone who had a genuine love for the motherland and his people, starting from his own family. He
had that kind of love. That really inspired so many of us to actually achieve the best of their potential. He was that kind of
person,” said Prof Goniwe.

“That’s how this whole passion for education is centred, in that love. That was the springboard of his commitment and
the innovative, interconnectedness of education and achievement,” he said.

Matthew was Prof Goniwe’s tat’omncinci, his father’s younger brother. In his youth the family entrusted him into the
hands of Matthew, the man who because of his prowess in boxing, was nicknamed Bullet.

“I was handed over to him to groom me and even look after my needs. That’s what led me then to be part of the active
resistance, taking forward the family tradition that has been imparted on us from generation to generation,” he said.
Prof Goniwe is an academic, a former political activist and ANC member of Parliament.

Matthew specialised in mathematics and physical science education and always went the extra mile to impart
knowledge on his learners.

“His world outlook and the life he led was to empower the black child to really understand mathematics and physical science
to broaden their horizons,” said Prof Goniwe.

The school in Mqanduli, like many in rural areas and townships at the time had no such resources as laboratories or
libraries. Instead of resigning himself to the fate laid out by the authorities then, to deprive black children of critical knowledge
and skills, Matthew took matters into his own hands.

“And he went the extra mile. Sometimes, he would use his own salary to buy material to do experiments,” Prof Goniwe
recalled.

The theme for this year’s 10th anniversary lecture of the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership is Transformative
Leadership for Social Change – Empowering the next generation.

Prof Goniwe believes that to be able to empower the next generation teachers need to possess and implement some of
Matthew’s qualities.

“The love for his people, the flora and fauna, and everything that you find. Then the second thing would be the dedication.
You have to be dedicated to what you do,” he said.

He cited the example of how during Matthew’s time, his work wouldn’t stop at the ringing of the bell in the afternoon.
“Imagine [back then] there were less teachers, but after school, they would coach rugby, they would coach athletics,
boxing. They would do a lot of extramural activities, not only focused on what they were paid for.

“So they heavily invested in us because we were actually the generation that would follow them,” he said.
This kind of dedication, coupled with an inclusive leadership style made Matthew a shining star and beacon of hope in his
community.

“He had that participatory leadership that doesn’t seek to take the credibility for achievement. He would delegate tasks
to people and try to empower them to be able to deliver to on their expectations,” Prof Goniwe said.

“He knew the importance of collective leadership, a servitude kind of leadership where you really want to serve the
people and not to be worshipped or adored or be populist,” he said.

Above all, Matthew understood how his position as a schoolteacher was perceived and respected in the broader
community. He knew that in the eyes of the community he was not just a man who stood in front of a class with a chalk.

“My own understanding of things is that, firstly, people, society, communities, where we are from, looked up to the
teachers and ministers of religion as important societal assets. So they had an unquestionable respect for such people.
They respected them,” Prof Goniwe reflects.

Added to that Matthew had already proven his political mettle after serving four years on Robben Island after being
convicted for furthering the aims of the ANC which was banned at the time.

Prof Goniwe believes that institutions such as the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership have a significant role to play
in society.

“They are very critical because once you seek to define yourself outside of your heritage, that is a very problematic
approach to life. You need to know and learn from your forebears.

“And once you have institutions like the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership that seeks to uphold, preserve and
advance a legacy of people like Matthew; it then speaks to the entire liberation struggle, heroes and heroines.

“That legacy is very beneficial to the future generations because they have to understand the link, how far did they go, and
what is it that they achieved. How you take forward their vision, interpret it in the context of the present,” he said.
It’s been 38 years since Matthew and his three comrades were brutally tortured and killed by Apartheid death squads.
Yet his name and the legacy of his work continue to live on.

“Memories fade, new people come up and so on. But he remains one of the few people that even after 30 years of their death is
still very prominent in the thoughts of many, many people. There are people that are never spoken about. After a month of their
death, they are forgotten.

“That’s why I said that the approach of the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and many other legacy preservation and promotion
activities also contribute to that memory to be kept alive,” he said.

INSIDE EDUCATION