Shanghai, China- South Africa has concluded a successful four-day mission to the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, where it became the first African country to participate in the event as a Country of Honour.
In his reflections, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele, said the designation gave South Africa a prominent role in the forum and created an opportunity to strengthen scientific cooperation with China.
“We are very pleased, grateful and appreciative of the opportunity that South Africa has been given by China to serve as the Country of Honour.
“It is the first African country to be given this status at this conference, which meant that South Africa was almost co-hosting this event.”
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande and China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Yin Hejun, oversaw the forum.
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Cele said South Africa’s elevated role reflected the strategic relationship established by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“This is key, and it is linked to the high-level strategic cooperation that the two Presidents agreed upon in terms of elevating relations between the two countries,” he said.
The Ministers also used the visit to assess progress in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed by South Africa and China during the G20 in 2025.
“The meeting between the two Ministers took stock of progress and the follow-ups that needed to be made. We are very pleased, and the Minister is very pleased, as is his counterpart, about the engagements that we had,” he said
The Director-General said the successful participation at the forum would also reinforce South Africa’s position within BRICS and support the country’s wider international engagements.
“We see this participation and visit as an important contributor to strengthening our participation in BRICS, our international participation and cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
Delegation and talent
Another measure of the mission’s success was the size and diversity of the South African delegation.
It included representatives of science councils, universities, private companies, civil-society organisations and experts working across different areas of science, technology and innovation.
“We were able to bring probably the largest delegation, made up of our science councils, universities, the private sector, civil-society organisations and experts. They showcased the exceptional capabilities and talent that South Africa has developed over time,” he said.
“These are the types of talents and capabilities that we would like to leverage through this partnership with China.”
Cele said the exposure demonstrated the potential of South African researchers and innovators while creating opportunities to build relationships with international counterparts.
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The delegation also participated in a session examining how China identifies, nurtures and supports promising young talent from an early age.
“They showed us youngsters below the age of 22 who have already established companies and won international awards, and they are doing wonders,” Cele said.
“South Africa has learnt a lot, and I think we are not too far from them in certain key strategic areas. We know our challenges, but we also know where there are opportunities.”
The programme extended beyond formal policy discussions and exhibitions. South African performers showcased the country’s cultural diversity during a banquet hosted by Nzimande’s Chinese counterpart.
“South Africans showed their talent. They performed and took over the stage, supported by our Brazilian colleagues,” Cele said.
He described the mission as an example of how science diplomacy could strengthen international relations while advancing domestic development.
“We are very proud and excited about this partnership. At the heart of all of this is making sure that we use science, technology and innovation to improve the quality of life and well-being, contribute towards inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development, and use science diplomacy to help create a prosperous world and a better future for humanity,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
