The Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the Offshore Petroleum Association of South Africa (Opasa), have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the just launched South African Marine Research and Exploration Forum (Samref).

The forum, revealed that the B3 element of Operation Phakisa has been initiated. The operation focuses on the use of offshore oil and gas exploration to support additional research.

“Business and government need to work together to increase South Africa’s gross expenditure on research and development from the current 0.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) to 1.5% by 2019. While the target is ambitious, we are committed to achieving it,” Naledi Pandor (photo), the Minister of Science and Technology said.

According to Opasa chairperson, Sean Lunn, the public and private sectors can contribute immensely to the development of the country’s maritime governance, marine protection and infrastructure.

“This is an opportunity for the public and private sectors in South African marine research to work together and use the resources generated by offshore oil and gas exploration. We, as the NRF, are pleased to be the managing agency of this great initiative,” NRF Knowledge Fields Development executive director, Andrew Kaniki told ESI-Africa.

Anita Fatunji