AI & THE DIGITAL ERA: 'SADC STILL FACES A SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT GAP'

By Veronica Mrema, Pretoria - The world of science is advancing rapidly in major countries across the globe, witnessing innovation and breakthroughs in new technologies. 

Technologies like artificial intelligence, modern agriculture, and cutting-edge medical treatments are transforming lives in developed nations.

In the AI century, rockets soar into space, and discoveries and innovations in new technologies happen at a pace the world has never seen before.

Major countries invest, collaborate, and communicate scientific developments to their citizens quickly.

On the other side of the world, within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), there remains a significant gap in science communication.

Researchers are discovering, governments are running projects, institutions are innovating but the information does not “travel” fast enough.

It does not reach citizens effectively, does not build understanding, and fails to make science a part of everyday life.

Within SADC, there is still a large gap between scientific developments and how this information reaches the public.

“Many countries in the SADC region still lack a science communication strategy, which is why science reporting faces numerous challenges,” 

said Chief Director, Multilateral Cooperation and Africa of the South africa Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Mwampei Chaba.

while opening a one-day dialogue organized for science journalists from 18 SADC member countries.

She explained that because of this gap in science reporting, DSTI found it necessary to bring journalists together and hold this dialogue.

The event took place during the World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ2025) in Pretoria, South Africa.

Marking the first time Africa hosted an international gathering of journalists covering science, health, environment, and related topics.

Opening the dialogue, he highlighted the main challenges science journalists face in the region.

“Many countries in SADC still do not have a communication and collaboration strategy for science. That is why science reporting faces numerous challenges.”

She added, “Without such strategies, many journalists struggle to gain the collaboration they need from their governments. 

"They are unable to get close to researchers, miss out on opportunities to access information, funding, or invitations to key events related to science and innovation.”

She emphasized, “So, in your home countries, if you want collaboration from the government [to report on specific science stories] or to have your work recognized.

".., to receive funding for some of your projects, or invitations to key events, it will be difficult because they lack a strategy for science collaboration.”

She advised journalists, “When you return home, follow up on this matter in detail. Ask the relevant science ministries and communications ministries whether they have developed a science engagement strategy.”

The dialogue aimed to bring SADC journalists together to discuss how they can advance science in their countries through effective reporting.

“This is a highly important training workshop for us. The idea came to us in 2022 when we hosted the World Science Forum, which was the first time it was held in Africa. 

"We made history in 2022 by hosting the World Science Forum on the African continent.

“We then decided that bringing such an opportunity to Africa without having science journalists in the room would be a waste,” she added.

“How can we communicate what we do at the forum as departments, as governments in Africa, as research institutions if we do not have science journalism present?”

She also noted, “We discovered that science journalists are still not fully equipped to report and write science articles effectively. 

Therefore, we saw the need to build partnerships. Stellenbosch University collaborated with us significantly.

“They began organizing a multifaceted training workshop to help build the capacity of journalists to better communicate the work we do.”

“UNESCO funded some delegates in 2022 and has continued to be our partner since then. 

"The SADC Secretariat has also been a partner, and we greatly appreciate their contributions in enabling SADC journalists to join us.

“The South African Science Journalists Association (SASJA) has partnered with us, and we are also major partners in another historic event,” she noted.

She said the WCSJ2025 conference this year is creating another historic milestone, and they wanted to be part of that history.

She explained that South Africa developed a science communication and engagement strategy in 2015, which was long overdue.

“Our institution was established in June 2004, so nearly 11 years later, we only then had a science engagement strategy that is now being implemented, and the review process is ongoing.”

She highlighted, “This year, SADC participated in the G20. We held the G20 presidency, and GSTI organized what is called Research and Innovation Week. 

"We also adopted a special document known as the G20 Science Engagement Resolutions.

“If anyone needs a copy of these resolutions, we will make them available. The document urges G20 countries to place science at the center of society.”

She explained that the resolution also encourages raising awareness in societies about the value of science and communicating it in ways communities can understand.

“Why should we do this? Why is it important? Science is underfunded, and this is a challenge across society.

“If the value of science is not understood, if the impact of science is not recognized by our governments, communities, funders, and contributors.

"Then the bridge must be built by you in this room. You are our voices. You are our ambassadors for communicating science to society.”

She continued, “Once science is understood, once its value is demonstrated practically in communities and villages you stand a better chance of securing funding from governments and donors. 

"Your role is therefore extremely important, and we rely on you to help bridge this gap.”

She encouraged the journalists, “During this week, take advantage of the many workshops aimed at promoting science. 

"Using data, I will not hesitate to say that science should be at the center of society, education, and industry to drive development.

“It cannot be at the center if you do not understand how to communicate science. I also believe that one does not need to be a scientist to understand science. 

"Science should be explained to an 85-year-old and a 5-year-old without using complicated terms.

“If someone cannot explain it, if a scientist you interview cannot convey their science in a way you understand, then they are not doing a good job. 

"You also need to encourage scientists to speak and communicate science in ways everyone can understand.”

She asked, “Do you know any famous science journalists in Africa? Why couldn’t it be you? Why couldn’t it be you?” 

She encouraged participants to realize that they themselves could become renowned science journalists in Africa.

“There are famous science journalists around the world, but not in Africa. Africa needs science for development more than any other continent in the world. 

"Therefore, let us make it our mission to have famous science journalists in our communities, countries, within SADC, and across the continent.

“Otherwise, why are you here? Why are you here if we do not use what we have to communicate science and make it fashionable?”

She urged journalists to leverage digital platforms to deliver important science information to young audiences, who are the largest consumers of these platforms.

“Everyone is on TikTok, everyone is on YouTube, but we must also see science content on TikTok and YouTube. Use these popular platforms to communicate science. 

"Reach young people where they are on YouTube, Instagram, and other networks and educate them in ways they understand.” she said.