Parliament, Wednesday, 29 March 2017 – The Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology today visited the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in Umbogintwini, KwaZulu-Natal, as part of its oversight over projects funded by government. In collaboration with universities, the TIA funds researchers to develop new products.
Today the Committee received excellent presentations from three young scientists working on projects that will have an impact in South Africa and the world. The projects included a study of drug-resistant HIV (C-SA) proteases, another one on the production of bromelain from waste pineapple stems to be used as a dewormer and also research on the Quick Response (QR) Lateral Flow Assay, which uses a QR code scanner for diagnosis, real-time tracking and a database of results. Tests have been conducted in Brazil, Italy, Portugal and South Africa using this technology.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Lindiwe Maseko, said: “When TIA comes to Parliament to report, we hear theory. Today we are happy at what we have seen, in fact we are impressed. Innovation is the core of development, job creation and entrepreneurship. These young scientists are not only putting our country on the map, but they are growing our economy.”
The Committee also met with a number of entrepreneurs breaking into new markets by producing detergents, cosmetics and the recycling of waste oil. Mr Vusi Jele of Umkhanyakude in KwaZulu-Natal is one entrepreneur using indigenous knowledge to grow plants, extract the juice and formulate agave gel. Through the assistance of TIA, he was able to develop and manufacture his product and he now supplies three stores in KwaZulu-Natal. Mr Jele is now planning his next product.
Currently TIA has 10 bio-processing platforms and 18 stations available to researchers across the country. It will cost a researcher in the region of R7 000 per hour to use a privately owned laboratory. TIA has plans to establish a further three platforms and three stations in the next two years, focusing on waste beneficiation and the extraction of precious metals from computers.
“Funding will always be a problem. However, when the TIA comes to Parliament to request further assistance, the Committee will support TIA, as we have seen first-hand the excellent, ground-breaking work that they are doing with their limited resources,” Ms Maseko said.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MS LINDIWE MASEKO
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