South Africa has announced a strategic partnership with Palestine to exchange scientific knowledge and technological innovations. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Innovation, aims to bolster Palestine's infrastructure and research capabilities.

The collaboration will focus on rebuilding and enhancing Palestinian research centres and innovation capacity. "The programme will also prioritise safeguarding, rebuilding, and developing Palestine’s research and innovation infrastructure," stated Blade Nzimande, South Africa's Minister of Science, on Tuesday.

This initiative is the result of a series of collaborative efforts between South Africa and Palestine, including joint research projects, seed funding for developing South African-Palestinian knowledge networks, hosting Palestinian scholars and students, and various exchange programmes. The programme will be managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and financed through the department’s existing budget for international cooperation.

In January, South Africa launched a case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing systemic genocide in Palestine. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 fatalities, primarily among Palestinians, as of July 17th. The escalation began in October 2023, following an invasion by Hamas militants and subsequent Israeli military actions. Reports suggest that Palestinians have been forced into a mere 20% of Gaza, the capital city, now largely in ruins.

The Department of Science has allocated R10 billion ($5.45 million) for the 2024/2025 financial year, with a portion dedicated to this international cooperation mission. Additionally, South Africa announced in March that it was close to finalising a broader collaboration for science diplomacy with the Czech Republic, a NATO member and vocal supporter of Israel.

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