South African and Canadian higher education institutions have taken a giant leap towards purposeful and structured internationalisation with the launch of the SA-Canada Higher Education and Science Councils Network. The launch took place in the week of 24 – 28 April in Toronto, Canada, and was led by the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and Universities South Africa (USAf), as well as their Canadian counterparts.
Until now, the relationship between the two countries’ higher education sectors has been informal, sporadic, short term and between individual entities. However, the SA-Canada Higher Education and Science Councils Network has now catapulted South African-Canadian research collaborations into a higher, more formal level.
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) was represented by its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, who was a proud and active participant in the launch. Ten other South African vice-chancellors and numerous other senior executives were also present. Together with USAf, NRF, ARC and the Medical Research Council, no less than 21 South African universities were represented.
According to Professor Maluleke, “the young and dynamic South African national system of innovation has much to benefit from linkages with such a mature and high-performing system of innovation as that of Canada. The South African higher education sector could not have chosen a better peer than the Canadian higher education sector.”
Central to the discussions during the launch of the SA-Canada Higher Education and Science Councils Network was the question of how the research and education institutions from both countries may contribute to the solving of global problems threatening both humanity and the earth. Climate change, environmental sustainability, food security, and the impact of the fourth industrial revolution were highlighted.
Equally important among the institutions was the question of training a generation of students who would become global citizens, ready for the changing future of work in this era of artificial intelligence. Both sides were committed to building equal relationships of partnership in which students and staff (from both countries) can participate meaningfully. TUT is already pursuing collaboration with several Canadian institutions with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and the future of work.
As part of their itinerary in Toronto, the delegates were taken on guided tours of selected institutions and research agencies on the outskirts of Canada. On 27 April, the South African Consul-General, Ms Thandiwe Fadane, hosted the delegates to a celebration of the South African Freedom Day on the magnificent premises of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
The launch of the SA-Canada Higher Education and Science Councils Network is a significant step forward for the South African higher education sector, as it formalises and strengthens its relationship with its Canadian counterpart. Through collaboration and partnership, both countries are poised to make meaningful contributions to solving global problems and preparing students for the future of work in the era of artificial intelligence.
