These were among the findings of a South African Public Relationship with Science (SAPRS) Survey among 6000 South Africans in 2022, shared as a key flagship event “Public Dialogue on Science and Society” at the recent two-day Symposium on Quantum Science and Technology, hosted by Nelson Mandela University.
The symposium entitled Schrödinger’s Cat WANTED: Dead and Alive celebrated the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ2025) and brought together scientists, policymakers, and educators to explore the evolving relationship between science and society.
This initiative represents a critical step in the institutionalisation of a five-year cycle of national science engagement assessments and public dialogue.
The key question
At the heart of the symposium was the key question: how are South Africans engaging with science and technology, and what does this mean for the future of science communication and policy?
Dr Vijay Reddy and Professor Azwindini Muronga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University
SAPRS Principal Researcher Dr Vijay Reddy responded by sharing the findings and recommendations of the SAPRS Survey in her keynote address.
Participants were positive and interested in science, and proud of science and technological developments, saying “we need science and technology information in order to educate ourselves about it,” Dr Reddy added.
It was also established that not everybody received all the information needed to make decisions in their lives; this mostly depended on socioeconomic status or financial resources and therefore highlighted inequality in access to information.
While 75% of participants took a science or math subject after Grade 9, the survey revealed strong public engagement with science and technology: 66% showed interest in science and technology, and 70% expressed pride in South Africa’s scientific achievements.
Most respondents held optimistic views, with over 70% believing science and technology improves life, work, and opportunities. While traditional knowledge systems were valued, especially in farming and quality of life (63%), support for traditional healers and remedies was notably lower (48% and 45%).
In addition, the South African public had a high trust in scientists and information that came from universities and research organisations, which meant that they trusted information that is developed or created through systematic processes.
To increase trust and understanding, “we need to encourage and increase the science knowledge of the public through education programmes, including schools. Public education programmes on television and radio, for example, should be encouraged and science information should be presented “in a very relatable way so that all the public, not only the school-going youth, have access to it”, Dr Reddy continued.
She emphasised that we live in a world deeply influenced by science and technology, which shape our daily routines, from waking up with an alarm to using gadgets and appliances.
Science plays a vital role in areas like food preparation, hygiene, and communication, improving convenience and efficiency. On a broader scale, technological and industrial advancements drive economic growth and employment, making knowledge essential to modern life.
In her closing remarks, emphasised that the communication of scientific knowledge should not rest solely with the DSTI.
“All government departments — from water and sanitation to health — generate valuable knowledge, and they share a collective responsibility to communicate it effectively to the public,” she noted. She also stressed the importance of interdepartmental collaboration and a broader societal approach to science communication.
Background to the Survey
Isaac Ramovha from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) provided the background that led to the survey, with South Africa’s long-standing commitment to public science engagement, beginning with the 1996 White Paper on Science and Technology.
This led to national awareness campaigns and the commitment was reinforced in 2019, with a new White Paper emphasising institutional support and introducing the Science Engagement Monitoring and Evaluation Impact Indicator Framework (SEMEIIF) in 2021, forming the basis for the SAPRS Survey being conducted every five years.
As South Africa participates in the global recognition of quantum science, this symposium and the SAPRS Survey serve as a powerful reminder that the future of science depends not only on discovery, but on inclusive dialogue, critical engagement, and a shared commitment to public understanding.