The National Biosecurity Hub was co-launched on 11 October 2022 by the Department of Science and Innovation(DSI), the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development(DALRRD) and Innovation Africa @ University Pretoria (IA@UP) at Future Africa Campus. 

The launch was a hybrid event with 180+ members from government, industry and the research community attending in person. Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, addressed the audience and highlighted the importance of ensuring that every South African from farmer to policy maker understands their role in biosecurity. She further added that as South Africa is consolidating biosecurity efforts domestically, it also positions the country to play a leading role in the management of agricultural pests and diseases at a sub-regional and regional level. The minister concluded her speech by encouraging the two departments to conclude an agreement which will further formalize a Joint Programme of work in support of the Decadal Plan and the Agriculture and Agroprocessing Master Plan before end of the current financial year. The agreement will allow key biosecurity initiatives to be confirmed in the strategic planning documents of the departments for the next financial year. 

In his address, Director General of DSI - Phil Mjwara, alluded to the DSI’s White Paper (2019/2020) and Decadal Plan (2021-2031) which prioritise the revitalisation of the agricultural sector through research, development and innovation. He explained the supportive role which DSI plays through funding, deployment of bio-innovation products, processes and technological services to support a competitive, thriving and productive agricultural sector. In closing, Dr Mjwara, reminded the audience that the launch of the Hub should be seen as an intervention to enhance our capacity to respond more effectively to the challenges facing our country, such as the challenge of food security. 

A highlight of the event was airing of the word of support video sent by the secretary of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), Osama El-Lissy, congratulating South Africa on the establishment and launch of the National Biosecurity Hub.  Following the speeches and an industry panel discussion chaired by Dr Jaftha, DALRRD Chief Director: Plant Production and Health, the audience was invited to engage with the exhibitions showcasing digital agriculture. Among the exhibitors were the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), IA@UP’s Information Hub, University of Pretoria Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Cropwatch Africa. 

 View the E-Journal: Biosecurity in South Africa - a renewed focus

11 October 2022