President Jacob Zuma
President Jacob Zuma has congratulated South African scientist Professor Tebello Nyokong on being awarded an African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Award.
AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards are presented yearly to African scientists who distinguish themselves in the fields of science, technology and innovation.
“It is through investment in science and technology that African governments will nourish the potential of our people and find home-grown solutions to the many socioeconomic and developmental challenges facing our continent,” said Zuma.
He added that South Africa would continue to invest in the fields of science and technology and skills development, as well as in supporting innovation.
Nyokong is director of the Nanotechnology and Innovation Centre (NIC), a national science facility hosted at institutions across the country, established by the Department of Science and Technology in 2007.
The NIC's work included research and development in various scientific fields aimed at driving South Africa's transformation from a resource-based economy towards a knowledge-based economy using nanotechnology.
Nyokong was, in 2004, awarded South Africa’s highest honour – the National Order of Mapungubwe in Bronze – for her contributions in the field of science.