Minister Blade Nzimande has launched the Natural Resources Management Programme at Nqadu Great Place in Willowvale, Eastern Cape. The initiative by the South African National Space Agency aims to protect natural resources while supporting rural development and youth opportunities.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande launched the programme on 8 May. It focuses on balancing the sustainable use of forests, land, water, animals and ecosystems with human needs. The effort also targets the detection of natural disasters such as floods and seeks to prevent over-exploitation of resources.
Nzimande said the programme would encourage rural youth to pursue careers in science and technology. He highlighted partnerships with emerging companies that bring additional tools to support work by the South African National Space Agency. “Amongst the people we have brought here are some of the emerging companies that have come with additional technologies to manage the work that is being done by the National Space Agency to say to the rural children, the world is at your feet,” he stated.
AmaXhosa monarch Vulikhaya Sigcawu welcomed the launch and expressed hope that it would help curb youth unemployment and stock theft in the area. He noted benefits for local farmers and the Amathole municipality through better monitoring of land. Sigcawu added that the kingdom plans to sign a partnership with the department to ensure the initiative lasts.
