The South African Public Relationship with Science (SAPRS) Reflection Conference, held at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg on 26 and 27 March 2025, focused on the results of the 2022 SAPRS Survey. The survey was conducted by the HSRC through the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS) in 5960 households, with adults aged 16 and over, across the country’s nine provinces.

The conference was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the HSRC, in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).

Its objectives were to: 1) Share the picture of the South African 2022 public’s relationship with science, and 2) Secure feedback on the report from key sectors of society, to guide the DSTI’s science engagement programme and highlight issues to be considered in the next SAPRS survey in 2027.

The six conference themes were based on the survey: 1) Interest in and knowledge of science and technology and the environment, 2) Promise and reservation attitudes towards modern and traditional science and technology, 3) Trust in science and confidence in science institutions, 4) Access to and trust in science and technology information, 5) Views of pride, promise and priorities in the system of innovation, and 6) Science engagements: Activities and behaviours.

DSTI DDG of Socio-economic Innovation Partnerships Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, chaired the opening session. DSTI Acting DG Ms Gugulethu Zwane delivered the keynote and opening address . An overview of the survey was presented by EEE research division Distinguished Research Specialist, Dr Vijay Reddy.

Six appointed discussion leaders, Dr Nqobile Xaba, Prof Susan Booysen, Dr Komane Lebs Mphahlele, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, Prof Lindile Ndabeni and Prof Catherine Sutherland then presented their perspectives on each of the themes, and breakaway sessions were used to elicit input on each theme from the participants. DSTI DDG of Research Development and Support Imraan Patel closed the conference.

Inputs from the discussion leaders and the breakaway groups are being consolidated to inform the 2027 SAPRS Survey, as well as DSTI programmatic intervention action points.

Key documents from the SAPRS survey can be accessed here, while conference presentations can be accessed on the NSTF website here.

View the conference stream below: