Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa

🚨 **Final Reminder for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (ESKAS) Application Submissions!** 🚨 Our 2024 ESKAS scholarship recipients had the privilege of meeting the Ambassador of Switzerland to South Africa, H.E. Ambassador Mirko Manzoni, together with Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Marino Cuenat, at the Swiss Residence in Pretoria! 💫   This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring scholars to forge valuable connections and embark on a transformative journey. YOU 🫵 could be part of the next group of ESKAS scholars! 📅 **Make sure to submit your application by this Friday!** Contact the SERI Office in Pretoria at: pretoria.science@eda.admin.ch Best of luck to all applicants! 🍀 #ESKAS #ScholarshipOpportunity #HigherEducation #Switzerland #SouthAfrica #FinalReminder Swissnex Swiss Leading House Africa State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI Universities South Africa The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) University of Pretoria University of Johannesburg University of Cape Town University of Venda University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State Rhodes University Nelson Mandela University Official_Tshwane University of Technology University of Limpopo / Universiteit van Limpopo University of Limpopo @ULVarsity University of the Western Cape North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit University of Fort Hare University of Mpumalanga Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Stellenbosch University Cape Peninsula University of Technology Durban University of Technology NUST Namibia University of Namibia (UNAM) Edu Game Namibia

🌟 What an Incredible AIT Swiss-Africa Alumni Meeting 2024! 🌟 We just wrapped up an inspiring two days at the Academia-Industry Training (AIT) Swiss-Africa Alumni Meeting 2024 in Stellenbosch, celebrating over a decade of partnerships and innovation. This AIT Alumni was both forward-looking and reflective. Swiss Consul Richard Jud opened the event by welcoming the Swiss and South African delegations and reaffirming Switzerland's commitment to this valuable collaboration. Science and Technology Counsellor Jacquelene Friedenthal then took delegates on a journey through the history of the Swiss-Africa AIT. Starting in 2010 with a focus on biotechnology innovation, the programme has evolved from the Swiss-South Africa Business Development Programme into the Academia-Industry Training Programme, now a flagship across Swissnex locations. This remarkable growth is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all stakeholders and participants. Anneline Morgan, Chief Director of DSI, highlighted the framework conditions underpinning the Swiss-South Africa collaboration in research and innovation, emphasizing the strength of this enduring partnership. Over the years, the programme has expanded to include several African countries, achieving incredible success with startups like MPower and ennos ag. These startups have not just evolved but thrived, a testament to the potential and resilience of African innovation. African innovations driving SDG impacts in pharma, agri, edtech, cleantech, and the 4th Industrial Revolution were particularly inspiring. Highlights included thought-provoking keynotes—Dr. McLean Sibanda on scaling innovations and Jordi Montserrat on leveraging networks—and energizing startup stories about market access, team building, and investor readiness. Informal networking moments, like investor roundtables and a wine-tasting session, proved equally impactful, fostering new partnerships. The World Café sessions also stood out, sparking ideas for strengthening the alumni network and enhancing intercultural collaboration. A massive shoutout to the entrepreneurs who, through blood and sweat, grew their innovations into impactful companies. It is here that the Head of the Swiss Business Hub Southern Africa Southern African Business Hub, Stéphanie Labité Labite, virtually stepped in and planted the seed of import and export promotion between Switzerland and South Africa.  Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Technology Innovation Agency The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI Swiss Leading House Africa Erich Thaler Innocircle

Collaborative Strategies for Effective WEEE Plastics Management in South Africa Did you know that Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) plastics has a disproportionate environmental and health impact, due to its complex composition and hazardous additives? On 15 November, the Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) Initiative, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, hosted a ground-breaking workshop focusing on improving the management of WEEE plastics in South Africa. This event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to tackle the unique challenges posed by this niche waste stream. Participants included producer responsibility organisations, recyclers, government representatives, and academic researchers. This gathering was more than a discussion—it was a catalyst for action. The workshop set out to achieve concrete outcomes, including the development of a comprehensive report on the WEEE plastics landscape in South Africa. The discussions also identified potential collaborative research projects tailored to South Africa’s unique context, ensuring that solutions are practical and locally relevant. The SRI project is implemented by international partners World Resources Forum and the Institute for Materials Science & Technology (Empa), supported by a local South African SRI team. The funding for the project is provided by SECO Economic Cooperation and Development .   #ewasterecycling #ewaste #Recycling #Sustainability #CircularEconomy

Switzerland and South Africa exchange on public financial governance A delegation from the Budget Office of the National Treasury of South Africa recently visited Switzerland for a two-day workshop on financial governance. The workshop provided technical background on the Swiss multi-party system, the fiscal federalism as well as the concept of the debt break, including its historical background and challenges in implementation. The President of the Swiss Council of States, Ms Eva Herzog, as well as the former President of the Finance Commission of the Swiss National Council, Mr Roland Fischer provided practical insights into the Swiss budget process.

Switzerland 🇨🇭 elected for the first time to the UN Joint Inspection Unit. We are thrilled to nominate Marcel Jullier as our representative, bringing commitment & expertise to enhance world 🌎 governance. Switzerland 🇨🇭 will continue to strive for efficiency, accountability, oversight & transparency in the UN 🇺🇳 system Mirko Manzoni Marino Cuenat Daniel Lauchenauer Stéphanie Labité Shireen Mukadam Markus Lecki Kgomotso Austin Jacquelene Friedenthal Gisele Audrey Kendeck Gerhard Pienaar Yayeri Kisaame Seabelo Nyawo

Empowering the Marula Industry: Key Stakeholders gathered in Limpopo for the Marula Geographical Indications Workshop   On 6 and 7 November 2024, stakeholders from across Southern Africa gathered in Limpopo for a pivotal Marula Geographical Indications engagement workshop. The workshop, held in Polokwane, was organized through a collaboration between the Swiss-South African Intellectual Property Project (SSAIP) and the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Compliant BioTrade in South(ern) Africa project (ABioSA).  This workshop was a milestone event aimed at empowering the Marula industry by focusing on three important areas: Geographical Indications (GI), Novel Food registration for the European Union and the Botanicals Trusted and Authenticated Fingerprinting project (b-TAF) aimed at combating oil adulteration in the indigenous oil industry. By focusing on tangible IP instruments and the industry’s collective strengths, we look forward to a promising future for Marula products on the global stage. This workshop serves as a foundation for regional collaboration, shared growth, and sustainable opportunities in Southern Africa’s bioeconomy. The collaboration between the SSAIP project and the ABioSA project is one of the ways in which the synergies between the projects are being strengthened. The SSAIP project is implemented by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property IGE IPI while the ABioSA project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, both projects are funded by SECO Economic Cooperation and Development .

The 4th All Africa Congress on Environmental Health, held in Johannesburg from November 11-13, 2024, provided an essential platform for addressing environmental health challenges across Africa. The SAIEH hosted the Congress in collaboration with the IFEH, South African Local Government Association, Department of Health, Old Mutual Foundation and the Swiss Embassy. The event gathered representation from at least ten African countries, including local and regional stakeholders such as Mrs Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) for Health and Social Services in the Gauteng Province, Ms Aneliswa Cele from the National Department of Health and Counsellor Xola Pakati as the Deputy President of the South African Local Government Association, Ms Nozi Makanda from SALGA and local politicians. Switzerland's commitment to the field was highlighted, referring to applied research and innovation. In addition, the Swiss-South African Global Environmental Health Research Chair, which was renewed for another five years, was presented as part of the Swiss Embassy presentation at the Congress. The event featured a range of discussions, including the innovative Air Quality Project, developed in collaboration with CERN Green Village and the University of Witwatersrand. This project exemplifies the potential of data-driven solutions in improving environmental health across the continent. The Congress concluded with a panel moderated by Dr Selva Mudaly and panellists Prof Nicholas Crips as the Deputy Director-General at the National Department of Health, Dr Charlotte Mokoatle from the University of Johannesburg, Mr Isah Adamu Aduma from Nigeria and Mr Godfrey Phaswana from Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The audience was entertained by the lovely Leote Taylor, who sang, We Are the World, as well as the African and South African Anthems.  Department of Science, Technology and Innovation The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF)Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Swiss Leading House Africa Swissnex State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI Department of Health South Africa South African Local Government Association Old Mutual South Africa Jacquelene Friedenthal

🌟 Attention Postgraduate Students! 🌟 This is a friendly reminder that the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) are still open for applications! If you're pursuing further studies and looking for financial support, this is a fantastic opportunity you won't want to miss. 🗓️ **Application Deadline:** 29 November 2024 The ESKAS scholarships are designed to support talented individuals in their academic endeavors, providing not just financial assistance but also an opportunity to connect with a network of scholars and professionals. ✅ **Why Apply?**   - To enhance your academic experience   - To harness your research expertise   - To access to a vibrant community of scholars   - Financial support to ease your academic journey Don’t wait until the last minute! Take the first step towards securing your ESKAS scholarship today. For more details on eligibility and the application process, visit the official ESKAS website https://lnkd.in/g5Gw-Sn Download the full application pack here👉: https://lnkd.in/d9NN3_Mb Contact the SERI Office in Pretoria @: pretoria.science@eda.admin.ch Best of luck to all applicants! 🍀 #ESKASScholarships #PostgraduateStudies #ScholarshipOpportunity #HigherEducation #ESKAS #Applications #Support #Opportunity #SwissGovernmentExcellenceScholarships #ScholarshipOpportunity #StudyInSwitzerland #InternationalStudents #AcademicExcellence Swissnex Swiss Leading House Africa State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI Universities South Africa The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) University of Pretoria University of Johannesburg University of Cape Town University of Venda University of KwaZulu-Natal University of the Free State Rhodes University Nelson Mandela University Official_Tshwane University of Technology University of Limpopo / Universiteit van Limpopo University of Limpopo @ULVarsity University of the Western Cape North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit University of Fort Hare University of Mpumalanga Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Stellenbosch University Cape Peninsula University of Technology Durban University of Technology NUST Namibia University of Namibia (UNAM) Edu Game Namibia

Last night Mr Marino Cuenat, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa, warmly welcomed St. Gallen Symposium Alumni, partners, and esteemed guests to the Swiss Residence in Pretoria for a gathering filled with impactful conversations and networking. The event celebrates our ongoing partnership with the St. Gallen Symposium, a premier platform for intergenerational dialogue on pressing global issues. We're delighted that Mr Andreas Nef, the new Head of Community & Partnerships was present and could meet the Africa Chapter of St. Gallen Symposium Alunmi. In addition to the vibrant St. Gallen alumni network, we also had the pleasure of welcoming influential political leaders, policy makers, business owners and high ranking academics. The focus of the discussion was "Shifting Global Powers," the anchor for this year's St. Gallen Symposium Global Essay Competition. Together, we delved into the dynamic shift between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Intelligence (HI), exploring how this evolving relationship might transform global power structures, possibly heralding a shift from "homo sapiens" to "machino sapiens." During his official opening address, Mr Cuenat challenged the audience and the topic leaders by asking if AI could breach continental gaps in a mutually beneficial nature. He concluded by emphasising the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence and the power that is inherent in the human being to create technologies for the common good. We were inspired by the thought-provoking insights from Topic Leader Dr Emile du Plessis, moderated by Mr Jason Lord who took us through various economic, academic and governmental perspectives on how AI could have an impact on global change. After the formal discussions, guests enjoyed a curated selection of Swiss culinary delights prepared by our Swiss Residence Chef, providing an authentic taste of Switzerland. The conversation is only starting, be a voice for the future — enter the Global Essay Competition for a chance to attend the 2025 St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland! For more information click on the link below https://lnkd.in/eAu2Ag2S

🌍 Strengthening Swiss-South African Ties through Innovation and Partnerships! 🌍 The Swiss Embassy in South Africa is committed to fostering meaningful connections between South Africa and Switzerland, building bridges that drive innovation and collaboration. We’re thrilled to share that one of these introductions has sparked a new, impactful partnership! At a recent Embassy event at the residence of the Swiss Consul General Mr Rolf Frei, Tata-iMali, an innovative South African fintech startup, met R17 Ventures AG, a top Swiss-SA digital agency. This connection has already set the stage for transformative work. 🚀 Tata-iMali: Founded by Gregory Andrews and Donel Chihoma, Tata-iMali is reshaping fintech in Africa. The company is part of the Lisk African Blockchain Incubation Hub powered by CV VC Labs in Zug and recently joined the Global Start accelerator at the University of St. Gallen, in partnership with Microsoft and Forbes. Tata-iMali has received numerous accolades, including wins at the SA Innovation Summit 2024 and the MTN National Hackathon. 📈 R17 Ventures AG: With offices in Zürich and Cape Town, R17 Ventures is renowned for its cutting-edge digital marketing and is recognized as the #1 global digital advertising agency. In South Africa, they lead in performance marketing, and through their R17 Academy, they’re tackling youth unemployment by applying the Swiss TVET model to career acceleration. 💡 The Role of SENSE: Adding another layer to this innovation ecosystem, the Embassy of Switzerland supported the University of Cape Town’s Financial Innovation Hub Hackathon under the guidance of Anda Ngcaba, where SENSE, co-founded by Gregory Pepper, piloted an Innovation Management System. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering technology-driven solutions that enhance skills and promote collaboration between Switzerland and South Africa. We look forward to witnessing the outcomes of these powerful collaborations that connect us in a world where science has no borders 🇨🇭🤝🇿🇦 Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Technology Innovation Agency Mathias Ruch Daniel Lauchenauer University of Cape Town Swissnex State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI Jono Duguid Raphael Rohner