Zilungile Mkhize
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for South Africa to strengthen its local scientific, technological and pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.
Ramaphosa was speaking in Tshwane in Gauteng at the launch of the CSIR’s FuturePHARMA facility, which aims to strengthen local pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.
He says greater local production is essential to protect the country’s health security, reduce reliance on imported medicines and build resilience during future health emergencies.
FuturePHARMA is designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial manufacturing, giving researchers, innovators and industry access to specialised infrastructure and expertise.
The President says the facility will also support skills development, technology transfer and stronger partnerships between government, universities, industry and regulators.
The CSIR says around 98 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients used to make medicines locally are currently imported, leaving the sector vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains.
Ramaphosa says South Africa’s ambitions should extend beyond its borders, with the country contributing to stronger pharmaceutical value chains and health security across Africa.
Click below to hear Ramaphosa’s sentiments…
