The African Renaissance and its relation to the geosciences: a South African perspective

Implicit in the African Renaissance is the synergy between government, the private sector, the educated minority and the disadvantaged majority. For this concept to work. belief and commitment trust arise first from the African individual, whatever his or her potential contribution may be. The geosciences in South Africa provide a currently vibrant example of such cooperation. which has the potential to contribute significantly to the upliftment of the country and its neighbouring states, Based largely on personal inter-views with various role players, from the Presidency of South Africa, through ministerial levels, the corporate sector and down to the individual, we present a spectrum of viewpoints and initiatives which are starting to result in practical implementation of the African revival. An end to conflict and xenophobia. the entrenchment of democratic government and corporate expression of the entrepreneurial spirit are essential to provide the framework within which the individual African can become a "Renaissance Man or Woman". (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.