Khungeka Njobe, CSIR Prof Robin Crewe, University of Pretoria

The past year has been characterised by a number of significant developments for SERA activities. These include the involvement of SERA participants in a number of international initiatives including the planned establishment of an African water and energy resources management institute in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, and participation in the Royal Society/UK legume improvement project.

Other achievements, such as the official launch of the Greater Giyani Natural Resource Development Programme - spearheaded by the Sustainable Rural Development Task Team- and the Centre for Applied Mycological Studies (CAMS) successful development of a novel blue-cheese flavour derived from a fungus, have provided significant highlights.

Organisational changes within the CSIR and UP spurred by the CSIR's Beyond 60 process to refocus its core activities on the one hand and on the other, the national reconfiguration of institutions of higher learning for the UP, have added value to SERA's goal of pioneering new and powerful collaborations within the National System of Innovation, attracting and retaining the best people, and applying knowledge and resources to all aspects of the SET value chain.

While these renewal processes within the CSIR and UP have significantly enhanced the need for the Alliance in building cross-boundary capacity and fostering a research environment that benefits its participants, it is only through partnering and collaboration that we can successfully draw on local and global knowledge resources to help address the challenges that impact our nation.

Continuing to strengthen cooperation, creating capacity and utilising opportunities for collaboration, within SERA as well as with external parties, constitutes a solid basis for us to support the 1st R&D plan for the African region in implementing its millennium goals by linking with institutes on the continent and broadening this area of activity.

We look forward to continuing our interactions in the year ahead. Important objectives for the coming year and beyond are to identify new platforms to increase the scope and range of SERA initiatives in growing our country's technological capacity and global competitiveness, and to continue to create capacity in existing research areas.

Thank you for your participation, interest and support. We wish you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful festive season and a successful 2007.

Khungeka Njobe, CSIR & Robin Crewe, University of Pretoria
SERA Relationship Managers