Background

Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, i.e., a size so small that it is measured in nanometres (one billionth of a metre), to create new materials of any size that have new properties and functions. The technology is earmarked to contribute solutions to South Africa’s development challenges, such as the provision of safe water, clean energy and innovative delivery of health services, in the promise to improve the quality of life. Driving nanotechnology developments in the country is the National Nanotechnology Strategy, which is a significant policy intervention by the South African government aimed at stimulating the development of nanotechnology in the country. The adoption of this technology has led to the manufacturing of engineered nanomaterials on varying scales for research, development and industrial purposes. The application of engineered nanomaterials can be seen in many industries such as in healthcare, clothing, cosmetics, construction and electronics.

In promoting responsible development of nanotechnology, the Department of Science and Innovation has established the Nanotechnology Health, Safety and Environment Research Platform to identify the potential risks associated with nanotechnology and mitigate those risks. However, the role of the platform in ensuring responsible development of nanotechnology is dependent on multiple stakeholders, and its work should be viewed as a value-added service enabling the production of safer engineered nanomaterials rather than an obstacle to nanotechnology development and innovation. Without a local regulatory environment specific to engineered nanomaterials and limited information on the impact of these manufactured nanomaterials in human health and the environment, it is possible that broad adoption of this technology amongst the end users could be hampered.

Several investments have been made to ensure nanotechnology development including, inter alia, the creation of nanotechnology innovation centres aimed at supporting the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology, formulation and commercialisation of nano-enabled products and provision of ring-fenced grants to purchase nanotechnology-related research equipment. The timely consideration of the Nano HSE aspects, especially at the infancy phase of nanotechnology will drive the sustainability of nanotechnology and ensure that investments and developments in this technology are on course to improving the quality of lives for all South Africans.