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operation very soon if it was, it would be invited to the Delhi Population Conference. She hoped to visit South Africa, with Sir Michael Atiyah, in late 1994, to explore links with the new
academy. The President of the Royal Society of South Africa, Dr
Ellis, had paid an interesting visit to the Royal Society earlier
in the month. He had emphasised the need for scientific
education in South Africa. Professor Horlock noted that the Open
University of South Africa was the oldest in the world. It was
still thriving, with more than 70,000 students on its books. Its
role was changing. The older universities in South Africa were
now taking more black students. Distance education had a crucial role in bringing such students to the academic level of their
white counterparts before they entered such institutions as the
University of Cape Town.
26. Mr Lennox-Boyd said that the encouragement of science
education in South Africa was one of the activities supported by the UK aid programme. Political change in South Africa was irreversible. HMG must help to sustain it, by helping to improve
the economic base of the country. It was sad that not all bans
had been lifted - the EC nuclear collaboration ban remained in
place, despite South Africa's accession to the NPT. This ban
should be lifted. HMG encouraged all scientific contacts by
British scientists with South Africa. Mr Lennox-Boyd also noted
that the ODA was about to establish a Development Division in
Pretoria there would therefore be a substantial ODA presence on
the ground in South Africa.
27. Mr Elam outlined the two distinct kinds of scholarship
programmes operated by HMG in South Africa. The first were
ODA-funded scholarships for non-white students, to enable them to
study in South African universities. The second were FCO-funded scholarships to bring South African students to the UK. These
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