Media statement

Science & Technology Minister, Naledi Pandor to open African Society for Human Genetics (AfSHG) and the Southern African Society for Human Genetics (SASHG) in Cape Town, 6-9 March 2011

Members of the media is invited to the first joint International Conference for the African Society for Human Genetics (AfSHG) and the Southern African Society for Human Genetics (SASHG) to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, 6-9 March 2011. The theme for the conference will be ‘Building Capacity for Genomic and Translational Research in Africa.’

The conference will be officially opened by the South African Minister of Science & Technology, Naledi Pandor. Prof Michele Ramsay (President SASHG) and Prof Charles Rotimi (President AfSHG) will officially welcome delegates. The keynote speaker of the day will be South African born, Prof Sydney Brenner (2002 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine).

Several other speakers will be addressing delegates under the two plenary themes: ‘Genetics and Genomics in South Africa’ – which will be chaired by Professors Ramsay and Rotimi and ‘Human History in South Africa’- which will be chaired by Prof Himla Soodyall.  

This is the first time a joint conference of this nature will be held in Africa and we encourage South African health and science media to make use of this opportunity to attend an international conference on their home soil. A host of international speakers will be flying in to address delegates on the latest discoveries around human genetics.

The chairperson of the conference is Prof Raj Ramesar from the UCT/MRC Human Genetics Research Unit.

The AfSHG and SASHG aim to provide a forum for scientists interested in Human Genetics in Africa to meet, interact, network and collaborate. In addition, they aim to equip the African scientific community and policymakers with the information and practical knowledge that will contribute to the field of genetics research and to attract global attention to the efforts of African research and the development of scientists on the continent.  Both organizations strive to promote and advance the practice and science of human and medical genetics on the continent through facilitating contact between persons in the different branches of human and medical genetics, and initiating contact with similar organizations in other parts of the world; and to practice their affairs in a non-profit making and non-discriminating manner.

Date:               6-9 March 2011
Venue:            CTICC, Cape Town

A more detailed programme will be available on Wednesday, 16 February 2011.