Have you ever wondered how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted young scientists in the country and across the continent? Wonder no more. A scholarly book titled Socio-Ecological-Economic Reflections on the Impacts of COVID-19 in Africa explores this question.
Co-edited by Profs Willie Chinyamurindi and Prof Philani Moyo from the University of Fort Hare (UFH), the open-access book gathers reflections from emerging scientists in South Africa, Africa, and beyond, offering a broad look at how the pandemic has influenced various aspects of life.
Published this year by AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, the book is funded by the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS). Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the volume shares the experiences of young scientists navigating their work during the pandemic.
“This book aims to reflect on the challenges we faced during the pandemic while proposing solutions grounded in scientific research,” the editors stated.
The chapters provide insights into various socioeconomic issues triggered by the pandemic, including vaccine nationalism in South Africa and the role of social media in spreading misinformation.
Other topics include urban sustainability, the challenges facing the informal sector, the future of education in the post-COVID world, and the shift towards flexible working arrangements in Zimbabwe.
The chapters include:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Nationalism, Hesitancy, and Misgovernance in South Africa by Philani Moyo
• Improving Urban Sustainability Through Slum Intervention Amidst COVID-19 by Chioma Agatha John-Nsa
• The African Informal Sector: Framing a Path Amidst the Difficulty by Motshedisi Sina Mathibe and Willie Chinyamurindi
• Reimagining South African Education Post-COVID-19: Shifting Towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution by Hlengiwe Ndlovu and Lunga Lawrence Ngogela
• COVID-19 Triggered Flexible Working Arrangements in Zimbabwe: A Systematic Literature Review by Nhamo Mashavira and Patience Mabika
In the foreword, Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand and former CEO of the NIHSS, writes:
“What is compelling about this book is that it offers solutions to the problems that COVID-19 has laid bare, such as opportunities to ‘circularize’ economies and new methods to fund scientific research. The book itself is a transdisciplinary endeavour, using the tools of both the humanities and natural sciences, helping us envision collective solutions in response to a post-pandemic world.”
Prof Himla Soodyall, Executive Officer of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), Pretoria, South Africa, emphasizes:
“The different chapters in this book not only highlight the under-preparedness of countries in managing pandemics but also the fragility of their economies. The COVID-19 crisis laid bare inefficiencies in the value chains, presenting an opportunity to shift towards a more sustainable circular economy.”
Dr. Moses Basitere and Dr. Natisha Dukhi, Co-Chairs of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), Pretoria, South Africa, conclude:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the world, and Africa has faced its own unique challenges and opportunities. This book serves as a critical contribution to understanding these complexities from the perspective of a continent rich in diversity, resilience, and innovation. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit of young African scholars, offering insights into the long-term socio-ecological-economic shifts that may shape Africa’s future.”
According to the editors, the book is an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in addressing the socio-ecological-economic challenges of our time.
“We are deeply grateful to NIHSS for funding this book, and to the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) for supporting the idea behind it,” said Profs Chinyamurindi and Moyo.
They also thanked the young scientists who contributed their time and expertise. “These scholars helped chart a path forward, offering perspectives on preparing for the future. As pandemics will undoubtedly remain a part of our world, this collective effort through science aims to help us better understand and prepare for such global challenges.”