Professor Wilmot James was born in Paarl on June 05 1953. His title of professor is honorary from the University of Cape Town in the Division of Human Genetics. His previous qualifications include a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. He has also served as a Director of the Africa Genome Institute. This organisation is a public forum which focuses on genetics and biotechnology within the African continent.

It is in this field of research that Professor James believes that Africa is lacking. As the continental powerhouse South Africa is streets ahead of the majority of the continent when it comes to this research but with a decline in funding and the impossibility of setting deadlines for research, South Africa and the rest of the continent is falling behind in the international game of genetic research.

As South Africa has more scientific capabilities than its neighbours it has allowed the usage of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in terms of food produce. Professor Wilmot believes that mankind to one extent or the other has been genetically modifying food since the start of the Agriculture Age. We have encouraged the growth of certain traits within our crops whilst discouraging traits which we feel are detrimental to our food supply. The only difference now is that instead of hoping the favourable traits are dominant, we can ensure this by removing the unfavourable traits on a genetic level.

In South Africa genetic research can help tackle three of our major diseases. These would be HIV, TB and malaria. By examining the genetic make-up of these diseases researches may be able to discover cures for them. The problem here again is that there can be no deadline. Professor James believes that this route will be a great boon to South Africa and Africa in years to come but patience is paramount.

After the 2009 elections, Professor James as a Member of Parliament belonging to the Democratic Alliance was appointed to the position of Minister of Higher Education in the Shadow Cabinet. His counterpart in the actual cabinet is Dr. Bonginkosi "Blade" Nzimande who comes from the communist party.

Professor Wilmot is a fervent supporter of freedom of speech and believes that universities must be allowed to research their own choice of subject matter and to follow this research to its conclusion without interference from political parties or the state. In South Africa which is largely a secular state research has not yet been impeded by the current government unlike the situation during the Apartheid regime. The country also follows popular scientific thinking so theories such as evolution are taught.

This state of affairs is excellent for scientific research but as Prof. Wilmot points out it can be politically corrupted as was HIV/Aids research during the Mbeki-presidency where going against the official government line could see funding suspended.

It is these type of political manipulations of institutions of higher learning and research centres that Professor Wilmot wishes to prevent.

He has edited several books and written one – Our Precious Metal: African Labour in South Africa's Gold Industry 1970 – 1990). He has been married twice and has two daughters. His eldest would matriculate in 2010 from Westerfod High School which is a public school in Cape Town.

Source:

Interview on December 03 2009