Technological innovation forms a continuum with periodic breakthroughs which overcome barriers and extend the frontiers of scientific application. Of all of modern technologies, genetic modification is having the most profound impact and is raising the most public concerns. Emotional debates which started in Europe, have now increased in ferocity and have spilled over into many other regions. The major cause for the present battle for the hearts and minds of the public is two-fold: firstly, a changed social environment in which moral, ethical and safety considerations have gained prominence; secondly, failure of governments, industries and scientists to adequately communicate with the public, politicians and major decision makers. This has left the stage wide open for activists to grab headlines and to blend genuine concerns with pseudo-intellectual information. In addition, a strong under-current has emerged of trade interests and technical trade barriers. South Africa has suddenly been plunged into this heated debate and has become the primary biotechnological battleground in Africa. Regulatory institutions, industry and scientists are urged to become active participants in the debate in order to ensure that factual information reaches the public.