Space Technology in South Africa & Sumbandilasat Launch: Sunspace briefing
Science, Technology and Innovation
29 May 2007
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO
COMMITTEE & JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
29 May 2007
SPACE TECHNOLOGY IN SOUTH AFRICA & SUMBANDILASAT LAUNCH: SUNSPACE BRIEFING
Co-chairpersons: Mr E Ngcobo (ANC) & Ms L Mabe (ANC) [Joint Budget]
Documents handed out:
Space
technology in South Africa and the launch of Sumbandila satellite Presentation
SUMMARY
The Committee was briefed by SunSpace on space technology in South Africa
and its progress in launching the Sumbandila satellite. The relevance of space
technology in South Africa addressed areas of concern such as shortage of
technical skills, job creation and loss of top researchers and engineers, by
contributing towards attracting and retaining high quality scientists and
engineers and stimulating research and development.The satellite was described,
and it was noted that its
applications included vessel positioning identification and aids to
agricultural infrastructure management and planning. Its imaging expectations
were a resolution GSD of 6.25m, size of 5.8 x 4.2 km and the full image
was 45 x 45Km.
It was noted that intervention by Cabinet would be required to aid in reaching the ASGISA targets
to increase the GDP by 6% and halve unemployment and poverty by 2014. This
would be by
establishment of South African Space Agency (SASA), developing a
space programme, and support for local industry and in job creation. SunSpace
still awaited the decision of the sendout date to Russia for the launching of
Sumbandila satellite to be set by the Department of Science and Technology.
Members asked questions on the training and retention of scientists after the
completion of this project, how SunSpace planned to be financially viable for
long term purposes, the gender ratios in senior management, what precisely they
needed from Cabinet, the percentage of imported goods in the satellites, their
competitive advantage in the international arena, collaboration and discussions
with National Treasury, compliance with international obligations, a breakdown
of the funding received from the Department, and collaboration with the
International Space Agency. It was noted that it still awaited a response from
the Department of Defence.
The Adoption of the Report on Department of Science and Technology and its
entities on its Business Strategies for 2007/2008(Budget and strategic plans)
was postponed. The adoption of minutes from 13 February to15 May was also
postponed.
MINUTES
Space technology in South Africa and the launch of Sumbandila satellite:Briefing by SunSpace / Mihle (SunSpace)
Ms G Magagula, Space Engineer–in-training, SunSpace/Mihle, addressed the
Committee on the role she and other engineers-in-training (EIT) played on this
project. She stressed the importance of space science in South Africa and said
how South Africa could play a vital role in Africa and the international arena.
She expounded on how getting trainees for space science could address shortage
of skills and also improve the economy of the country.
Mr Mzukisi Mazula, Executive Manager, SunSpace/Mihle, addressed the relevance
of space technology and its application in South Africa. He noted areas of
concern and challenge, such as shortage of technical skills, and the loss of
top scientists and engineers to the developed world. To lessen these losses,
the improvement of space technology would attract high quality engineers and
scientists, and also encourage young people to the science and maths
disciplines and stimulate research and development. He further stated that the
promotion of space technology would be in line with the 2007 State of the
Nation Address, as it would improve the export performance, and focus on
services and manufactured goods.. It would further
increase human capital development, and gain access to independent decision
making information which allowed increasing the economic return of traditional
economic sectors. This could be achieved by the turnkey satellite system or
through South African efforts of building and developing a satellite. It would
allow for International diplomacy and collaboration for the benefit of South
Africa and other countries, for example in alerting the other country of
impending disaster.
Some of Sumbandila Satellite’s applications would be in vessel positioning
identification and in agricultural infrastructure management and planning. Its
imaging expectations were a resolution of 6.25m, size of 5.8 x 4..2 Km and the full image was 45 x 45Km.Space
activities such as satellite engineering in Africa were presently limited to
Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria. The satellites were bought from overseas as opposed
to being manufactured locally.
Mr Siyabonga Copiso, Executive Manager, SunSpace/Mihle, addressed the human development
strategies aligned with the Joint Initiative For Priority Skills Acquisition
(JIPSA) report of 2007. He outlined SunSpace‘s initiative to increase human
capital such as the internship programme,
through the support of Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Department
of Communications (DOC) and the defence force and intelligence agencies. Mr
Copisa also stated that SunSpace's goal was aligned with the Accelerated Shared
Growth Initiatives (ASGISA) targets to increase the GDP by 6%, and halve
unemployment and poverty, by 2014.He said the intervention required from
Cabinet would be in the establishment of South African Space Agency (SASA),
developing a space programme supportive of local industry and in job creation..
Discussion
Mr E Ngcobo (ANC) expressed his concern on the sincerity of the company in
addressing the skills shortage issue and being BEE compliant. He cautioned that
other companies in the past had proffered similar plans and strategies for the
betterment of the people and the country, and the State had been misled.
Mr Copisa replied that the veracity of the company would only be proved
over time, as they were still a young company. He also suggested that Members
join some of the company's meetings to witness their dedication and to observe
how they put down and implemented their strategies.
Mr P Nefolovhodwe (APO) wondered how SunSpace dealt with issues of gender
equality in their management levels.
Mr Copisa replied that currently the gender breakdown in the company was
not balanced. However they had put in motion a 10 year strategy plan that
include recruiting student EITs and
retaining them for permanent employment.
Mr Nefolovhodwe asked SunSpace to articulate what they needed from Cabinet
in order to make the company viable in the long run.
A SunSpace delegate replied that they would like to have stable investment from
National Treasury into space programmes. In addition the establishment of the
South African Space Agency would be a major factor, developing a space
programme support for local industry, and creating jobs.
A Member commented that most of the goods manufactured in South Africa had a
substantial proportion of imported components. He requested SunSpace to give,
in percentile form, the end value of the satellites made from imported goods.
Mr Mazula replied that the imported components were the batteries from UK,
solar panels from Italy and the propulsion. These components contributed 15 to
20% of the satellite’s expenses.
Mr Y Wang (ANC) requested Mihle/SunSpace to explain their competitive advantage
in the international arena.
Mr Ron Olivier, Executive Manager, SunSpace, replied that they operated at the
lower end of the market. The venture had a cost advantage in that it was not a
“deep space mission”.They had a need for small investments but offered
independent information.
Mr Wang commented that it was exciting to see female engineers in any school.
However, in regard to”brain drain”, he found that most of the young engineers
went overseas and in about five years or so returned to the country. He then
asked what long term strategies had SunSpace put in place for the engineers to
serve within South African domestic markets.
Ms D Robinson (DA) asked whether there was a stratagem in place to retain
people once they were trained.
Mr Copisa reiterated the plans of SunSpace to recruit University students and
train them. After their training period SunSpace would offer them employment,
and this way could retain their scientists and engineers.
Mr Wang wondered whether there existed any collaboration between SunSpace and
the National Treasury.
Mr Olivier replied that there was no collaboration with Treasury at the moment,
but SunSpace would like to look into it in the future.
Prof I Mohamed (ANC) requested clarification concerning the physical problems
encountered within the nature of Space time.
Mr Mazula responded that SunSpace had to abide by the international space law
and regulations, and to be in compliance with the international UN Treaties ITU
and UNCOPUOUS for frequencies and orbital slots, for non proliferation of
space. Also, they had to abide by the South African Council for Space Affairs,
and the Space Affairs Act 64 of 1995.
A Member wondered where the engineers working at SunSpace would be deployed
after the completion of the satellite.
Ms Magagula replied that these members, prior to being trainee space engineers,
were trained as electronic engineers so they could get employment with any
electronic company.
A Member requested a breakdown of the funds received from the DST and how much
SunSpace raised on its own.
Mr B Cilliers, Managing Director, SunSpace, replied that they had not brought
the actual breakdown with them but that this could be sent on to the Committee.
Mr S Dithebe (ANC) wondered whether there was collaboration with the
International Space Agency (ISA) as an outcome of this venture. He also asked
what their long term plans were regarding space exploration.
Mr Cilliers responded that there was collaboration with ISA. As for the long
term plans, SunSpace was rather moving one step at a time. They did, however
want to reach a state where they could compete with the developed countries in
terms of the quality of their equipment and research.
A Member advised SunSpace to utilise the constituency offices for access in
rural areas. She also wondered whether the Department of Defence had responded
to SunSpace’s request. She further enquired how much the Department’s
involvement would cost the State.
A SunSpace delegate replied that they had not received an answer from the
Department of Defence. They had not worked exactly how much they would need
from the State, but would be contacting National Treasury with the quotation.
Committee Report on Department’s Budget and Strategic Plan 2007/8
The adoption of the report was postponed.
Adoption of minutes
The adoption of the Committee’s Minutes of its
meetings on 13, 20 and 27 February, 6, 13 and 27 March and 15 May was postponed
to the next Committee meeting.
The meeting was adjourned..
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