Report of the
Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology on its activities undertaken
during the 4th Parliament (May 2009 – March 2014), dated 12 March 2014.
Key highlights
1.
Reflection on
committee programme per year and on whether the objectives of such programmes
were achieved
The initial briefings to the Committee focussed on the mandate and work
programme of the Department of Science and Technology (the Department) and the
entities that report to it. These briefings allowed the Committee to identify
the critical issues regarding the science, technology and innovation (STI)
sector. These critical issues and the parliamentary term programmes informed
the planning of the Committee’s term programmes and oversight visits. Overall,
the Committee achieved what it had set out to do in the 4th
Parliament. Nevertheless, it would of preferred to have had even greater
engagement with the entities reporting to the Department and conducted more
oversight visits, these jointly with other interested and affected
parliamentary committees, if the parliamentary programme had allowed time and
space for these to be undertaken.
The general structure of the Committee’s term programmes, which would
accordingly be amended when the National Assembly referred matters to the
Committee, was as follows:
First term - The Committee considered the impact of the State of the
Nation Address on the STI sector and refined its programme in this regard, and
considered the budget allocation to the Department. Briefings on topical
issues, legislatively mandated issues (for example, monitoring performance and
expenditure for the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report) and/or
oversight visits were also undertaken.
Second term: The Committee considered the Strategic Plans and Annual
Performance Plans of the Department and the entities. Briefings on topical
issues, legislatively mandated issues (for example, monitoring performance and
expenditure for the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report) and/or
oversight visits were also undertaken.
Third term: The Committee planned briefings on topical issues;
legislatively mandated issues (for example, monitoring performance and
expenditure for the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report) and/or
oversight visits were also undertaken.
Fourth term: The Committee evaluated the performance of the Department
and entities as documented in the Annual Reports and engaged with the Office of
the Auditor-General on these matters. The Committee then compiled its Budgetary
Review and Recommendation Report, which was submitted to the National Assembly.
2.
Committee’s focus
areas during the 4th Parliament
·
STI human capital development;
·
Transformation of the STI sector;
·
Adequate funding of the STI sector;
·
Increased public awareness and understanding of the STI sector;
·
The impact of STI on the development of society and in particular on
rural development;
·
The mandated roles and areas of responsibility of the various national
departments and stakeholders in the STI sector;
·
Enhancing the international standing and profile of South African STI;
and
·
The enabling environment created by the STI policy, legislative and
strategy framework.
The Committee also exercised consistent
monitoring and evaluation of the following high-value projects:
·
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Radio Telescope and the Karoo Array
Telescope (MeerKAT);
·
The development of a vaccine for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
and other medical science initiatives funded by the Department;
·
The progress of the PhD project, the South African Research Chairs
Initiative (SARChI) and other human capital development initiatives;
·
The operationalisation of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) as the two new entities established
during the 4th Parliament;
·
The development of the Bioeconomy Strategy;
·
The development of South Africa’s satellite building capacity and the use
of satellite imagery for improved environmental and settlement planning and
monitoring;
·
The implementation of the five Grand Challenges; and
·
The progress with and implementation of the recommendations of the
Ministerial Review of the STI Landscape and the reviews conducted on the
activities of the entities and projects.
3.
Key areas for future
work
·
The critical issues focussed on during the 4th Parliament will
require continued monitoring and the strategies, plans and programmes developed
and implemented to improve the current situation will have to be consistently
evaluated;
·
The role of the Department and its entities in the national
infrastructure development plan must be interrogated, monitored and evaluated;
·
The legislative review process embarked on by the Department, which will
span the next two to three years;
·
The Implementation of the Bioeconomy Strategy;
·
The development of other key strategies, for example, the strategy to
increase investment in research and development (R&D);
·
The enhancement of intergovernmental and stakeholder relations so that
successful pilot projects in support of technology solutions can be scaled up
to the benefit of all South African communities;
·
Strengthen the role of the National Advisory Council on Innovation
(NACI);
·
The impact of the current Innovation Instruments (TIA, National
Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), Offices of Technology Transfer
(OTTs), and Centres of Competence (CoCs);
·
The development of SKA and MeerKAT;
·
The development of South Africa’s next satellite and a satellite
industry;
·
Regional and international STI initiatives and collaboration;
·
Measures to improve the co-ordination of the National System of
Innovation (NSI);
·
The establishment of the five new Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and the
impact the existing CoEs has had;
·
Beneficiation of natural resources where South Africa has geographic and
competitive advantage, for example, Platinum Group Metals, Fluorspar and Titanium;
·
How the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act (No. 21 of 2007) and its
regulations will protect our designated astronomy advantage areas from the
impacts of hydraulically fracturing the Karoo shale reserves for gas; and
·
Infrastructure for STI.
4.
Key challenges
emerging
·
Some briefings were scientifically technical and incorporated lots of
scientific jargon; making it difficult to fully understand what was presented;
·
Although copious amounts of information on various STI topics and
initiatives are available; information specific to the Department, its entities
and projects were not always available electronically on the internet, which is
the fastest way of accessing information needed within a short space of time;
and
·
For a number of R&D initiatives, the distinction between the roles,
responsibilities and collaborative efforts of the Department, its entities and
partners was not always clear.
5.
Recommendations
·
Due the cross-cutting nature of science, briefings and oversight visits
should, where applicable, include all interested and affected parliamentary
committees;
·
The Committee may need to consider additional meeting times to
accommodate increased interaction with the Department’s entities;
·
Due to the complexity of STI and the NSI, the Committee should consider
incorporating briefings and/or workshops with experts in the fields of
measuring STI performance and impact and evaluating STI policy; and
·
Greater interaction with the STI industry would provide the Committee
with information regarding the impact of STI policies aimed at growing this
sector of the economy.
·
The Committee be included, by the Department, in more initiatives geared
to market and communicate the impact of STI initiatives; and
·
The Committee should consider and investigate strategies to enhance
public understanding of and involvement in S&T by, for example, hosting its
own programme in support of key national events like National Science Week.
1.
Introduction
1.1
Department and
Entities falling within the ambit of the Portfolio Committee on Science and
Technology
The Department of
Science and Technology (the Department), first established as a national
government department in 2004, aims to create a prosperous society that derives
sustainable and equitable benefits from South Africa’s investment in science,
technology and innovation (STI). Hence, the Department is responsible for the
development, co-ordination and management of a National System of Innovation
(NSI) that seeks to transform South Africa’s economy from being resource-based
to a knowledge economy. The 1996 White Paper on Science and Technology (the
1996 White Paper), the 2002 National Research and Development Strategy, the
2004 New Strategic Management Model for South Africa’s Science and Technology
System and the 2007 Ten-Year Innovation Plan, inform the Department’s mandate.
The 1996 White Paper was the first policy document to introduce the concept of
a NSI. The NSI comprises all the role-players and stakeholders of the science
and technology system and links these to social and economic activity to
support and promote the attainment of national objectives.
a)
Department of Science
and Technology
The Department’s five
strategic goals are:
·
To develop the
innovation capacity of the NSI and thereby contribute to socio-economic
development;
·
To enhance South
Africa’s knowledge-generation capacity in order to produce world-class research
outputs and turn some advanced findings into innovation products and processes;
·
To develop
appropriate STI human capital to meet the needs of society;
·
To build world-class
STI infrastructure to extend the frontiers of knowledge, train the next
generation of researchers and enable technology development and transfer as
well as knowledge interchange; and
·
To position South
Africa as a strategic international research, development and innovation (RDI)
partner and destination through the exchange of knowledge, capacity and resources
between South Africa and its regional and other international partners, thereby
strengthening the NSI.
The Department contributes
to and reports on the following government outcomes:
·
Outcome 2: A long and
healthy life for all South Africans;
·
Outcome 4: Decent
employment through inclusive economic growth;
·
Outcome 5: A skilled
and capable workforce to support an inclusive growth path;
·
Outcome 7: Vibrant,
equitable and sustainable rural communities and food security for all; and
·
Outcome 10: Environmental
assets and natural resources that is well protected and continually enhanced.
During the 4th
Parliament, the Department undertook an extensive review of the STI landscape
and its readiness to meet the needs of South Africa. A Ministerial Review
Committee was established in 2010 with the specific mandate to report and
advise the Minister on the extent to which the recommendations of the 2007
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) review of the NSI
have been acted upon; the current performance of the STI system and to make
appropriate recommendations on steps necessary to strengthen the NSI. The
report of the Ministerial Review Committee, finalised in mid-2012, made
extensive recommendations regarding improvements to the NSI. The Department
established a Working Committee to review the recommendations and decide which
would be implemented and how. This work remains ongoing. A key outcome of this process
was the hosting, by the Department, of the first Science, Technology and
Innovation Summit in July 2013.
b)
Entities
During the 4th Parliament, the following entities reported to
the Department:
·
National Research Foundation;
·
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research;
·
Human Sciences Research Council;
·
Academy of Science of South Africa;
·
National Advisory Council on Innovation;
·
Africa Institute of South Africa – The President assented to the Africa
Institute of South Africa Act Repeal Act (No. 21 of 2013) on 9 December 2013.
This entity is being incorporated into the Human Sciences Research Council as
an in-house research centre;
·
South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions;
·
Technology Innovation Agency – was a new entity established by the
promulgation of the Technology Innovation Act (No. 26 of 2008). It became
operational during the 2009/10 financial year and was officially launched in
November 2010; and
·
South African National Space Agency – was a new entity established by the
promulgation of the South African National Space Agency Act (No. 36 of 2008).
It was operationalised during a 3-phase process, with the final phase (fully
operational) effected during the 2012/13 financial year.
c) Entities
Name of Entity |
Role of Entity |
|
|
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) |
CSIR is governed by the Scientific Research Council
Act, 1988. Its mandate is to foster industrial and scientific development in
national interest, through multidisciplinary research and technological
innovation, either by itself or in partnership with public and private sector
institutions. |
National Research Foundation (NRF) |
The NRF was established by the National Research
Foundation Act, 1998. Its objective is to support and promote research
through funding, human resource development and the provision of the
necessary research facilities for the creation of knowledge, innovation and
development in all fields of S&T, including indigenous knowledge. In this
way the NRF contributes to the improvement of the quality of life of all
South Africans. |
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) |
The HSRC, governed by the HSRC Act, 1968 is a statutory
body mandated to undertake, promote and co-ordinate policy-relevant,
problem-orientated research in the human and social sciences. Its research activities and structures are
aligned to South Africa’s national development priorities, notably poverty reduction
through economic development, skills enhancement, job creation, the
elimination of discrimination and inequalities, and effective service
delivery. The HSRC is poised to play a key role in the implementation of the
Cabinet-approved Ten-Year Innovation Plan (2008-2018), particularly in
relation to the grand challenge of human and social dynamics. |
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) |
TIA’s object is to
support and enable technological innovation across different sectors of the
economy in order to achieve socio-economic benefits through structural
financial and non-financial interventions, development and maintenance of
human capacity for innovation, building a culture of innovation and
leveraging local and international partnerships. |
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) |
Established in
terms of the South African National Space Agency Act to promote the peaceful
use of space, co-operation in space related activities and foster research in
space science. |
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) |
ASSAf was established through the ASSAf Act 2001.
Its objectives are to promote common ground for scientific thinking across
all disciplines, to promote innovation and independent scientific thinking,
to promote the development of the intellectual capacity of all people, and to
link SA with scientific communities at the highest levels, particularly in
Africa. The Academy publishes scientific reports, investigates matters of
public interest about science, and manages South African journals. |
Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) |
AISA is established in terms of the AISA Act, 2001.
It focuses primarily on political, socio-economic, international and
development issues in contemporary Africa, and contributes to the goals of
the NSI through research programmes which impact on knowledge production,
human resource development ( especially developing capacity in African
studies, a scarce resource in South Africa), social science, and innovation. |
National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) |
NACI was created by legislation to advise the
Minister of Science and Technology, and through the Minister, the Cabinet, on
the role and contribution of science, mathematics, innovation and technology,
including indigenous technologies, in promoting and achieving national
objectives. |
1.2
Functions of
committee
Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Republic
of South Africa sets the mandate of the Portfolio Committee on Science and
Technology (the Committee), which is also aligned to the mission and vision of
Parliament. Hence, the Committee must:
·
Consider, amend and/or initiate legislation
that is specific to, or impacts on STI;
·
Monitor and oversee the financial and
non-financial performance of the Department and its entities;
·
Monitor and oversee the implementation of the
Department’s policies and legislation;
·
Consider and review the strategic plans and
budgets of the Department and its entities;
·
Consider sector-related international
treaties and agreements; and
·
Provide a platform for the public to
participate and present views on specific topics and/or legislation in relation
to the STI sector.
1.3
Method of work of the
committee
The Committee held
weekly meetings on Wednesdays (allotted slot) as per each Committee Term
programme to:
·
Engage the Department
and its entities on topical issues and other legislative mandates;
·
Consider Strategic
Plans, Annual Performance Plans (APPs), Budgets and Annual Reports of the
Department and its entities;
·
Oversee the
implementation of the Department and entities’ programmes and budgetary use as
per the APPs for each relevant Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period;
·
Consider legislation
as tabled;
·
Engage the Department
on government priorities as per the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF);
·
Undertake oversight
visits to provinces and entities; and
·
Engage other relevant
government departments and institutions, for example, the Auditor-General, on
issues related to the science and technology sector.
1.4
Purpose of the report
The purpose of this report is to provide an account of the Portfolio
Committee on Science and Technology’s work during the 4th Parliament
and to inform the members of the new Parliament of key outstanding issues
pertaining to the oversight and legislative programme of the Department of
Science and Technology and its entities.
This report provides an overview of the activities the committee
undertook during the 4th Parliament, the outcome of key activities,
as well as any challenges that emerged during the period under review and
issues that should be considered for follow up during the 5th
Parliament. It summarises the key issues for follow-up and concludes with
recommendations to strengthen operational and procedural processes to enhance
the committee’s oversight and legislative roles in future.
2.
Key statistics
The table below provides an overview of the number of meetings held,
legislation and international agreements processed and the number of oversight
trips and study tours undertaken by the committee, as well as any statutory
appointments the committee made, during the 4th Parliament:
Activity |
2009/10 |
2010/11 |
2011/12 |
2012/13 |
2013/14 |
Total |
Meetings held |
21 |
27 |
22 |
28 |
28 |
126 |
Legislation processed |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
Oversight trips undertaken |
0 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
9 |
Study tours undertaken |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
International agreements processed |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Interventions considered |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Petitions considered |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3.
Stakeholders
None
4.
Briefings and/or
public hearings
·
STI human capital development;
·
Transformation of the STI sector;
·
Adequate funding of the STI sector;
·
Increased public awareness and understanding of the
STI sector;
·
The impact of STI on the development of society and
in particular on rural development;
·
The mandated roles and areas of responsibility of
the various national departments and stakeholders in the STI sector;
·
Enhancing the international standing and profile of
South African STI;
·
The enabling environment created by the STI policy,
legislative and strategy framework;
·
The progress with and implementation of the
recommendations of the Ministerial Review of the STI Landscape;
·
Audit opinions and the events that lead to material
findings and matters of emphasis – especially regarding TIA;
·
Monitor the incorporation of AISA into the HSRC and
ensure that AISA’s research focus is strengthened; and
·
The review of TIA and the forensic investigation
into its financial matters.
The Committee did not
conduct any public hearings during the 4th Parliament.
5.
Legislation
The following pieces of legislation were referred to the committee and
processed during the 4th Parliament:
Year |
Name of Legislation |
Tagging |
Objectives |
Completed/Not Completed |
2009/10 |
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010/11 |
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011/12 |
Science and Technology Laws Amendment Bill |
S75 |
To effect technical corrections to the principal Act and to the
strengthening of institutional oversight and governance. |
completed |
|
|
|
|
|
2012/13 |
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2013/14 |
Africa Institute of South Africa Act Repeal Bill Science and Technology Laws Amendment Bill |
S75 S75 |
To provide for the
disestablishment of the Africa Institute of South Africa; to provide for the transfer
of assets, liabilities, rights and obligations of the Institute; to repeal
the Africa Institute of South Africa Act. The
Bill seeks to streamline the process for the nomination and appointment of
members of the Board or Council of the entities. It also seeks to harmonise
the process for the appointment of chairpersons of the boards or councils of
such entities, as well as their chief executive officers. |
completed completed |
a) Challenges emerging
AISA Act Repeal Bill (B 6 – 2013):
·
The Bill sought to repeal the AISA Act (No. 68 of 2001) and disestablish
AISA as a legal entity. During the deliberations on the Bill, the Department stated
that AISA would be incorporated into the HSRC as an in-house research centre.
The Committee then questioned whether the incorporation should not be included
in the Bill. The Department, on advice from the Office of the State Law
Advisor, did not include the act of incorporation in the Bill, but assured the
Committee that since it did not want to lose AISA’s expertise and assets,
incorporation within the HSRC was a strategic imperative; and
·
A provision in the Bill required that AISA’s MTEF budget allocation be
ring-fenced within the HSRC’s budget. Since the provision would bind Parliament
to a future budget allocation irrespective of the prevailing economic
circumstances, it was removed. Parliament votes annually on budgetary
allocations to Departments and entities. The Committee advised the Department
to enter into an administrative agreement with AISA and the HSRC to ensure that
incorporation plans were adequately supported.
Science and Technology Laws Amendment Bill (B
36 – 2013):
·
The Bill sought to streamline many processes related to the Boards and
Councils of science councils and entities. However, during the Committee’s
deliberations on the Bill, the Committee discovered many inconsistencies with
the stated intention of the Bill. These inconsistencies required the Committee
to make a series of additional amendments; and
·
One of the streamlining processes was to remove the National Assembly’s
consultation role when members of Boards and Councils are appointed for
specific science councils. The Committee, wishing to ensure that its oversight
role was not diminished, included provisions requiring the Minister of Science
and Technology to, within 30 days of the appointment or reappointment of a
member of a Board or Council, submit a report to the National Assembly relating
to the matter. In addition, the same applies when a Board or Council is
dissolved and when regulations are promulgated.
b) Issues for follow-up
The 5th Parliament should consider
following up on the following concerns/obligations that arose:
·
Monitor the incorporation of AISA into the HSRC and ensure that AISA’s
research focus is strengthened;
·
The Science and Technology Laws Amendment Bill (B 36 – 2013) amends seven
Acts. This Bill is part of a legislative review process that, as stated by the
Department, will span two to three years and would; therefore, require ongoing
monitoring by the 5th Parliament;
·
To track and record the reports submitted by the Minister to keep the
Committee informed of decisions regarding the Boards and Councils of science
councils and entities; and
·
To track and record the reports submitted by the Minister to keep the
Committee informed of any regulations promulgated.
6.
Oversight trips
undertaken
The following oversight
trips were undertaken:
Date |
Area Visited |
Objective |
Recommendations |
Responses to Recommendations |
Status of Report |
1-3 February 2010 |
Visit to the PlantBio National Innovation Centre for
Plant Biotechnology and the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) in
Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria respectively |
The main purpose of the visit
was to strengthen the Committee’s understanding of entities and programmes
falling under or operating in collaboration with the Department of Science and
Technology (DST). |
The Committee acknowledged that their knowledge
around the details of existing biotechnology projects and programmes was
limited. The Committee resolved to engage with the relevant
structures under DST and NRF to explain what biotechnology awareness
programmes exist and how it is promoted at the different levels in our
society (educators, learners, consumers, communities). |
Follow-up
briefings on issues relating to biotechnology. The Committee was encouraged to incorporate more
visits to other biotechnology initiatives, specifically those falling under
the Biotechnology Innovation Centre’s (BIC’s) in their programme. |
Published |
5 May 2010 |
Visit to the MeerKAT Project Office in Pinelands |
Main purpose of the visit was
to receive brief on developments relating to the building of the MeerKAT
telescope. |
The
Committee was generally happy with the update provided. No specific
recommendation. |
|
Minutes
submitted for this meeting. |
22
July 2010. |
Visit to the Centre for High Performance Computing
(CHPC) in Rondebosch, Cape Town. |
The objectives of the visit to CHPC were to
ascertain the extent to which: §
the
use of advanced computational technologies contributes to the advancement of
scientific boundaries by enabling world-class research; §
technology
is used to foster innovation through partnerships for training a new
generation of skilled researchers in areas underpinned by high performance
computing and data curation, particularly those of strategic national and
continental importance; §
public-private
partnerships are promoted and high performance computing are utilised by the
commercial sector. |
Committee saw this project as an opportunity for
consultative relationships and collaborative projects with the Departments of
Basic and Higher Education. |
|
Published |
4-6
August 2010 |
Visit to the Offices of DST, TIA, CSIR and the
Satellite Applications Centre in Pretoria |
Oversight on functions and operations of DST and
entities. |
|
|
Published |
24
-25 October 2010 |
Visit to the Human Sciences Research Council |
Annual report oversight |
|
|
Formed part of Budget Review Report |
29
- 30 March 2011 |
Visit to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) in Carnarvon
and the South African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland |
The main purpose of the visit was for the Committee
to familiarise themselves with the locations for the telescopes and also to
deepen their understanding of the different projects. SALT and SKA were two
examples of Government’s efforts to exploit South Africa’s geographic
advantage for astronomy-related research, and to harness the benefits of
astronomy science and technology for socio-economic growth and sustainable
development. The visit followed the DST’s detailed brief on the progress with
regard to SKA. |
The DST should continue to keep the Committee
informed regarding progress leading-up to the bid to host the international
SKA radio-astronomy facility and whether all plans are proceeding apace. |
This
recommendation was complied with. |
Published |
29
July to 5 August 2011 |
Visits
to the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the Centre for Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR), South African National Space Agency (SANSA), Hartebeeshoek
Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), the Cradle for Humankind, the Centre
for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and the Moses
Kotane Institute in Pretoria, Gauteng and Durban respectively, from |
§
At
TIA , receive a briefing on the status with regard to its operationalisation
process and of the migration of entities to TIA; §
At
CSIR, visit the Titanium Centre of Competence unique research facilities; and
other research technologies geared towards improved service delivery; §
At
SANSA, to visit the site, and receive a briefing on governance processes,
operationalisation overview and space operations; §
At
HartRAO site visit; to enhance members’ understanding of use of facility; §
At
the Cradle for Humankind, to understand the extent of DST’s role in promoting
and supporting the study of the palaeoworld.
§
At
CAPRISA, in line with government’s priorities to enhance the health of the
people this visit was to understand the types of research this organisation
was involved with and its impact it has on HIV infected persons. §
Extend
a courteousy visit to the Moses Kotane Institute to see initiatives at
provincial level contributing to an economy that creates opportunities for
all. |
To receive updates on the
projects and programmes visited. |
Complied
with. |
Published |
4 to 5 September 2012 |
Visits to the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator-
Based Science (iThemba LABS) in Faure , the Department of
Science and Technology (DST)/Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) low cost housing project in Kleinmond, and the South African National
Space Agency (SANSA) Space Science in Hermanus. |
NRF governance
focus and to view the low-cost housing project. |
Parliamentary
Committee’s collaborate to ensure that DST projects and programmes are taken
forward. |
|
Published |
22 to 26 July
2013 |
Visits to Cofimvaba, the University of Fort Hare, the
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), the South African
Research Chair (SARChI) for Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology at Rhodes
University, the South African (SAEON),
Nelson Mandela
Bay Science and Technology Centre, and the KwaNobuhle Essential Oils Project |
The Committee visited the Cofimvaba Schools District
Technology Project to witness how the introduction of new and tested
technologies contributes to the improvement of quality of teaching and
learning in rural schools. The
focus of the Committee’s visit at UFH was to enhance its understanding of
particular DST initiatives piloted at the University, relating to its Human
and Social Dynamics Grand Challenge and the Global Change Grand Challenge. The
KwaNobuhle Essential Oils Project is one of the initiatives implemented by
the DST whereby science and technology is used to alleviate poverty. |
Parliamentary
Committee’s collaborate to ensure that DST projects and programmes are taken
forward. |
|
|
a) Challenges emerging
The following challenges emerged during the oversight
visit:
·
The dearth of high-level skills and funding was continuously raised as
impediments to growing highly technical and specialised fields of science;
·
The need for greater co-operation and linkages between the three spheres
of government, the industry and academia to ensure that technology solutions
developed and/or funded by the Department are scaled-up;
·
The Committee continuously urged the Department, science councils and
entities to enhance their communication and marketing strategies to enhance
public understanding of science and technology;
·
Scientifically technical and jargon-laden presentations impeded the
Committee’s understanding of some of the research and development projects
being undertaken; and
·
For a range of programmes being implemented, the linkages and
collaborative efforts between, and the roles of the science councils, entities
and various stakeholders were not always clearly stated in the presentations.
b) Issues for follow-up
The 5th Parliament should consider
following up on the following concerns that arose:
·
Monitor the various programmes to enhance STI human capital development;
·
Monitor the development of the research and development investment
strategy;
·
Monitor the strategies to enhance intergovernmental and stakeholder
collaboration;
·
Monitor the enhancements to and implementation of the various
communication and marketing strategies; and
·
Provide clear guidelines as to what the Committee expects from
presentations.
7.
Study tours
undertaken
The following study tour was undertaken:
Date |
Places Visited |
Objective |
Lessons Learned |
Status of Report |
21 to 30 July 2012 |
International visit to Brussels, Belgium and Sofia,
Bulgaria respectively. |
Strengthening and building strong international
relations to ensure benefits in science and technology innovation for South
Africa. |
Members were keen to develop a
programme of engagement, through the DST whereby scientists from both
countries could collaborate on certain projects of mutual interests. |
Published |
|
|
|
|
|
8.
International
Agreements:
The following international agreements
were processed and reported on:
Date referred |
Name of International Agreement |
Objective |
Status of Report |
11/5/10 |
the South African
Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation
(STI) |
Further South
Africa’s regional and international STI co-operation. |
Published |
9/10/12 |
Agreement between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Swiss Federal Council (Switzerland) on
Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3)
of the Constitution, 1996. Agreement between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of France on
Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3)
of the Constitution, 1996. Agreement between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of section
231(3) of the Constitution, 1996. Agreement between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Mexican States on
Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3)
of the Constitution, 1996. |
Further South
Africa’s regional and international STI co-operation. |
No report |
9.
Obligations conferred
on committee by legislation
a) Challenges emerging
The following challenges emerged during the statutory appointments:
With regard to the consultation of the National Assembly when the
Minister of Science and Technology appoints the Boards of certain science
councils, the Committee noted the inconsistencies in the legislation dealing
with the processes of appointing Boards within the science and technology
sector.
b) Issues for follow-up
The 5th Parliament should consider following up on the following concerns
that arose:
The Science and Technology Laws Amendment Bill (B 36 – 2013) seeks to
rectify these inconsistencies and provides new processes that the 5th
Parliament will have to be cognisant of.
10.
Summary of outstanding
issues relating to the department/entities that the committee has been
grappling with
The following key issues are outstanding from the committee’s activities
during the 4th Parliament:
Responsibility |
Issue(s) |
Department and TIA |
Report of the forensic investigation into
TIA’s financial matters and a briefing in this regard |
Department and NRF |
(1) A full update report and presentation on
the PhD project (2) A full update report and presentation on
the transformation of the STI sector |
Department and NACI |
Presentation on how NACI’s role is going to
be strengthened |