Questions and Replies

Reply:

1. The broad objectives aimed at addressing the triple challenges of the NDP through a set of priority interventions are unpacked below:

       (a) Develop an economy that will create more jobs

• The State of Green Technologies in South Africa. (Consensus study - completed)
• South Africa’s technical readiness to support the shale gas industry. (Consensus study - ongoing)
• “Our Nuclear Future: Delay or Demise”. (Workshop - completed)
• Standing Committee on the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Ongoing)
• “Measuring Deprivation to order to promote Human Development”. (Workshop -completed)

      (b) Improve national infrastructure

• The State of Energy Research in South Africa. (Completed – follow up study to be initiated)
• A symposium on “Our Nuclear Future: Delay or Demise”. (Completed)
• Standing Committee on the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Ongoing)

     (c) Transition to a low-carbon economy

• The State of Green Technologies in South Africa. (Consensus study - completed)
• South Africa’s technical readiness to support the shale gas industry. (Consensus study - ongoing)
• “Our Nuclear Future: Delay or Demise”. (Workshop - completed)
• Hosting the official release and media workshop on the Fifth Assessment Report, Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). (Completed)

     (d) Create an inclusive and integrated economy

• Standing Committee on the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Ongoing)
• “Measuring Deprivation to order to promote Human Development”. (Workshop -completed)

     (e) Reverse the spatial effects of apartheid

• Standing Committee on the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Ongoing)
• “Measuring Deprivation to order to promote Human Development”. (Workshop - completed)

     (f) Improve the quality of education, training and innovation

• Reconceptualising Education and Training of an Appropriate Health Workforce for the Improved Health of the Nation. (Consensus study - ongoing)
• Revitalising Agricultural Education and Training (AET) in South Africa. (Consensus study - ongoing)
• Inquiry-based science education (IBSE) pilot project. (Ongoing)

    (g) Provide quality health care for all

• Standing Committee on the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Ongoing)
• Diversity in Human Sexuality. (Consensus study - completed)
• Biosafety and Biosecurity Standing Committee. (Ongoing)
• The State of Biosafety and Biosecurity in South Africa. (Consensus study - completed)
• Standing Committee on Health. (Ongoing)
• Improved Nutritional Assessment of Micronutrients. (Consensus study - completed)
• Reconceptualising Education and Training of an Appropriate Health Workforce for the Improved Health of the Nation. (Consensus study - ongoing)
• Preventing a Tobacco Use Epidemic in Africa. (Consensus study - completed)
• Provider Core Competencies for Mental, Neurological and Substance Use (MNS) Disorders. (Consensus study - ongoing)

     (h) Provide social protection

• Standing Committee on the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Ongoing)
• Diversity in Human Sexuality. (Consensus study - Completed)
• Standing Committee on Health. (Ongoing)

   (i) Build safer communities

• Standing Committee on the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Ongoing)
• Workshop on “Measuring Deprivation to order to promote Human Development”. An initiative of the Standing Committee for the Science for the Reduction of Poverty and Inequality. (Completed)
• Diversity in Human Sexuality. (Consensus study - Completed)
• Standing Committee on Health. (Ongoing)

(2) Through the promotion of excellence and scholarly endeavour, ASSAf contributes to the knowledge base on these topics. The second component of ASSAf’s mandate relates to the provision of science advice to government. ASSAf is able to mount in-depth studies and convene workshops on relevant topics with a view to providing advice on matters of science to support policy development and also to provide a platform for scholarly debate. A good example of the latter would be a recent workshop on “Measuring Deprivation in order to promote Human Development in South Africa”.

Reply:

Yes, the discontinuation of these programmes could have a negative impact on SAAO science operations and hence training of scientists, if not addressed. Telescopes and astronomy instruments that are used by astronomers are maintained and developed by optical, mechanical and electronic engineers/technicians. SAAO is the ideal ground to develop and sustain the skills of local engineers and technicians who are developing instrumentation at the cutting edge of astronomy. These skills are needed to operate and develop the telescopes located at Sutherland, and discontinuation of the student programme will lead to fewer young astronomers, engineers, and technicians available to service the needs of the SAAO and the country for the development of instrumentation in the medium to long term. SAAO has motivated for an increase in its core grant and the Astronomy sub-Agency, within the NRF, will be including this request in an Implementation Plan for Multi-wavelength Astronomy, which is currently being drafted by the NRF and will submitted to the DST at the end of September 2015. The Department will then assess the feasibility of increasing allocations to the SAAO for this purpose.

Reply:

(1) There is currently no collaboration between the HSRC and SANSA.

(2) None.

 

UPDATE:

Until recently there was little contact between HSRC and SANSA. Since the question was posed to the Minister of DST the two organisations have made some initial contact and are planning a meeting to explore some possible collaborations especially on spatial development and migration. It is also hoped that the meeting will also discuss other areas of potential collaboration including, if possible, HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB. However, the relevance of HIV/AIDS, STIs and TB specifically to SANSA’s work is not a matter we are able to address in this reply.

Reply:

(1) (a) 1 062 new products were launched during the period November 2006 to February 2014. No data is available for the period before November 2006.

(b) (i) Since inception to February 2014 there were 25268 personnel directly employed by companies applying for the R&D tax incentive in conducting R&D..

(ii) Data is not available for the number of job opportunities created during the period 1st April 2005 to 31 March 2012. This is not one of the reporting parameters set by section 11D(17) whicht states that the Minister of Science and Technology must annually submit a report to Parliament advising Parliament of the direct benefit of the research and development in terms of economic growth, employment and other broader government objectives and the aggregate expenditure in respect of such activities without disclosing the identity of any person. Furthermore section 11D(13) states that a taxpayer carrying on research and development approved under subsection (9) must report to the committee annually with respect to the progress of the research and development and the extent to which that research and development requires specialized skills.

Reply:

The Department is not involved in research regarding the new nuclear build programme in the country since the nuclear technology option/choice is yet to be decided on. However, there are existing initiatives in support of nuclear energy industry that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is involved in for the development of know-how and technologies in the nuclear technologies fields.

These include the Nuclear Engineering Research Chair at North West University; Carbon Materials and Technology Chair at the University of Pretoria; Advanced Materials Initiative (AMI); South African Nuclear Human Asset Research Programme (SANHARP); Masters in Accelerator and Nuclear Science (MANUS) and Masters in Material Science (MatSci) programme, involving the University of Zululand, the University of the Western Cape and iThemba Labs.

The focus of the work is as follows:

• Nuclear safety, which includes radiation effects of mining and routine discharges of Koeberg nuclear power station and also radiation standards and regulations;
• Nuclear materials beneficiation;
• Carbon technologies research with emphasis on nuclear graphite technology to support nuclear power generation;
• Reactor technology research on modelling and simulation of nuclear reactors and their associated power plants and process applications. These models are applied in the analysis, design and optimisation of pressurised water reactors and high temperature reactors;
• Nuclear project management, nuclear energy economics; and
• Collaborative research on system analysis of passive safe small modular high temperature gas cooled reactors.

Reply:

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is an international facility with South Africa holding a 33% share. In 2012, the SALT Board resolved to start a R75m Development Fund for the purpose of providing the resources necessary for continued development of the telescope and its instruments. Each of the partners in the telescope consortium had committed to pay a pro-rata share of the fund in proportion to its shareholding in the telescope and the contributions are meant to be made by May 2016. South Africa’s contribution amounts to R25m and this amount has already been paid. To date approximately R33m, both in-kind and in cash, has been received from the SALT partners, and this matter is raised at each meeting of the SALT directors. The DST is using its bilateral inter-governmental engagements with the relevant countries to solicit higher levels of government support to the respective consortium partners so that they may contribute their outstanding share to the development fund. In addition, the DST and NRF are actively seeking new partners to extend and recapitalise the consortium.

Reply:

REPLY:

 

The Department is not involved in research regarding the new nuclear build programme in the country since the nuclear technology option/choice is yet to be decided on.  However, there are existing initiatives in support of nuclear energy industry that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is involved in for the development of know-how and technologies in the nuclear technologies fields.

 

These include the Nuclear Engineering Research Chair at North West University; Carbon Materials and Technology Chair at the University of Pretoria; Advanced Materials Initiative (AMI); South African Nuclear Human Asset Research Programme (SANHARP); Masters in Accelerator and Nuclear Science (MANUS) and Masters in Material Science (MatSci) programme, involving the University of Zululand, the University of the Western Cape and iThemba Labs.

 

The focus of the work is as follows:

• Nuclear safety, which includes radiation effects of mining and routine discharges of Koeberg nuclear power station and also radiation standards and regulations;
• Nuclear materials beneficiation;
• Carbon technologies research with emphasis on nuclear graphite technology to support nuclear power generation;
• Reactor technology research on modelling and simulation of nuclear reactors and their associated power plants and process applications. These models are applied in the analysis, design and optimisation of pressurised water reactors and high temperature reactors;
• Nuclear project management, nuclear energy economics; and
• Collaborative research on system analysis of passive safe small modular high temperature gas cooled reactors.
  
  
  
  
  END

 

Reply:

(1) There is currently no collaboration between the AISA research programme and SANSA.

 

(2) The HSRC is in the process of developing its Africa Research Partnership and Collaboration Strategy. The Strategy for AISA will be nested within this broader HSRC Strategy.



END

 

Reply:

1. (a) The roles of ASSAf and the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) have been clarified, with ASSAf being best positioned to provide formal scientific advice through its in-depth, evidence-based long-term studies, and NACI being more suited to provide informal, short-term advice that may be of a confidential and policy nature. ASSAf and NACI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect.
2. (b) Thirty-two Members were elected in 2013. They were inaugurated on 23 October 2013. Some details about the members are given below.

ASSAf NEW MEMBERS 2013

	NAME	GENDER	RACE	INSTITUTION
1	Prof Lee Berger	M	White	Wits
2	Prof William Bishai	M	White	Nelson R Mandela School of Health
3	Prof Claude Carignan	M	White	University of Cape Town
4	Prof Tilman Dedering	M	White	Unisa
5	Prof Tania Douglas	F	Black	University of Cape Town
6	Prof Themba Dube	M	Black	Unisa
7	Prof William Ellery	M	White	Rhodes University
8	Prof Kobus Eloff	M	White	University of Pretoria
9	Prof Andrew Forbes	M	White	CSIR
10	Prof Bao-Zhu Guo	M	Black	Wits
11	Prof Willem Hanekom	M	White	University of Cape Town
12	Prof Branislav Jeremic	M	White	Stellenbosch University
13	Prof Colin Kenyon	M	White	CSIR
14	Prof Anna Kramvis	F	White	Wits
15	Ass. Prof Delia Marshall	F	White	University of the Western Cape
16	Prof Ebrahim Momoniat	M	Black	Wits
17	Prof Kathryn Myburgh	F	White	Stellenbosch University
18	Prof Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni	M	Black	Unisa
19	Prof Marie-Louise Newell	F	White	Africa Centre for Health and Population
20	Prof Stella Nkomo	F	Black	University of Pretoria
21	Prof Ruksana Osman	F	Black	Wits
22	Prof Michael Pepper	M	White	University of Pretoria
23	Prof Francesco Petruccione	M	White	University of KwaZulu-Natal
24	Prof Wolfgang Preiser	M	White	Stellenbosch University
25	Prof Jeremy Seekings	M	White	University of Cape Town
26	Prof Dirk Smit	M	White	Stellenbosch University
27	Prof Mark Solms	M	White	University of Cape Town
28	Prof Gary Stevens	M	White	Stellenbosch University
29	Prof Caroline Tiemessen	F	White	National Institute of Communicable Diseases
30	Prof Louise Viljoen	F	White	Stellenbosch University
31	Prof Maria Watt	F	White	University of KwaZulu-Natal
32	Prof Derek Yach	M	White	The Vitality Group (Discovery Holdings)

2. In 2014, 23 new ASSAf Members were elected and these members were inaugurated at the Annual Awards ceremony on 14 October 2014 (their details are shown below):

ASSAf NEW MEMBERS 2014

	NAME	GENDER	RACE	INSTITUTION
1	Professor Marion Bamford	F	White	Wits
2	Professor Markus Böttcher	M	White	North West University
3	Professor Jeanet Conradie	F	White	University of the Free State
4	Professor Wim de Villiers	M	White	University of Cape Town
5	Professor Eno Ebenso	M	Black	North West University
6	Professor Liesel Ebersöhn	F	White	University of Pretoria
7	Professor Sabiha Essack	F	Black	University of Kwazulu-Natal
8	Professor Amanda Gouws	F	White	Stellenbosch University
9	Professor Shireen Hassim	F	Black	Wits
10	Professor Salomé Kruger	F	White	North West University
11	Professor Robert Mattes	M	White	University of Cape Town
12	Professor Dhayendre Moodley	M	Black	University of Kwazulu-Natal
13	Professor Linus Opara	M	Black	Stellenbosch University
14	Dr Nesri Padayatchi	M	Black	University of Kwazulu-Natal
15	Professor Laurence Piper	M	White	University of the Western Cape
16	Professor Sekhar Ray	M	Black	Unisa
17	Professor Neerish Revaprasadu	M	Black	University of Zululand
18	Professor Christian Rogerson	M	White	University of Johannesburg
19	Professor Mohamed Seedat	M	Black	Unisa
20	Professor Sheona Shackleton	F	White	Rhodes University
21	Professor Ivan Turok	M	White	HSRC
22	Professor Karel Viljoen	M	White	University of Johannesburg
23	Professor Charles Wiysonge	M	Black	Stellenbosch University

3. Mrs Lynette du Plessis was appointed as Human Resources Manager with effect from 1 January 2015.

4. Interns appointed were:

Ntambudzeni Tshiswaise 4 May 2015

Uve Gcilishe 1 April 2015

Mmaphuthi Mashiachidi 1 April 2015

Agatha Khanyisa 1 June 2015

5. Mr Stanley Maphosa was appointed as the policy and liaison manager with effect from 2 March 2015.

Reply:

1. Total amount spent by the department on the Minister’s travel costs between Gauteng and Cape Town in 2014-15 financial year;

a		b		aa	bb
i	ii	i	ii
R236 919,46	21	-	-	-	-

 

2. Total amount spent by the department on the Deputy Minister’s travel costs  between Gauteng and Cape Town in 2014-15 financial year?.

a		b		aa	bb
i	ii	i	ii
R236 919,46	21	-	-	-	-

 

Reply:

1. Since 2010, the Academy engages on average at least 100 young scientists in its various activities throughout the year (except in 2013 when ASSAf did not host a Young Scientists’ Conference).

Young scientists are engaged through the following:

• • The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) and its various activities;
  • The ASSAf annual Young Scientists’ Conference;
  • Workshops, conferences and lectures that the Academy hosts;
  • Nominations to attend regional and international inter-academy network meetings;
  • Serve on ASSAf standing committees (health, poverty reduction, science education);
  • Serve on study panels - The Academy undertakes to ensure that young scientists are engaged within study panels and/or the convening activities that inform the products of the Academy; and
  • The organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World.

2.  The following is an indication of the number of young scientists who participated in meetings during the specified financial years:

• 2012/13: 263 (includes young scientists’ conference, nomination to IAMP and IAP meetings, and SAYAS membership);
• 2013/14: 35 (Lindau Laureate, IAP, IAMP, SAYAS and service on ASSAf activities – there was no YSC in 2013); and
• 2014/15: 130 (Lindau Laureate, IAP, IAMP, SAYAS, service on ASSAf activities, YSC, OWSD fellowship holders).

The drop in numbers can be explained by the fact that there has been much more focus on quality of work for participation in the Young Scientists’ Conference rather than a focus on increasing the number of participants.

Reply:

(1) a) In the previous year (2014/15), as opposed to the previous two years, the HSRC has experienced difficulty in reaching its financial targets. These targets are particularly subject to changes in funder research imperatives and demands.

b) The HSRC is guided by its mandate as articulated in the HSRC Act, as well

as national government priorities when deciding the research agenda for a year. A process of consultation is undertaken with stakeholders as well as the HSRC Board annually where the strategic focus of research is agreed upon.

(2) Aside from the Parliamentary grant and international funders (including international government agencies), the HSRC also receives funding from:

a) Local Private sector funders – R4 197 000

b) Other Government Departments/Agencies – R48 114 000

(3) No, the private sector does not dictate the research agenda of the HSRC.

 

 

Reply:

(1) Yes. The HSRC’s approved Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan (2015/16, page 26) makes reference to the key risk of “undue donor/funder influence on the research agenda and pressure to secure income” as a key risk affecting its research programme.

The HSRC depends on a combination of government funding (through its Parliamentary Grant) and external income (in the research context, secured through competitive tender processes, contracts and grants). An over-dependence on a source of funding does carry the risk of potential influence by funders in terms of the issues addressed or not addressed through research, and the way in which research findings are presented.

The following measures are listed as mitigating the above-mentioned risk (ibid.):

• “Engagement between the Board and/or executive team and DST, with a view to securing an additional increase in the parliamentary grant – specifically for innovative research;
• Commitment to science prescripts, whereby the HSRC’s work is defined by the rules of science, rather than political allegiance;
• Broadening the funding portfolio through a concerted effort by the executive team, with Business Development’s support towards expanding HSRC sources of funding to EU countries and possibly East Asia.”

 

(2) The HSRC has very clear mandated objectives as outlined in its founding legislation, the Human Sciences Research Council Act, Act 17 of 2008. These mandated objectives serve as an enabling framework but also as a source of reference when research opportunities and requests are considered.

When opportunities to undertake externally-funded research are considered, the conditions set by potential funders are considered before a decision is made to respond to that opportunity, or not. The HSRC’s legal department also provides a vetting service for research contracts and will help to safeguard the autonomy as well as intellectual property of the HSRC.

Governance structures of the HSRC benefit from the involvement of independent experts. This does not only refer to statutory structures such as the HSRC Board and its subcommittees, but also to committees such as the HSRC Research Ethics Committee and HSRC Press Board whose Chairpersons and several of the expert members are employed outside the HSRC. At the same time, internal members are also experts in their own right, adding value to discussions and review of submitted documents.

The HSRC places great value on the independent review of research outputs. Researchers are strongly encouraged to publish research in internationally recognised, peer reviewed journals. Other outputs, such as policy briefs and book publications, are also externally reviewed before they are published.

 

Reply:

(1) There is currently a problem with staff retention, specifically at Executive level.

 

(2) a) The HSRC periodically undertakes a remunerative review, which

benchmarks salary packages with similar entities within the Science system and universities. The next exercise will be undertaken in 2016.

b) A climate survey, commissioned by the HSRC Board will be undertaken in the third quarter of the current financial year to assess the satisfaction of staff relative to remuneration and working conditions. Recommendations from this survey will inform the revision of any related policies.

c) A human resources strategy, accompanied by a number of recruitment, retention and talent management strategies is being developed.

8/3/1

Reply:

(1) The HSRC has a plan for the maintenance and upgrade of the building. Financial constraints, however, limit the capacity to effect the full-scale implementation of the plan. Attention is given to the most urgent needs on a priority basis.

(2) Yes, the HSRC is compliant with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

(3) Yes, funding submissions for infrastructure have been submitted via the Department of Science and Technology annually since 2009. None of these submissions have been successful.

 

 

Reply:

(a) (i) The Department of Science and Technology defines “red tape” as any process or administrative requirement that hinders the effective operation and implementation of policies, programmes that seek to deliver on the mandate of the department.

(ii) The response regarding the definition of red tape by entities is presented below:

Entities	Definition of red tape
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)	Process that entails some restrictive processes or hindrance that have to be followed or complied with in the performance of an activity.
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)	Rules, processes and procedures that impose unnecessary delay, and inaction or cost to the supplier(s) and/or potential beneficiaries.
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)	Unnecessary bureaucratic practices which adds no value to desired outcomes, but are imposed on processes nonetheless.
National Research Foundation (NRF)	Additional administrative measure, over and above the established policies and procedures of the organisation that are implemented through legislated authorities.
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)	Unnecessary and cumbersome rules, regulations, requirements, processes or procedures that result in unacceptable and unnecessary delays in business processes and decision making.
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)	Excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.

(b) Response to the specific interventions and systems that have been implemented to identify and reduce red tape is provided below:

Entities/ Department	(i) Interventions	(ii) Systems
		(aa) Identify	(bb) Reduce	(aa) Identify	(bb) Reduce
		(aaa) Department	(bbb) Entities
Department of Science and Technology	Establishment of an Operations Committee to address operational matters.	Review of policies and procedures every two years (or as required) as part of continuous improvement or with the introduction of new/ legislative amendments.	Document adverse effects of policy implementation to inform future reviews and amendments. Development of standard operating procedures (as applicable) to maximise efficiencies.
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)	There are no specific interventions.			No systems to identify red tape.	No systems to reduce red tape.
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)	There are no specific interventions.			Continually review processes to incorporate improvements and to align to new legislative requirements.	Developed systems and processes to maximise its efficiencies and effectiveness.
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)	There are no specific interventions.			Identify these through internal consultation and by working closely with the Internal and External Auditors and then determine what is required to adhere to in order to remain compliant.	No systems to reduce red tape.
National Research Foundation (NRF)	There are no specific interventions.			No systems to identify red tape.	No systems to reduce red tape.
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)	There are no specific interventions.			Identify through service level standards or turnaround time targets that are set for key processes.	Regularly review policies, procedures and systems with a view to continually assess their effectiveness.
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)	-Materiality framework was amended to enhance decision making and execution of decisions. -Delegation of authority was refined. -Revision of Investment framework policy. -Bi-monthly Exco meetings. -Special board meetings to expedite decisions made. -The operational team in the Supply Chain Management Unit has been expanded to meet business’ needs quicker and more efficient. -Employee culture survey. -Complaints review. -Customer satisfaction surveys.			Operational inefficiencies are identified through inadequate turnaround times of approval and payment of projects and expenditure. It is also identified through employee engagement surveys and customer satisfaction surveys.	Investment management system has been designed and implemented.

Reply:

 

(a) Minister: No trip to China undertaken.

(i) n/a.

(ii) (aa) n/a.

(ii) (bb) n/a.

(b) Deputy Minister: No trip to China undertaken.

(i) n/a.

(ii) (aa) n/a.

(ii) (bb) n/a.

(c) Officials:

Mr Daan du Toit: 21 to 23 May 2014.

(i) To participate in a bilateral meeting with Mr Xu, DDG MOST and the SKA Strategy and Business Development Committee Meeting 4, in China.

(ii) (aa) Total: R18 113.

(ii) (bb) R8 900 air ticket from Brussels and R9 213 accommodation.

Mr Isaac Maredi, Ms Sunita Kalan and Ms Punkah Mdaka: 22 to 26 September 2014.

(i) To participate in the science park development initiatives in China.

(ii) (aa) Total: R69 933.

(ii) (bb) R33 600 three air tickets, R15 333 travel & subsistence for three officials, R18 000 accommodation for 3 officials and R3 000 for shuttle transport to the airport for three officials.

Officials from the DST: Prof Yonah Seleti: 8 to 10 October 2014.

(i) To attend meetings of the International Group of Funding Agencies for Global Change Research (IGFA) and the Belmont Forum in China.

(ii) (aa) Total: R26 432.

(ii) (bb) R12 213 air ticket, R2 576 travel & subsistence, R11 400 accommodation and R243 for parking at the airport.

Official from the DST: Dr P Mjwara: 15 to 17 October 2014.

(i) To participate in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Board of Directors meeting in China.

(ii) (aa) Total: R53 659.

(ii) (bb) R49 939 air ticket and R3 720 accommodation.

Official from the DST: Mr Bruce Tshilamulele: 27 to 28 October 2014.

(i) To participate in the first Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) workshop on pharmaceutical innovation and development in China.

(ii) (aa) Total: R27 189.

(ii) (bb) R12 213 air ticket, R2 576 travel & subsistence, R11 400 accommodation and R1000 for shuttle transport to the airport.

Official from the DST: Dr Cordelia Sita and Ms Anita Mnisi: 7 to 9 November 2014.

(i) To participate in the BRICS Solid State Lighting (SSL) Working Group Meeting, this takes place every year in China around November.

(ii) (aa) Total: R53 950.

(ii) (bb) R41 050 two air-tickets and R12 900 accommodation.

Reply:

1. No, there are no Cuban nationals currently employed by the Department of Science and Technology. However, there are scientific exchanges in specific research and development areas facilitated through the Bilateral Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement signed in 2001. Important collaborations in the past have focused on biotechnology and nanotechnology, with five related flagship projects implemented from 2005 to 2014, namely:

• (a) Cholera vaccine development project, supported from 2005;
• 1(b) Human monoclonal antibodies, supported from 2006;
• (c)  Pre-clinical drug development, supported from 2006;
• (d) the use of radio-labelled compounds in medical, biosciences and industrial research, with focus on radio-labelling cancer receptor targeting compounds, supported from 2007; and
• (e)development of drug delivery systems, lateral flow-point-of-care diagnostic kits and biosensors based on nanoparticles, with focus on new therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals based on monoclonal antibodies, supported from 20072.
•  

2.  For each of the above projects, there has been one principal researcher from each side, supported by teams of R&D staff in their organisations. The Cubans involved in the R&D projects are highly qualified scientists in their field of specialisation, most holding Phds in the respective science disciplines they conduct research on.

3.It should be stressed that the Cuban scientists were, however not employed in South Africa but remained based at their own institutions in Cuba.

Reply:

(a) The department has not paid out the remainder of any employee’s contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination of the contract since the 2008-09 financial years.

(b) The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC); Technology Innovation Agency (TIA); Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf); South African Space Agency (SANSA) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) did not pay out the remainder of any employee’s contract before the contractually stipulated date of termination since the 2008-09 financial year to date,only the National Research Foundation (NRF) had a payout.

(i) (aa) Not applicable.

    (bb) The NRF paid out the amount of R4,607,381.93 (R3,122,466.41 after tax).

(ii) The payout was made to Dr Gatsha Mazithulela, the previous vice-president of the National Research Infrastructure and National Research Facilities.

(iii) The decision for the early termination of Dr Mazithulela’s employment contract arose following a decision by the NRF Board to restructure the NRF business.