Questions & Replies: Science and Technology
2010-09-01
THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.
FIND THE REPLY YOU ARE LOOKING FOR BY SELECTING CTRL + F ON YOUR KEYBOARD
QUESTION 3324
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 NOVEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37-2010)
"3324. Ms SK Molao (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
Whether with reference to her departments annual report for the 2009-10 financial year (details furnished), the centres of competence that her department funded had resulted into any commercial scale beneficiation and job-creating projects; if not; why not; in each case; what are the relevant details in each case?"
NW4155E
REPLY:
(1) Yes, at least two of the three Centres of Competence (CoCs) that are being funded by the Department, as part of the implementation of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Research, Development and Innovation Strategy (HySA), has resulted in a commercial beneficiation partnership. The partnership will also provide and contribute to high skills job-creation opportunities.
As part of a public-private partnership, between government and Anglo Platinum Limited, on Platinum Group Metals Beneficiation, a commercial partnership has been established with an American fuel cell manufacturing company, Altergy Power Systems (Altergy).
As a result of this partnership, a fuel cell manufacturing company - Clean Energy Investments - has been established in South Africa, The venture was announced by the Minister of Science and Technology in August 2010 Clean Energy Investments will initially market Altergy products but will ultimately manufacture fuel cells locally for South Africa and the subSaharan African market. Already 24 invoiced orders for fuel cells have been received through the local telecommunications industry.
HySA has therefore already managed to create a market for the PlatinumQUESTION NO. 3323
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 NOVEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37-2010)
"Ms SK Molao (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether with reference to her department's annual report for the 2009/10 financial year (details furnished) it was the Government's intention to (a) accelerate progress on the MeerKAT and (b) create an institute for physics and astronomy alongside it in order to intensify the bid; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?"
(NW415E)
REPLY:
1(a) It has not been the intention of the Department of Science and Technology to accelerate progress on the MeerKAT. It has been more important to create alignment with global Square Kilometre Array (SKA) developments. The prototyping with the Experimental Development Model and the seven dishes of the Karoo Array Telescope 7 (KAT-7) have been used to reduce the risk associated with novel antenna systems. The KAT-7 dish antenna designs are informing the next steps that will ensure alignment of the African SKA bid demonstrator array, MeerKAT, with the final SKA.
(b) The possibility of setting up an institute of astronomy is still being explored.
This proposal is aimed at how Astronomy could be better managed in South Africa and not merely for the SKA bid. I have appointed an astronomy desk to review astronomy-related institutional arrangements. Furthermore, South Africa has won the bid to host the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office for Astronomy Development at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town.
The Office is the key component of the IAU's decadal global strategy plan, "Astronomy for the Developing World", which was launched at the 2009 IAU General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is aimed at using astronomy to foster education and capacity building throughout the world.
QUESTION NO. 3278
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 NOVEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 37-2010)
"Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) With reference to the savings of R508 875 million due to rescheduling the Square Kilometre Array demonstrator telescope (details furnished), (a) why is her department cutting over R500 million from the SKA programme and (b) what will be achieved by the specified financial adjustment;
(2) Whether the rescheduling will delay operational target date for MeerKAT; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) Whether the SKA telescope was rescheduled because South Africa is behind in preparations for its SKA bid; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?"
(NW4096E)
REPLY:
1(a) The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) funds are not being cut but rescheduled for spending in later years to allow for alignment of the MeerKAT design with the design requirements of the full SKA.
(b) The specifications and timelines for adjudication positions the African bid more favourably because it has provided an opportunity for the construction of a MeerKAT that is a proper SKA demonstrator telescope. The South African SKA Project Office had an opportunity to review the MeerKAT design and have a telescope design that is nearer to the SKA.
2 The rescheduling is not the reason for the delay of the operational target date for MeerKAT. A review of the MeerKAT design to ensure alignment with the full SKA has resulted in the delay of the operational target date for MeerKAT.
3 South Africa's preparations for the SKA bid are ahead of schedule. The first demonstrator dish antenna prototype array telescope specifically designed for the SKA, which is the seven-dish antennae of the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT-7), was completed in early 2010.
QUESTION NO 3193
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 5 NOVEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 36-2010)
"3193. Ms SK Molao (COPE) to ask Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 2478 on 20 September 2010, the three of the five research chairs associated with the development of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) have been taken up; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details.
NW4003E
Question 3193 above is a follow-up to question 2478 which was asked by Ms M R Shinn (DA):
(1) (a) Which of the five square kilometre array (SKA) Chairs launched in December 2009 are operational, (b) (i) What are the names of the incumbents, (ii) the universities at which chairs are lodged and (iii) the date at which they became operational; (a) which chairs are not operational and (b) why not; and (c) how many university students are engaged in post-graduate studies under each operational chair and (b) at what level?
NW3049E.
The reply to question 2478 as documented (#187520) was phrased as follows:
(1) (a) There was no launch of SKA chairs in December 2009. The Minister
made a public announcement on the impending opening up of a call for SKA chairs on 27 July 2009 and on 06 August 2009. The National Research Foundation (NRF) subsequently opened up a call in October 2009. The process of awarding of chairs is a two-phase process, in the first phase institutional proposals are looked at with a view to identifying institutions that can host such chairs and the second phase focuses on the proposals from the candidate chairs. The first phase has been completed with the Universities of Western Cape, Cape Town, Witwatersrand, Rhodes and Stellenbosch having been identified as suitable to host SKA chairs. However, it is only the University of Western Cape that has successfully recruited a suitable candidate. Professor Roy Maartens from the UK will commence duties at the University of Westem Cape in October 2010. The completion of the process of awarding SKA chairs and their launch will fall within 2010/11 financial year with the SKA chairs unveiled as the 2010 new cohort of chairs. There are no SKA chairs that are currently operational;
(b) (i) The University of Stellenbosch has identified and appointed Professor David Davidson, a South African, and only the approval of his budget by the NRF and the SKA Project Office is outstanding before his appointment as an SKA chair is confirmed. (ii) Only five institutions qualified to host SKA chairs, namely, the Universities of Western Cape (UWC), Cape Town (UCT), Witwatersrand (Wits), Rhodes (RU) and Stellenbosch (US) (iii) The SKA chairs will only become operational during the 2011 academic year or 2011/12 financial year.
(2) Owing to the scarcity of the Radio Astronomy expertise within South Africa, the institutions are recruiting internationally. The long awarding process of SKA chairs had to take this reality into account and no SKA chairs are operational yet.
(3) There are no students being mentored by SKA chairs yet, because none of
the SKA chairs are currently operational.
REPLY TO QUESTION 3193
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) chairs will help South Africa create and enhance the necessary high level human capital in astronomy and astronomical related fields. The outputs of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) chairs will be in the form of problem-solving techniques and human capital training that will lead to the further nurturing of Astronomy research as one of the geographic advantage areas identified in the National Research and Development Strategy.
There is currently only a small group in the world involved in the development of SKA techniques and human capital, and South Africa has to recruit candidate chairs from this limited international pool. In this regard, the three institutions, Universities of Cape Town (UCT), Witwatersrand (Wits), and Rhodes (RU) are still in search of internationally recognised researchers to take up the positions. They have embarked on different recruitment processes and utilize different advertising platforms.
For example, the UCT website (http://www.ast.uct.ac.za/node/36) has an advert for an SKA chair. Other platforms of advertisement like newspapers; research community websites (i.e. www.universityworldnews.com); relevant meetings and forums or conferences are continuously used by the institutions, the SKA project office and the National Research Foundation (NRF) to post vacant research chairs positions.
QUESTION 3192
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 5 NOVEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 36 – 2010)
"Ms S K Molao to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether South Africa is up to date with other industrialised nations in advancing research in hydrogen and fuel cell technology with a view to creating prototype vehicles to benefit from the technology, if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?"
NW4002E
REPLY:
Yes, though a late comer, South Africa is up to date with other industrialised nations in advancing research in hydrogen and fuel cell technology. South Africa is a member of the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), which is a body that seeks to accelerate the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to improve the security of energy supply, protect the environment, and support the economy. Through the IPHE, a platform is provided for South Africa to organise, coordinate and implement effective, efficient, and focused international research, development, demonstration and commercial utilisation activities related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
Under the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Research, Development and Innovation Strategy (HySA), three Centres of Competence, led by international experts, have been established and charged with developing the expertise to enable the uptake of the Hydrogen Economy. One of the Programme areas under HySA is the Fuel Cell Vehicles Key Programme.
In August 2010, the Minister launched a hydrogen fuelled tricycle that showcased the proof of concept for research work carried out by the HySA Systems Centre of Competence, as part of a project under the Key Programme on Fuel Cell Vehicles. The tricycle is meant to demonstrate that the hydrogen storage technology, developed by HySA Systems, works. The initial goal is to develop prototypes for utility vehicles (fork lifts, baggage carriers, mine locomotives, etc) and eventually a vehicle that is powered by a fuel cell. HySA also has technology transfer agreements with Germany, China and Norway in this area.
QUESTION NO. 3191
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 5 NOVEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 36-2010)
"Ms SK Molao (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether the National Space Agency as provided for in the South African National Space Agency Act, Act 36 of 2008, (a) has been established and (b) is fully operational; if not, if so, what are the relevant details?"
NW4001E
REPL Y:
(1)(a) The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has been established.
(b) SANSA is not yet fully operational. The full operationalisation of SANSA will follow a three-phase process, as outlined below.
1. ESTABLISHMENT PHASE (1 April 2010-31 March 2011)
This is the formal establishment phase of SANSA focusing on the following:
The board has been appointed, inaugurated by the Minister and inducted, It has had three board meetings and a two-day corporate strategy workshop. The board subcommittees have met several times. The management structure has been approved, interviews for executive positions have been conducted, and the selection is currently being finalised. The institutional structure has been approved and will include four centres (for Earth Observations, Space Operations, Space Science and Space Engineering).
- Setting up policies and business planning (including human resources, finance, information communication and telecommunications (ICT), and communication policies)
Staff conditions of service have been developed and consultation with staff is currently under way. Other human resource policies are being finalised. A policy for supply chain management has been developed and implemented. Other financial policies are being finalised. A corporate strategy has been developed and is currently being finalised. The annual business planning process is currently under way.
- Setting up of business operations, infrastructure, business systems, processes and procedures (including enterprise resource planning (ERP) and ICT systems)
The SANSA launch is set for 9 December 2010. A bank account has been opened and approved by National Treasury. Registration with national regulatory bodies is under way. The SANSA brand and marketing material is being finalised. Temporary accommodation has been secured. Land acquisition and long-term accommodation arrangements are being processed. The adjudication of tenders for ERP systems, internal audit and shortterm insurance is under way. ICT infrastructure and systems are being set up.
- Finalisation of institutional migration issues (including transfer of migrating entities, transfer of property, transfer of staff benefits and employment contracts)
Discussions on transfer arrangements between SANSA and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) (for the Satellite Applications Centre) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) (for the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory) are ongoing. These relate to staff transfer as a going concern in line with legislative prescripts, and the transfer of assets, liabilities and contracts.
2. FOUNDATIONAL OPERATING PHASE (1 April 2011-31 March 2012)
This is the actual operating phase of SANSA in terms of carrying out its core mandate and having fully functional operating business units under its control.
- Institutional migration. The CSIR Satellite Application Centre and the NRF Hermanus Magnetic Observatory will migrate into SANSA on 1 April 2011 and this will signify the start of SANSA core operations in line with its mandate.
- Settling of business: The 2011/12 financial year will be largely used to integrate and settle SANSA operations. At the same time, the rolling out and implementation of the National Space Programme will be initiated. The policies, strategies and related plans developed during the Establishment Phase will be reviewed and refined as informed by actual business realities.
3. FULL OPERATING PHASE (1 April 2012-31 March 2013)
This is the full operating phase of SANSA in terms of carrying out its core mandate and fully implementing the National Space Programme.
QUESTION NO. 3154
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (5 NOVEMBER 2010) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 36-2010): REPORT ON THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAMME
"3154. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) What are the reasons for the delay in tabling the 2008-09 report on the
Research and Development Tax Incentive Programme that was due to be tabled before 31 July 201O?"
REPL Y:
(1) There are two reasons for the delay. First, the Department of Science and
Technology (OST) has been engaged in a process of reconciling reporting time lines considering the claims data processed at the South African Revenue Services (SARS). Secondly, there was a limited amount of new data for 2008/09, as most of the information for 2008/09 had already been included in the 2007/08 report.
The first report (for 2007/08) was compiled using data covering the period from 2 November 2006 (the date of inception) to 30 September 2008. This period covers almost two years. The first claim was received in November 2007. After consultative meetings with the National Treasury and SARS it was resolved that 28 February of each year would be used as the cut-off date for compiling the report. For the five months from September 2008 to February 2009, about 30 forms were received by OSI.
During that time many companies had committed to submitting claims for the previous years and they requested the DST to grant them an extension in this regard as they needed time to align their internal reporting systems with the information requirements of the Research and Development Tax Incentive Programme. Many of the companies became aware of the programme following awareness-raising efforts by the DST.
Information for 2008/09 has been incorporated into the 2009/10 report, which presents yearly information on claims that have been received since the inception of the programme in November 2006. The 2009/10 report is currently being finalised by the DST, in consultation with the National Treasury and SARS, for submission to Parliament.
QUESTION 3019
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2010-10-29 INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 34-2010
"Ms MR Shinn to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether any biotechnology scientists have (a) resigned or (b) been made redundant as a result of the integration of the four Regional Biotechnology Innovation Centres into the Technology Innovation Agency; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) how many have (aa) resigned or (bb) been made redundant as a result of the integration, (ii) what were the reasons for their departure and (iii) how many biotechnology scientists (aa) are currently employed by the Technology Innovation Agency and (bb) were employed by each of the four regional centres prior to the integration?"
(NW3736E)
REPLY:
(1) No biotechnology scientist has resigned or been made redundant as a result of the integration of the four biotechnology innovation centres into the Technology Innovation Agency.
Before they were integrated into TIA; the biotechnology innovation centres employed a total of 61 biotechnology scientists (LIFElab 26; Cape Biotech 17; BioPAD 7; and PlantBio 11).
Five of these have resigned, three in September 2010 and two in October 2010. In each case the reason for the resignation was stated as career advancement.
QUESTION NO. 3017
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 OCTOBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 34-2010)
"Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether her department's strategy of turning South Africa into one of the world's top three biotechnology countries in the world by 2018 is on course; if not, why not; if so, what steps are in place for this to be achieved?"
NW3734E
REPLY:
(1) The Bioeconomy (Farmer to Pharma) Grand Challenge of the Ten-Year Innovation Plan articulated a vision that South Africa should be one of the top three emerging economies in the global pharmaceutical industry, based on an expansive innovation system and using the nation's indigenous knowledge and rich biodiversity.
The Bioeconomy Grand Challenge has been to an extent restricted to the pharmaceutical sector, whereas South Africa's bioresources could be leveraged for a broader bioeconomy. The Grand Challenge is therefore currently being contextualised within an integrated framework called the Bioeconomy Strategy. The Bioeconomy Strategy, which is anchored in government priorities, aims to contribute to several outcomes aligned to health, agriculture, industry and the environment.
The process of developing the Bioeconomy Strategy is on course and some of the initiatives that will feed into the document are continuing. It is anticipated that the initial consultation process will be completed on 19 November 2010 and the draft Bioeconomy Strategy will go through internal departmental approval processes before the end of the year.
The health sector portion of the Strategy explores several options to strengthen South Africa's pharmaceutical industry in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the National Treasury. Considering that South Africa is the largest importer of antiretrovirals (ARVs), local manufacturing capacity of active pharmaceutical ingredients, particularly ARVs, will not only secure the supply to address the burden of HIV and Aids, but will stimulate and catapult the local pharmaceutical industry into a globally competitive position.
In addition to the local manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, the Department of Science and Technology and partner departments will also support the growth of the vaccine and biologicals industry, through locally manufactured vaccines for the global vaccine market. Under the Bioeconomy Strategy, the Department also supports the beneficiation of indigenous natural resources into therapeutics that address numerous infectious and chronic diseases.
QUESTION NO. 2910
QUESTION 2910 FOR WRITTEN REPLY: MS MR SHINN (DA) APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORS
"2910. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether she has appointed a panel of experts to advise her, if not, why not, if so (a) who are the experts (b) what is the responsibility of each specified adviser, (c) from which budget allocation will they be remunerated and (d) what is the value of the remuneration?
(2) Whether the positions were advertised, if not, why not, if so, what were the reasons for appointing the successful candidates?
(3) Whether any other candidate had been considered prior to making the final selection, if not, why not, if so what are the relevant details?
(4) Whether the adviser have started work; if not, why not; if so, on what date?
(5) Whether she is making use of the National Advisory Council; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?"
NW359E
REPLY:
(1) Yes, I appointed a Ministerial Committee on 28 July 2010 to review the National System of Innovation landscape.
(a) The experts appointed are as follows:
· Prof. L Nongxa (Chair of the Committee)
· Prof. W Gevers (Deputy Chair)
· Prof. C de la Rey
· Prof. P Ngoepe
· Prof. M Setati
· Prof. B Figaji
· Dr M Kahn
· Dr A Lawless
· Mr M Spicer
(b) Their responsibility is to review the National Systems of Innovation.
(c) The Ministerial Committee is remunerated from the budget of the Chief Directorate: Policy, Planning, Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation.
(d) In terms of the Treasury Regulation 20.2.2, the Minister of Finance granted approval for the maximum remuneration rates payable to non-official members of commissions and committees of inquiry with effect from 1 April 2010 as follows:
| Position in committee | Remuneration rate per day |
| Chairperson | R2 909,00 |
| Member | R1 766,00 |
(2) No, the positions were not advertised. The committee was established through Government Gazette Notice No. 579 of 2010 published on 18 June 2010.
(3) No, no other candidates were considered before the final selection was made.
(4) Yes, the panel started to work on 8 June 2010.
(5) Yes, I make use of National Advisory Council on Innovation to advise me on policy-related issues.
QUESTION NO: 2895
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 OCTOBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 32-2010)
"2895. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether the ministerial review committee has submitted its report on the first phase of its review on the science, technology and innovation landscape; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) when was it submitted and (b) what action has been taken in this regard;
(2) When will the said committee initiate the second phase of its review on the science, technology and innovation landscape;
(3) Whether all the members of the said committees are still involved in the review on the science, technology and innovation landscape; if not, (a) who has withdrawn and (b) why; if so, what are the relevant details:
(4) Whether any (a) replacements or (b) additional members have been added to the committee; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details.
(NW3583E)
REPLY:
(1) Yes.
(a) The Committee submitted Phase 1 Report to the Minister of Science and Technology on 29 October 2010. The Minister will meet with both the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee to discuss the Report on 1 November 2010.
(b) The Minister will consider the Report and give feedback to the Committee.
(2) The second phase will commence immediately after the Minister has given the Committee the go ahead.
(3) Yes, all members are still involved in the Committee.
(4) No,
(a) There were no replacements.
(b) No additional members were appointed to the Committee. The existing members possess the necessary capacity and skills to perform their tasks.
(190998)
QUESTION NO. 2863
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 OCTOBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31*2010)
"2863. Ms SK Molao (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether her department is on track to meet the performance agreement goal that she signed to assign 1.5% of gross domestic product to research and development by 2014; if not why not; if so,
(a) Why was the 1% set target not achieved in the past two years and
(b) What assurance can she give that she will achieve the 1.5% target for 2014 in light of the current failure to reach the 1 % target?"
REPLY:
(1) The Department of Science and Technology is developing a process to analyse data and information to establish steps that should be adopted to achieve a gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) that is 1,5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2014.
(a) The decade-long growth in GERD, which peaked at 0,95% of GDP in 2006/07, indicated that South Africa was on course to achieve the target of 1% in 2008. GERD as a percentage of GDP slowed down in 2007/08 (0,93%) and in 2008/09 (0,92%), primarily because of a regrettably slower increase in GERD as compared to the increase in GDP (the growth in GDP was impressive from the early 2000s through to 2008). This clearly indicates that R&D expenditure has not been increasing at the same rate as the GDP.
It is important to note that events leading to the economic crisis played a significant role in influencing research and development (R&D) investment decisions in the private sector and, in spite of the Department's encouragement to do so through the R&D tax incentives, some companies found it hard to finance R&D and innovation under the conditions of decreased cash flows.
(b) It is impossible to state with certainty that the target will be achieved. The
DST remains committed to implementing the National Research and Development Strategy, and several new interventions are being introduced to increase the rate of R&D investment. The Department of Science and Technology (DST), working in conjunction with other departments and various public research institutions, is continuing to increase its investment in R&D. While there were cost-cutting efforts across government to respond to the economic recession, the DST budget allocation for the 2010-1012 MTEF period shows positive growth.
About 58% of the R&D investment in South Africa is from the private sector. The government is continually improving the regulations and introducing new instruments and interventions to encourage higher R&D investment and increased R&D performance by the private sector and international organisations. The instruments include the R&D Tax Incentives Programme and various programmes that have been incorporated into the newly established Technology Innovation Agency to promote innovation, and increase the rate of commercialisation and usage of research results in creating goods, processes and services.
QUESTION NO 2861
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 OCTOBER 2010:
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 31-2010
"2861. Ms SK Molao (Cope) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether the Government has any programmes and competitions in place to promote innovation and encourage learners to pursue careers or studies in the fields of science, technology and engineering; if not, why not; if so, (a) what programmes and competitions and (b) how have these programmes and competitions increased the number of persons pursuing careers or studies in the respective fields;
(2) whether the Government envisages any such programmes and competitions for future implementation; if not, why not; if so, what programmes and competitions?
NW3544E
REPLY:
1 (a) The Department of Science and Technology (DST) develops, coordinates, and manages initiatives that promote innovation and encourage learners to pursue careers in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). The department supports a number of programmes including the following initiatives:
1 (b) The initiatives listed above are well established interventions in their own right and impact on the identified stakeholders mentioned. Despite the usefulness of these interventions, it is very difficult to make a causal link between the DST supported initiatives and the enrollment numbers in higher education, as there are too many other factors at play.
2. The DST will continue with its support for the learners as they remain relevant to the building of a pipeline for SET human capital.
(190677)
QUESTION NO 2677
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 8 OCTOBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 29-2010)
"2677. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) (a) What progress has been made in supporting 68 new research chairs until 2013, (b) (1) in which scientific disciplines and (ii) at which tertiary institutions will these chairs be established and (c) what (i) percentage and (ii) specified amount of her department's budget has been earmarked to support these chairs (a a) in the current financial year and (bb) in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
(2) Whether the strategic plan for the SA Research Chairs Initiative has been affected by her department's cost-cutting measures; if so, what are the relevant details?
NW3337E
REPLY
(1) (a) The Department of Science and Technology is committed to growing the number of research chairs within the university system. There are currently 82 awarded chairs, arid it is anticipated that a further 65 will be awarded during the 2010 - 2012 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
b) (i) The Department is currently finalising the call for 38 additional chairs. No specific disciplines have been identified for these chairs. However, the remaining 27 chairs have been earmarked for engineering and astronomy; mathematics education; space science and technology; global change; health innovation; biotechnology and innovation.
(ii) Research chairs are not pre-allocated to institutions but institutions submit proposals to host a chair. Successful institutions then identify suitable candidates to occupy a research chair.
(c) The Department has budgeted R 157,496 m; R165,370 m and R173,639 m for the financial years 2010/11; 2011/12 and 2012/13, respectively, for the additional 65 research chairs.
(2) The strategic plan for the SA Research Chairs Initiative (SARChl) has not been affected by the Department's cost management measures.
(#189790)
QUESTION NO: 2668
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010 {INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 29-2010}
"2668. Ms M R Shinn {DA} to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether any steps have been taken to review the placement of all research council within her department; if not, why not; if so,
(2) Whether the review will include the Agricultural Research Council and Medical Research Council; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
(NW3327E)
REPLY:
(1) No steps have been taken to review the placement of all research councils within the DST. In 2004, Cabinet approved the Strategic Management Model for South Africa's Science and Technology System. The model prescribes the role of the department as well as the institutions that support the work of the DST. Therefore the DST remains guided by this model.
(2) No such review has been initiated.
QUESTION NO. 2479
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26-2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26-2010)
"2479. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether the department is on track to achieve its medium-term strategic framework target of R165 million worth of international funding in support of the South African Science and Technology innovation (STI) research cooperation; if not, why not, if so what are the relevant details;
(2) What (a) projects or programmes will be negatively affected by this lack of funding and (b) alternative plans are being put in place to deal with these challenges?
REPLY:
1. Yes, the Department of Science and Technology is on track to achieve its medium-term strategic framework target of R165 million, in support of South African science, technology and innovation (STI) research cooperation. The mechanisms utilised to secure these funds are joint projects through joint calls for proposals.
2. (a) No projects will be negatively affected by this lack of funding.
(b) No alternative plans are being put in place, as the Department of Science and Technology is on track.
QUESTION NO: 2477
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (3 SEPTEMBER 2010) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 26-2010)
"2477. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether the ministerial committee appointed in June 2010 to review the science, technology and innovation landscape has (a) met and (b) started work on the first phase of the review; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) What is the modus operandi/division of work among the members of the committee;
(3) Whether any timeframe has been given to the committee to complete the first phase of its assignment; if not, (a) why not and (b) what is the anticipated time for the completion of the first phase of the assignment; if so, what are the relevant details?
(NW3048E)
REPLY:
(1) (a) Yes.
(b) Yes, the Committee held its first meeting on 8 June 2010. It has since met several times and interacted with different stakeholders (particularly the Department of Science and Technology's public entities).
(2) The Committee is independent and therefore determines its own modus operandi. They meet with various stakeholders; ask for various reports and inputs on how they have responded to the GECD recommendations.
(3) (a) The Government Gazette attached (No: 33285, notice 579) published on 18 June 2010 provides timelines for the work of the Committee.
(3) (b) The Committee is expected to submit the final report of the first phase to the Minister of Science and Technology within three months of the commencement of the project. The Phase 1 report will be expected to cover the -
- degree to which the recommendations of the 2007 GECD review of South Africa's innovation system have been acted upon;
- extent to which data derived from the documents reviewed is able to sufficiently inform an assessment of the strengths, shortcomings and responsiveness of the system in addressing the purpose given above; and
- scope for the second phase of the Committee's work.
QUESTION NO. 2414
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2010-08-30:
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 25-2010
"2414. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether (a) her department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with General Nyanda Security Advisory (GNS) or any of its affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, ebb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008-09 and (dd) 2009-10 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so (aaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ccc) what is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ddd) what are the details of the process that was followed for the signing of each contract, (eee) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case?"
NW2983E
REPLY:
Neither the Department of Science and Technology nor any of the public entities under its jurisdiction has signed any contractual agreement with General Nyanda Security Advisory (GNS) or any of its affiliates for any of the periods in question.
QUESTION NO 2334
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010:
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 1118-2010
"2334. Ms MR Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether any external auditors have been commissioned to conduct an audit of the SA Astronomical Observatory in 2010; if so, (a) which auditors were commissioned, (b) what were the reasons for commissioning these external auditors and (c) what were the terms of the audit;
(2) Whether this audit is an addition to the general annual audit conducted on all the national
research facility operations; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) When (a) is it anticipated that this audit will be completed and (b) will the results be made public?"
NW2902E
REPLY:
1. Yes.
1. (a) Price WaterhouseCoopers.
(b) This is an internal audit conducted to strengthen the internal management operations of the National Research Foundation and its National Facilities.
(c) The scope and objectives of the audit are to:
2. The NRF undertakes regular internal audits in all of its National Facilities. During the current financial year, the audit plan as approved by the Audit Committee of the Board required an internal audit to be undertaken at SAAO in the last quarter of 2010.
3. (a) The audit is scheduled to be completed by the end of September 2010.
(b) The audit report will be presented to the management of the NRF and the Audit Committee of the Board for consideration and action.
QUESTION NO 2333
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 JUNE 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 25-2010)
"2333. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) With reference to her reply to question 1552 on 14 June 2010, what are the names of the 12 employees of her department who received tickets to attend the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Soccer tournament games;
(2) (a) what are the details of the incentive programme through which these tickets were awarded, (b) how were the awardees adjudicated and (c) for what work/projects were these employees awarded tickets?
……………………………………………………………………………NW2901E
REPLY:
1. Mr T Mphuti, Mr W Louw, Mr B Hlongwane, Mr G Mashamba. They each received two tickets. The other tickets that were meant for Mr M Cele and Mr L Ngqengelele were given to Mr B Hlongwane as they could not be sent back to FIFA or resold as they were already printed.
2. (a) In acknowledging that most of DST managers are recruited on the basis of their superior technical expertise in specialized fields, the Accelerated Leadership Development Programme was introduced to build their management capacity. The successful completion of the programme by selected senior managers resulted in a pool of managers who will form part of a continuous skills supply flow pipeline of competent leaders ready to compete as successors in leadership positions.
(b & c) During the programme, these senior managers were divided into syndicate groups as part of the action learning methodology of the programme. The groups were each given an assignment which was based upon the key challenges contained in the DST's Ten Year Innovation Plan as well as the DST Corporate Strategy. A panel comprising representatives from the University of Stellenbosch School of Executive Development and DST Executive Committee members assessed the presentations of the work done by these groups. The members of the group with the best rating in this assessment were awarded tickets.
QUESTION NO 2272
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (20 AUGUST 2010) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 23 - 2010)
"2272. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
Whether her department and/or any of its entities has purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case, (i) what are (aa) the details and (bb) the total cost of the items purchased, (ii){aa) how many items have been purchased and (bb) why, (iii){aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons and (iv){aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases?
NW2780E
REPLY:
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the National Research Foundation (NRF) purchased clothing or other specified paraphernalia.
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(a) The DST purchased 550 woollen beanies and 22 Bafana Bafana jerseys.
(b) No other specified paraphernalia.
(i) (aa) Five hundred and fifty woollen beanies and 22 Bafana Bafana
jerseys; and
(bb) the total cost of the items was R50 474.05
(ii) (aa) Five hundred and fifty woollen beanies and 22 Bafana Bafana
jerseys; and
(bb) to create awareness of the 2010 Fifa World Cup to demonstrate the nation's pride, and give visitors to government offices an unforgettable experience.
(iii) (aa) The woollen beanies were allocated to DST staff and the Bafana Bafana jerseys were allocated to frontline staff (receptionists and security personnel);
(bb) to promote Football Friday and show government support for the national team.
(iv) (aa) To create awareness of the 2010 Fifa World Cup to demonstrate the nation's pride, and give visitors to government offices an unforgettable experience.
(bb) The Science Communication Subprogramme took the decision.
HUMAN SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
(a) The HSRC bought Bafana Bafana jerseys
(b) No other specified paraphernalia.
(i) (aa) The HSRC bought Bafana Bafana jerseys for every employee.
(bb) The total cost of the shirts was R18 510.
(ii) (aa) In total, 600 Bafana Bafana jerseys were bought; and
(bb) given to employees in December 2009 to wear to work on Fridays to show the HSRC's support for Bafana Bafana and to contribute to team building and staff morale.
(iii) engage with key stakeholders and clients in a positive environment and rally staff around a common national cause.
(iv) (aa) The 2010 Fifa World Cup was seen as one of the country's most significant vents ever and an important opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and clients in a positive environment and rally staff around a common national cause.
(bb) With the appropriate approval authority the unit directors and
managers took the decision.
NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
(a) The NRF purchased clothing; and
(b) the following specified paraphernalia:
| (i) (aa) the details | (i)(bb) total cost of items purchased (R) | (ii)(aa) how many items have been purchased |
| South Africa soccer jerseys | 7 612.60 | 38 |
| Soccer stadium leaflets | 7 774.80 | 2000 |
| Multiple countries flag -small | 150,00 | 5 |
| Multiple countries flag - medium | 250,00 | 5 |
| South Africa flags – large | 10 270,00 | 41 |
| South Africa flags – medium | 243,00 | 6 |
| South Africa flags- small | 472,75 | 34 |
| Flags for various countries - medium | 206,00 | 9 |
| Flags for various countries - small | 240,00 | 38 |
| Sponge ball – large | 1 875,00 | 15 |
| Sponge ball – medium | 950,00 | 10 |
| Vuvuzelas | 6 709,00 | 262 |
| Vuvuzela South Africa flag design and beaded | 1 200,00 | 30 |
| Vuvuzela / Flag screw set | 87,99 | 3 |
| Contract company for marketing | 1 200,00 | N/A |
| Soccer stress ball key ring | 4 560,00 | 500 |
| Plastic inflatable hand with South African colours | 19,95 | 1 |
| Plastic inflatable flag | 12,95 | 2 |
| Printed and laminated flags of all nation competing in the World Cup | 406,00 | 34 |
| Streamers and balloons | 229,00 | 29 |
| Soccer ball | 3 597,90 | 31 |
| Zakumi | 1 298,00 | 2 |
| Nine – inch Zakumi | 140,00 | 1 |
| Badge round country flag | 40,00 | 10 |
| South Africa flags wooden stick | 52,50 | 10 |
| Hanging flags | 56,40 | 15 |
| South African devil hat with ball | 22,80 | 1 |
| South African National Flag | 157,68 | 72 |
| Car flags | 43,84 | 4 |
| Fanjol Party: Cape Town (10 June 2010) | 5 570,00 | N/A |
| Mileage claim: Shopping | 189,00 | N/A |
| Spray paint | 179,98 | 6 |
| Low training cones | 49,00 | N/A |
| TOTAL | 55 866.14 | |
(ii) (bb) The items were bought to show patriotism, celebrate the spirit of, and promote the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
(iii) (aa) Some of the items bought are on display in the NRF's reception area and others stored at Corporate Communication. Some items were handed out at exhibitions; the soccer T-shirts and some of the vuvuzelas were handed out to the staff, and the NRF's Netball and Soccer teams received balls.
(bb) The items were allocated to show patriotism, celebrate the spirit of, and promote the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
(iv) (aa) To show patriotism, celebrate the spirit of, and promote the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
(bb) Various business divisions of the NRF's management authorised all urchases for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
QUESTION NO 2130DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 AUGUST 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 – 2010)
"2130. MR M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(a) Why has the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) been excluded from budget cuts over the medium term expenditure framework and (b) what research projects have (i) her department and (ii) other departments commissioned from the HSRC for the 2010 – 11 financial year?"
NW 2570E
REPLY:
(a) During the economic downturn in 2008, the National Treasury imposed budget cuts on government departments and public entities. Due consideration was taken of the budget constraints faced by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) due to limited budget growth and the National Treasury did not cut the HSRC budget.
(b) The Departments of Science and Technology, Labour and Rural Development and Land Reform, and the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Social Development have commissioned the following research projects from the HSRC for the 2010/11 financial year listed according to contract titles below:
(i) Research projects commissioned by the Department of Science and Technology on 10 May 22 June, 3 August and 8 August 2010, respectively:
a. Development of new indicators for Technology Balance of Payment (TBoP) and Knowledge Economy (KE): First Addendum for Redevelopment survey management and results systems.
b. A scoping study to investigate the impact of the 2010 World Cup on social cohesion.
c. Humanities and Social Sciences Research in Africa Conference entitled "Professor Bernard Magubane at 80 International Conference".
d. A scoping study for developing a strategic intelligence system for the post-school sector.
(ii) Research projects commissioned by the Department of Labour on 5 July 2010:
a. Conduct a study to identify the level of function of Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA); and
b. Conduct a study to assess and evaluate the progress made in skills development since the implementation of the second phase of the National Skills Development Strategy in March 2005.
(iii) Research projects commissioned by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform on 28 July 2010:
a. An Audit of the available and appreciated technologies that could be applicable to rural areas in South Africa, with specific focus on the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme Pilot sites.
(iv) Research projects commissioned by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Social Development on 16 April 2010:
a. Millenium Development Goals - This project is about the current state of the population for the Eastern Cape Province. The output will be in the form of a report around a number of themes for example; Theme 1: Population and Development in the Eastern Cape; Theme 2: Population, poverty and economic vulnerability in the Eastern Cape.
QUESTION NO 2124
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 AUGUST 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 21 - 2010)
H2124. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether staff salaries and management costs for the setting-up phase
of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) was met by her department's budget; If not from which budget were these costs paid; If SO; from which programme in her department's budget were these costs met;
(2) whether she has (a) applied for and (b) received the necessary approval from the National Treasury to meet these costs; if not, why not, in each; if so; what are the relevant details In each case;
(3) what has been the total cost, as at the latest specified date for which information is available, of Integrating the seven bodies into the TIA;
(4) (a) from which budget allocation will the soon to be appointed chief executive officer be paid and (b) what are the details of his salary package?" -
NW 2564E
REPLY:
(1) Yes, the staff salaries and management costs for the setting up phase of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) were -met from the Research, Development and Innovation programme of the Department of Science and Technology.
(2) (a) No approval was sought from the National Treasury, as these costs were within the department's appropriated funds.
(b) National Treasury approval is not required for salaries of staff when setting up an institution, the TIA Act only requires that, the Minister of Science and Technology obtains the concurrence of the Minister of Finance for the remuneration of the Board and that of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
(3) The total costs of integrating the seven bodies into TIA to date amount to R24 million.
(4) (a) The CEO will be paid from the budget that has been allocated to the TIA for its operationalisation.
(b) The TIA Board has initiated the remuneration process of the CEO and It is still underway, which includes consultation with the Department of Public Service and Administration fallowing which the Minister of Science and Technology will seek the concurrence of the Minister of Finance.
QUESTION NO 2064
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (2010-08-06) (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19-2010)
"2064. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(a) When is the newly constituted board of the SA National Space Agency scheduled to have their first meeting and (b) why was the announcement of its composition delayed?"
NW2463E
REPLY:
(a)The newly constituted Board of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) held its first meeting on 15 July 2010.
(b) Security screening and other clearances of shortlisted candidates, and consultation process with Cabinet about the appointment of the SANSA Board delayed the announcement of the SANSA Board members. National Intelligence Agency (NIA) conducts the security screening on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology. After approval of the shortlist by the National Assembly on 5 November 2009, the Minister of Science and Technology embarked on a process of informing Cabinet about the appointment of the SANSA Board before an official appointment or announcement was made. A public announcement of the SANSA Board will be made on 22 September 2010, during the Africa Aerospace Defence Exhibition, where SANSA will be officially launched.
QUESTION NO. 2014
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 2010-07-30: INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 18-2010
"2014. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
What are the (a) dates, (b) members' attendance, (c) agendas and (d) records of decisions of board meetings of all entities reporting to her in (i) 2008/09 and (ii) 2009/10?"
NW2411E
REPLY:
(a)(i) and (ii) The dates of meetings held in 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years for the public entities that report to the Minister of Science and Technology are tabulated below:
| Public entities (Boards) | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | |||||||||
| Africa Institute of South Africa | 18/07/2008 | 17/10/2008 | 18/10/2008 | 16/01/2009 | - | 17/07/2009 | 23/10/2009 | 24/10/2009 | 26/02/2010 | 27/02/2010 | - |
| Council for Scientific and Industrial Research | 13/08/2008 | 25/09/2008 | 27/11/2008 | 19/02/2009 | - | 30/06/2009 | 06/08/2009 | 16/09/2009 | 23/02/2010 | - | - |
| Human Sciences Research Council | 22/05/2008 | 21/08/2008 | 18/02/2009 | - | - | 21/05/2009 | 27/08/2009 | 20/11/2009 | 24/02/2010 | - | - |
| National Research Foundation | 18/08/2008 | 17/09/2008 | 07/11/2008 | 30/01/2009 | - | 02/04 2009 | 30/07 2009 | 06/11 2009 | 27/01 2010 | 29/03 2010 | - |
| Technology Innovation Agency | - | - | - | - | - | 6 & 7/ 07/ 2009 | 11/08/2009 | 09/09/2009 | 26/10/2009 | 08/12/2009 | 12/02/2010 |
(b)(i) and (ii) The information on attendance of the board meetings held during 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years for the public entities that report to the Minister of Science and Technology is provided attached:
(c) and (d)The public entities that report to the DST also comply with the recommendations of the King III Code of Governance for good practice. This requires sound financial and management reporting. In terms of stakeholder reporting, particularly on the boards of the public entities, the annual reports of the public entities reflect all operational and management practices.
From governance perspective there is no specific requirement for the publication of agendas and records of board meetings. In addition, a considered view is held that making such records public might compromise confidentiality and deter board members from participating freely in meetings.
The number of meetings held by the HSRC, AISA, NRF and CSIR boards has been duly published in the annual reports of these public entities as required by the National Treasury template for the drafting of annual reports.
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 19-2010)
(6-08-2010)
"2012. Ms M R Shinn (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) How many (a) of the 82 specialist researchers listed in the Human Sciences Research Council's 2008-09 annual report are still (i) employed by or (ii) contracted to the organisation and (b) of those who left were senior-level researchers (SRS and above);
(2) What were the reasons given for those who (a) are no longer employed or (b) have not had their contracts renewed;
(3) What (a) research areas have been most affected by this loss of researchers, (b) is the research staff attrition rate and (c) is the ratio of senior researchers to those below SRS level?"
NW2409E
REPL Y:
(1) (a) The revised HSRC Annual Report gives the correct number of researchers in the organisation. There were 83 researchers in 2008-09 financial year.
(i)& (ii) To date, of the 83 researchers listed, 65 are still employed or contracted to the HSRC.
(b) Fourteen at the level of senior research specialist and above left the HSRC.
(2) (a)& (b) The reasons given are resignations, retirements and dismissal due to misconduct.
(3) (a) The research areas most affected by the loss of researchers are Child,
Youth, Family and Social Development, Social Aspects of HIV/Aids and Health, and Education, Science and Skills Development.
(b) The staff attrition rate for the SRS and above category for 2008/09was
16,2%, and 3,1% in 2009/10.
(c) The ratio of SRS and above to those below the SRS level is 3:1.
(#185354)
QUESTION NO. 1976
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 JULY 2010:
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO.18-2010
"1976. Mr P Ntshinqela (COPE) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether she will fund the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to design and manufacture a bio-digester to enable households in mainly rural areas to produce methane gas as an alternative source of energy; if not; why not; If SO, how will the technology be used to assist disadvantaged persons to access cheap energy?"
NW2362E
REPLY:
(1) A bio-digester has been designed with joint funding from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the South African National Energy Research Institute {SANER I). The funds used were from the CSIR Parliamentary grant and the Department of Science and Technology research grant to SANERI. The research focus was on designing a more efficient bio-digester system by adding automation and process control systems to optimize biogas production.
The CSI R is currently in the process of applying for a patent for this novel technology, In parallel to this, while the patenting process is pending, various commercialisation options are being analysed. The commercialisation process normally involves inviting third parties to explore partnership support for the further development of the technology, as well as manufacturing and marketing.
The bio-digester technology is classified as a distributed energy-generation solution and, depending on the availability of energy feedstock, will improve energy access and security.
QUESTION NO. 2240
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 AUGUST 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 23 - 2010)
"2240. MS M R SHINN (DA) to ask the Minister of Science and Technology:
(1) Whether her department and any of its entities has (a) purchased or (b) leased any buildings for administration (i) in the (aa) 2008-09 and (bb) 2009-10 and (ii) for the 2010-11 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the cost of the building, (bbb) what is the size of the building, (ccc) why was it bought or leased, (ddd) what will be its use, (eee) who will occupy it and (fff) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building;
(2) whether her department and any of its entities intends purchasing or leasing any buildings for administration for the (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 financial years; if not; why not; if so, in each case, (i) what is the cost of each building, (ii) what is the size of each building, (Hi) why will it be bought or leased, (iv) for what will it be used, (v) who will occupy it and (vi) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building?"
(NW2748E)
REPL Y:
(1) The Department of Science and Technology and its entities have-
(a) not purchased any buildings for administration in the periods in question;
(b) leased buildings for administration for the periods in question (see Annexure A to this reply).
(2) The Department of Science and Technology does not intend to purchase or lease any buildings for the period in question. Information on its public entities' intentions is as shown below:
- TIA intends to lease the same buildings in the 2011/12 to 2013/14 financial years, with the exception of the TIA Gauteng regional office, for which the lease agreement ends in February 2011.
- The cost of the current leases (as shown in Annexure A) is expected to escalate by 9% per annum.
- The office space will remain approximately the same as that given in Annexure A. The possibility of new provincial offices may be explored.