Madam Chairperson, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, hon members and guests of Parliament, I stand before this House to introduce a Report of the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology on the Consideration of the Shortlist of Candidates for Appointment to the SA National Space Agency Board, dated 28 October 2009.
Matters pertaining to space are very important in the new era of technological development. Indeed, as was covered by the Minister yesterday, we have already launched a satellite that is revolving around us, giving images of what is on African soil, in particular how our communities are enriched with this technology in terms of agriculture, economic growth and climate change related problems.
Our satellite gives data four times a day about what is happening around the continent. We have people in the African member nations who are benefiting from this satellite and have already engaged in satellite time affiliation, paying back air to our space technology activity.
Matters pertaining to space are not necessarily limited to climate and economic growth, but they are also about security. The Israelis have a company called Romeo Yankee Limited where they develop vertically taking off and landing, VTOL, cars. These are air cars that are able to fly up to an altitude of 8 000 feet. They are divided into two categories called Turbo Hawks and City Hawks.
The City Hawks can be parked on normal car parking bays, but they can also take off from the suite and fly over at an altitude of 8 000 feet. Turbo Hawks are more adapted for security measures in high buildings. Since Israel is faced with wars from its neighbours, they have developed Turbo Hawks which can fly high and come down and travel on the road. This is how air space can be used for security. We feel that in South Africa, with the development of our space agency, we need to have a board with capable men and women. Therefore, it is for this reason that the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology - having considered the shortlist of candidates for appointment to the SA National Space Agency Board in terms of section 7(1)(c) of the SA National Space Agency Act, Act 36 of 2008, which was referred to the committee on 07 October 2009 - today reports that the committee held meetings on 21 and 28 October 2009 on the above subject. The department had received 94 applications and has shortlisted 25 candidates.
During the committee's deliberations on 21 October 2009, members raised concerns about the lack of shortlisted candidates who fall within the vulnerable groups and people with special needs such as persons with disabilities. The committee subsequently requested the department to, in future, consult organisations working with persons with special needs. Fortunately, the department was able, in a very short space of time, to address this question by identifying and discussing this with the board that deals with disabled people in South Africa.
After discussions, the department forwarded the name of Mr Vincent Gore to the committee. He replaced Ms Limpitlaw Justine who withdrew her application, due to personal circumstances. The Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology felt that the department had addressed some of the concerns raised by members and, therefore, approved the list that was submitted, with Mr Vincent Gore replacing Ms Justine. I therefore appeal to the House to ratify the list as it appears on the Order Paper. We thank the Minister for her efforts. Thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
A request for a declaration of vote has been received. Parties have up to three minutes each. I will now recognise the parties that wish to make declarations.
Declaration of vote:
While the DA supports the shortlist of candidates for appointment to the SA National Space Agency Board, we have reservations about the number of military specialists on the list. When the Minister of Science and Technology considered appointments to the Board, we urged her to wait with her final selection in favour of earth science researchers and communication specialists.
The department's strategy for 2009-10 states that South Africa can be a major contributor and partner in the global space, science and technology sector through this agency. It has mentioned South Africa's growing satellite industry and a range of space innovations has been key to this, as well as our research institutions innovations and earth observation, communication, navigation and engineering.
We heard the Minister in this House yesterday talk about the government satellite that we use to give scientists information that will enable us to better manage our natural resources for the socioeconomic benefit of all South Africans.
We urge her to approach the selection of the Space Agency Board in the same spirit. The first aim of the agency is to promote a peaceful user space. It wants to research space, science, communications, navigation and space physics.
Why then does the shortlist include men whose expertise includes biological warfare, weapons of mass destruction and missile engagements? These are legitimate skills in defence industry application development, but they are not a priority in addressing South Africa's developmental needs. They belong in the private industry, not on statutory boards.
One of these military men has no place on any statutory body and that is Mr M C Zondi, who is a Deputy Director-General in the Department of Defence and a Head of the Defence Supply Chain Integration. Yesterday, the DA wrote to Minister Pandor urging her to drop him from this shortlist as Mr Zondi currently faces an investigation by the SA National Defence Force Inspector- General for tender irregularities. He is also facing a civil suit in Gauteng for awarding a contract without it going out to tender.
We are not associating the other military board applicants with Mr Zondi's action, but we urge the Minster to wait with her final selection on the Board in favour of peaceful users of space technology. [Applause.]
The question before the House is that the following shortlist of candidates be approved for consideration for appointment to the SA National Space Agency Board: Mr F Anderson, Mr L Annamalai, Mr T Buthelezi, Prof G de Wet, Mr Z Fihlani, Dr E Gavin (Adam), Ms J Lawrence, Mr V Gore, Mr R Louw, Mr M T Magugumela, Mr P Maine, Ms N Majaja, Dr J G Malan, Captain M Mamashela, Dr L McKinnell, Ms L Mogudi, Mr N Mbangiseni, Mr T Ratsheko, Dr R Scholes, Ms R Sekese, Ms S Sekgobela, Ms C Sharpe, Dr K B Siziba, Ms V B Titi and Mr M C Zondi.
Are there any objections? There are no objections. The shortlist of candidates will be forwarded to the Minister of Science and Technology for consideration.
Question greed to.
The following shortlist of candidates accordingly approved for consideration for appointment to the SA National Space Agency Board: Mr F Anderson, Mr L Annamalai, Mr T Buthelezi, Prof G de Wet, Mr Z Fihlani, Dr E Gavin (Adam), Ms J Lawrence, Mr V Gore, Mr R Louw, Mr M T Magugumela, Mr P Maine, Ms N Majaja, Dr J G Malan, Captain M Mamashela, Dr L McKinnell, Ms L Mogudi, Mr N Mbangiseni, Mr T Ratsheko, Dr R Scholes, Ms R Sekese, Ms S Sekgobela, Ms C Sharpe, Dr K B Siziba, Ms V B Titi and Mr M C Zondi.