Chairperson, in 215 minutes' time the South African satellite, SumbandilaSat, blasts into space. This is an exciting achievement for our nation's scientific vision, ingenuity and engineering skills. It is an inspiration for our future scientists, and all involved are to congratulated.
This is how the exciting programme is covered on space.gov.za, the government's website dedicated to the nation's space initiatives, and I quote: "A small South African earth-observing satellite is currently under development." The countdown has already started - it is t minus 214 and counting.
But this is not the only government website that is failing to keep pace with the real world as we embark on our future as a space-faring nation. Parliament's own website would have us believe that the South African National Space Agency Bill is sitting in the President's in-tray, waiting to be signed. Former President Motlanthe signed this Bill into law last December.
These examples illustrate the basic characteristics of ANC governance: Lots of flash and enthusiasm upfront, and waning interest in maintenance that ensures delivery and return on investment.
Our scientists are stretching their minds and squeezing every last bit of use out of ageing instruments so that South Africa can compete with the best scientists in the world. They need government's commitment and active support to ensure we gain and maintain our hard-earned space. It is t minus 213 and counting! [Applause.]