House Chairperson, in view of the rapid growth of communications technology, the digital divide and issues of access, the Southern African Development Community, SADC, Council of Ministers endorsed in 2006 the decision of the Ministers responsible for science, technology and innovation to promote these issues as a critical crosscutting programme in support of regional development objectives. SADC therefore resolved to elevate the role of science and technology in the region.
The objectives of the protocol are to provide a base for the development of institutional mechanisms for regional co-operation on and co-ordination of science, technology and innovation, STI; ensure proper co-ordination of resources for regional STI programmes; promote development and harmonisation of STI policies in the region; and maximise public and private investment in research and development in the member states.
The protocol will improve collaboration between member states with a view to achieving the following. Firstly, it is to establish institutional mechanisms in order to strengthen regional co-operation on and co- ordination of science, technology and innovation. Secondly, it is to institute management and co-ordination structures with clearly defined functions, which will facilitate the implementation of regional STI programmes. Thirdly, it is to promote the development and harmonisation of science, technology and innovation policies in the region. Fourthly, it is to pool resources for scientific research and technological development within the region. Lastly, it is to work towards the elimination of restrictions on the free movement of scientists, technologists and engineers for the purposes of education, research and participation in the joint STI programmes.
At present a number of remarkable programmes or initiatives of the SADC Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation are under way. These include the following: SADC Policy Training, which focuses on capacity-building for senior officials in the STI sector; SADC Climate Change, which deals with issues that relate to challenges of climate change; SADC Women in Science, which seeks to promote the involvement of women in the STI sector; SADC Science, Engineering and Technology Training, which seeks to popularise science and technology in the region; and the SADC Indigenous Knowledge Systems, which deal with matters of indigenous knowledge.
The Select Committee on Education and Recreation, having considered the SADC Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution of 1996 and the Explanatory Memorandum to the Protocol referred to it, recommends that the House approves the said protocol.
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.