Hon Chair, thank you very much for the opportunity. It was very encouraging to listen to the Minister saying that the amendments are catalyst for economic growth. And I am very excited about the opportunities that the Minister highlighted for smart agriculture, and also that he is very keen that his Ministry will now drive the skills knowledge that we need.
However, investment in research and innovation is still a Cinderella when it comes to building a modern South Africa for the 21st and 22nd centuries. All we seem to have is just a telescope. Our nuclear know how before apartheid has not been harnessed. It could have assisted us today with our electricity calamity, a calamity brought in by five parliaments.
It looks like we have no hope of sending a space mission to the moon. So there is no ambition amongst our brilliant young scientists to aim for the skies.
We do agree that the Minister must at least be consulted in the appointed of CEOs in state-owned entities, SOEs, so that he can take the blame if they mess up as it has happened over the past five parliaments. The Sixth Parliament must not be in the same boat.
Science and technology opportunities, especially at the most senior levels, should have no racial discrimination. For once I agree with the hon members of the FF Plus. It is very important that South Africa takes advantage of the brilliance and the innovation of its citizens and no one should be left out to take South Africa to the 21st and 22nd centuries. Al Jama'ah supports amendments to the Bill.
Mr B B NODADA / GC / TAKE ENDS AT 14:59