Hon Chair, we support the budget, but we think there are issues of acceleration because in the previous year the department achieved a clean audit.
We in the NFP are of the view that science, technology and innovation should begin in the early grades of our schooling system. We are also of the view that science and innovation should even permeate the community circles of our country, where the ordinary masses of our people should be able to access science and technology.
We need to dispel the myth that technology and innovation are some of the more difficult subjects and ensure that this is not only the terrain of the wisest, but also the terrain for all. The department must ensure that more of our girl children, and females in general, are vigorously involved in science and innovation, including engineering.
Last, but not least, we need to ensure that we get more PhDs in the areas of space, technology and innovation from historically disadvantaged black universities. Of course, we need to tighten the rope to ensure that agencies and entities respond to their mandate and are able to deliver accordingly.
On that note, Chairperson, we have no option but to support the budget.