The Committee welcomed the positive outcome of the SKA site bid decision. This is a clear acknowledgement of the immense efforts by the Department and in particular the SKA project team's work over the past number of years. As one of the biggest science and engineering projects in the world, the SKA represents an unprecedented research advantage for the entire African (and global) scientific community and will provide many opportunities for the development of very high-level skills and expertise in Africa. This will allow Africa to be a significant contributor to the global knowledge economy. The funding and establishment by the Department and the NRF of the five Research Chairs relevant to the SKA project, is welcomed. The Committee is keen to oversee how the Department will realise their strategic goals in this regard.