Programme director, Dr Pamela Dube
Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission, Minister Trevor Manuel, MP and Ms Maria Ramos
Former Ministers of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena and Dr Ben Ngubane
The High Commissioner of India, Mr Virendra Gupta
Deputy Minister: Science and Technology, Mr Derek Hanekom,
Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr Phil Mjwara
Managing Director of TATA AFRICA, Mr Dhawan
Managing Director of L’Oreal South Africa, Mr Phillippe Raffray
Representatives of the co-sponsors of the South African Women in Science Awards
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen.
It is a pleasure to welcome you this evening.
Although we specifically celebrate Women’s Day on 9 August every year, in essence the whole of August is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of South Africa’s women. We remember the role women played in the struggle to attain a democratic South Africa, and we also reflect on what contemporary women have done to help strengthen the fabric of South African society, improve the lives of others, contribute to job creation and grow the economy, among other things.
For the Department of Science and Technology, Women’s Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women working in the field of science, engineering, technology and innovation.
Since 2003 the South African Women in Science Awards have highlighted the role of women and their leadership capacity. The awards are part of government’s efforts to recognise and create incentives for women scientists and researchers and to profile them as successful researchers and scientists whose distinguished achievements are an inspiration to the nation and to young women and girls in particular.
In one year, the Awards give recognition to achievements in the Natural Sciences and Engineering and the next year the spotlight falls on achievements in the Life Sciences. It is of special significance that Social Sciences and Humanities categories have been included this year for the very first time and will be a permanent feature of these awards.
Other programmes that the department is using to promote women participation in science, engineering and technology include programmes under the Youth into Science Strategy and other women targeted funding instruments at the National Research Foundation (NRF). The department has set a minimum participation target of 60% for women in most of its programmes, including postgraduate bursaries, internships, the Professional Development Programme and postdoctoral fellowships, among others.
I am pleased to note that South Africa does indeed have women who can serve as inspirational role models. For example, Professor Diane Hildebrandt, who was named Distinguished Woman Scientist in 2009 was one of two South African winners of the 2009 African Union Scientific Awards.
Winners of 2010 Women in Science Awards will aid the department’s plans to popularise careers in science and research by participating in a range of public initiatives. We want to see an increase in the number of women role models for young students who wish to pursue careers in the science, engineering and technology. We must do much more to achieve positive results.
I congratulate our award winners tonight, I thank you for your contribution to science, engineering and technology and to South Africa and I also take the liberty of thanking you, in advance, for serving as role models to young girls and women. It is with the help and example of extraordinary women such as you that we can help inspire other women to succeed.
My thanks to Minister Manuel for joining us tonight.
Congratulations to all the winners.
I thank you.
