D Hanekom to launch National Nanotechnology Strategy, 13 Apr

7 April 2006

The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom will officially
launch South Africa’s National Nanotechnology Strategy on Thursday, 13 April,
at the Mintek offices in Randburg, Johannesburg.

All media is welcome to attend and participate in a tour of Mintek’s
laboratories wherein some of the actual applications of nanotechnology will be
demonstrated:

Venue: Mintek offices, 200 Hans Strydom Drive, Randburg, Johannesburg
Date: Thursday, 13 April 2006
Time: 10H00 to 12H40

Background

The Nanotechnology Strategy takes cognisance of the needs of local industry
and focuses on the essential building blocks of Nanoscience, namely synthesis,
characterisation and fabrication. In line with this, the strategy is aimed at
increasing the number of nanotechnology characterisation centres in South
Africa with an investment of R170 million over the next three years. R15
million has already been invested in the 2005/06 financial year towards this
cause.

Known as ‘the technology of the very small’ (i.e. about 1/80,000 of the
diameter of a human hair), nanotechnology comprises a wide range of
technologies, techniques and multidisciplinary research efforts for application
in a range of cross cutting industries and activities. These include aerospace,
manufacturing and automotive industries; energy conversion, storage and
distribution; the hydrogen economy; chemicals; electronics and information
processing; as well as in biotechnology and medicines, amongst others.

South African industry and researchers have been key players in
nanotechnology and the practical application of nanoscience for a number of
years already. One example in this regard is that of chemical processing by
catalysis as already done by SASOL.

New generations of nanotechnology based products that are emerging in the
world today, require South Africa to develop its ability to derive more
benefits from global advances in this area. The National Nanotechnology
Strategy positions South African as a global player in this emerging area of
science and technology and seeks to strengthen the integrated development focus
of Government.

In line with this, the main objectives of the strategy are to:

* support long-term nanoscience research that will lead to a fundamental
understanding of the design, synthesis, characterisation, modelling and
fabrication of nanomaterials;
* support the creation of new and novel devices for application in various
areas;
* develop the required human resources and supporting infrastructure
* stimulate new developments in the technology missions such as advanced
materials for advanced manufacturing, nano-bio material for biotechnology,
precious metal based nanoparticles for resource based industries, and advanced
materials for information and communication technologies.

Programme
13 April 2006
10h00 - 10h15: Arrival and tea:
10h15 – 10h20: Dr Bethuel Sehlapelo (Program coordinator) [DST]: Welcome &
Introduction
10h20 – 10h40: Dr Bethuel Sehlapelo Deputy Director-General,
10h40 – 10h50: Dr Roger Paul: Mintek
10h50 - 11h00: Prof David Britton: SANI
11h00 – 11h10: Vinota Bheem: SAPPI
11h15 - 11h35: Honourable Deputy Minister: Derek Hanekom: Keynote Address
11h35 – 11h40: Ms Pontsho Maruping (General Manager – Frontier Programmes and
the CSIR): Closure and vote of thanks
11h40 – 12h40: Lunch

RSVP:
Nthabi Maoela
Cell: 073 648 2876
E-mail: nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za

Enquiries:
Kristin Klose
Director: Communication
Cell: 082 902 9503
E-mail: kristin.klose@dst.gov.za

Nthabi Maoela
Deputy Director
Cell: 073 648 2876
E-mail: nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
7 April 2006