celebrate the launch of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology (ICGEB)
10 September 2007
Programme Director, Professor Iqbal Parker
The Honourable Minister of University and Research from Italy, Minister Fabio
Mussi
The Director-General of the ICGEB, Professor Franscisco Baralle;
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Prof Njabulo Ndebele
Representatives of governments present
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Once again I wish to thank all of you who have made the time to come and
celebrate the official inauguration of the African Component of the
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, (ICGEB) located
here in Cape Town.
In particular, I wish to convey our sincere appreciation to those who
travelled from all corners of the globe to be with us today. Notwithstanding
the support we received from many quarters, allow me to begin by acknowledging
my counterpart from the Italian Government, Minister Fabio Mussi. In the
science and technology arena South Africa has always enjoyed good support from
the Italians.
This is partly demonstrated by the successes achieved through the agreement
on scientific and technology cooperation between South Africa and Italy. With
regards to the ICGEB, the Italian government played a critical role in lobbying
their G8 colleagues to support the establishment of the ICGEB Component in
Africa, the third in the world - alongside the first two in Trieste, Italy, and
New Delhi in India.
This evening we cherish the result of the tireless efforts of the former
Minister, Letitia Moratti, who ensured that the establishment of an African
Component of the ICGEB is put on the agenda of the G8 as early as 2005. The
African Component was finally adopted as a part of the "Gleneagles
Declaration".
The race for hosting the African Component began with Nigeria, South Africa
and Tanzania presenting rival bids for this honour. Once the Selection
Committeeâs technical report recommended the South African bid, Nigeria and
Tanzania became our strongest supporters at the Board of Governors meeting in
New Delhi last year.
There is no clearer indication that this Cape Town Component will enjoy
strong African support, both in its work priority research areas, as well as
the participation of other African countries and students.
On 23 May this year, the Italian government, in collaboration with the ICGEB
Secretariat, hosted an international conference in Rome to highlight the
importance of the Cape Town Centre. Not only did they indicate their
willingness to partner with Africa in this endeavour, but they also availed
themselves to sensitise other G8 members about the critical role that this
component will play in the development of Africa.
Just after a period of three months, they came forward this morning to
pledge monetary support to the Cape Town component of the ICGEB. On behalf of
the South African government and her people, I would like to thank the support
that Italy has given us to ensure that this component realises its
objectives.
Dear friends, it is also fitting to acknowledge the support we received from
a wide range of role players. In particular, the University of Cape Town played
a seminal role in the compilation of the South African bid, and generously made
its human and material resources available for the housing of this new
component of the ICGEB.
Upon receiving the news that South Africa was to host the African Component
of the ICGEB last November, my department has been working tirelessly to ensure
that all the necessary processes for the smooth establishment of the component
are taken care of. Among others, a Trust Fund Agreement between the government
of South Africa and the ICGEB was signed in February this year to confirm the
process of establishing this component. We have already committed the necessary
funds towards this venture.
The ICGEB has just finalised the process for the appointment of the Director
for the Cape Town component. The management of this component will, with effect
from the 1 November 2007, be under the capable leadership of Professor Iqbal
Parker, who is steering our proceedings this evening. Allow me to take this
opportunity to congratulate Professor Parker, and wish him well on his
important appointment.
The process to appoint three group leaders in the next financial year has
already commenced, and this number will grow to seven by the year of the Soccer
World Cup, in 2010.
The expansion beyond 2010 may warrant an increase in the space allocated to
the ICGEB within the University of Cape Town. From the support that has been
shown today, indications are that we might surpass our set targets, and this
will warrant a new building dedicated to ICGEB to be erected.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the success of the ICGEB African Component will
require sustainable support from the donor community. I also want to take this
opportunity to urge representatives of governments, institutions and donor
agencies here represented to report back to their authorities, and create
awareness about the centre and its importance for the African continent.
Before concluding my address this evening, I want to request everyone
gathered here this evening to join me in reliving an important moment in our
history; the official inauguration of the African Component of the ICGEB by the
President of the Republic.
A short video has been arranged for sharing this poignant moment with those
who might have missed this historical moment for the continent.
Enquiries:
Celeste Tema
Deputy Director: Communication and Media Liaison
Cell: 083 399 0765
E-mail: celeste.tema@dst.gov.za
Kristin Klose
Director: Communication and Media Liaison
Tel: 012 843 6785
Cell: 082 902 9503
Email: kristin.klose@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
10 September 2007
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za)
