Mr Mosibudi Mangena, at the handover function of SumbandilaSat,
Stellenbosch
7 December 2006
The Director-General
Vice-Chancellor of the Stellenbosch University
CEO and Management of Sunspace
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
In October last year, we announced the three year integrated satellite
development and capacity building programme, which is led by the Stellenbosch
University, and in collaboration with Sunspace and Information Systems and
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Satellite Applications
Centre. Today, we are delighted to announce that we have reached the first
major milestone of completing the construction of the SumbandilaSat.
I take this moment to acknowledge and thank all the players who took part in
this exciting and challenging project, and encourage them to keep developing
the technological solutions our country and continent so desperately require.
Without your tireless and dedication and hard work, South Africa will continue
to be among the largest consumers of foreign innovations, despite the wealth of
natural resources and the new ideas that we have.
Ladies and gentlemen, to build and sustain the democratisation of our
society requires higher economic growth and social development. It is for this
reason that our government has committed itself to increasing investment in
research and development. This investment has to lead to greater levels of
innovation required to build a successful and competitive knowledge economy.
This project is a wonderful example of the levels of innovation that this
country is capable of.
Let me further emphasise that space science and technology plays a
significant role as a support tool for sustainable development. Space offers us
new opportunities; opportunities for new tomorrows, for unknown discoveries,
for growth, discovery and experimentation. From managing our natural resources
to inspiring all South Africans to greater achievements, we expect space
science and technology to play a key role in our society in future.
Increased emphasis will be focused on establishing the Space Agency,
strengthening synergies between government departments and the agency, and
enhancing the capacity of the system through key infrastructure and skills. The
ultimate outcome will be better, more effective and efficient programmes and
services delivered to our communities. To achieve all this, we must be prepared
to invest in high-risk technology development, and continue to build a
successful model that links government, industry and the university research
community with international partners.
The SumbandilaSat project has demonstrated a successful partnership model
between government, academia and private sector. To stimulate further
innovation in space technology, we also supported internships and post-graduate
studies, which are taking place at various universities throughout the country.
Such partnerships and related skills that are developed are necessary to build
a nation of innovators.
In the past day and a half, my department has been engaging with various
space players in the country to formulate the framework for the established of
the South African Space Agency. We intend to build on the success of this
project by continuing to support efforts within the space science and
technology arena.
In closing, join me once again in congratulating the project team and
officials from my department who worked tirelessly for the realisation of the
SumbandilaSat. The completion of the satellite by South Africans is sufficient
confirmation of South Africa's readiness to compete globally on space related
initiatives. I have been assured that the SumbandilaSat has successfully passed
all the necessary acceptance tests, and that we can officially accept it as a
fully completed micro satellite system.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
7 December 2006
Source: SAPA
