South Africa is in the process of reviewing the Space Affairs Act to ensure alignment with rapidly-progressing developments. This was announced by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, at the opening of the 62nd International Astronautical Congress, held in Cape Town- South Africa.
Minister Davies reiterated that South Africa is committed to being a responsible actor in the international space arena.
‘‘Recently SA has ratified the 1972 Convention on the Registration of Space Objects and the 1975 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects. This was followed by the practical step of implementing the Registration Convention at national level through launching a National Registry of Space Objects on the 27 July 2011.
‘’The Council for Space Affairs is in the process of developing procedures to encourage persons and authorities involved in the space industry to register with the Space Council.’’
Davies said the Congress, with more than 2,500 delegates from around the world, offered a great economic opportunity for the local aerospace industry as well as tourism.
“In particular, we see the event as an opportunity to stimulate greater awareness about the capacities on the African continent as well as greater cooperation between African countries in the area of space,’’ he added.
According to the Minister, the Congress provides the African industry with a cost-effective opportunity to show-case its capabilities. It also provides an opening for the global space community to find out about the space activities of a number of African nations.
Davies also announced that South Africa is in discussions concerning space co-operation agreements with a number of countries for mutual benefits. Among these is an agreement with India on Exploration and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes, which is very close to being concluded.
‘‘Our country’s legislation and policy is based on the peaceful uses of outer space to promote socio-economic development, peace, stability human and environmental security,’’ he said.
"Our policy places strong emphasis on enhancing international co-operation, which offers great opportunities for South Africa to strengthen its space technologies and applications through strategic partnerships with the other countries of the world."
Minister Davies said that Africa as a whole is excited about this event as it is hosted for the first time in its 62-year history on African soil.
The International Astronautical Congress brings the world’s aerospace professionals, industry and agencies together for the whole week to deliberate and interact with one another to share experiences and examine opportunities for better co-operation including new technological developments, marketing and trade development.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Moloantoa Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
