The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has met with the Chairperson of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Board, Professor Belinda Bozzoli, to discuss matters related to the reinstatement of Professor Phil Charles as Director of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has met with the Chairperson of the National Research Foundation (NRF) board, Professor Belinda Bozzoli, to discuss matters related to the reinstatement of Professor Phil Charles as Director of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).
Professor Bozzoli assured the Minister Pandor that the NRF had fully accepted the outcomes of the disciplinary hearing, which cleared Professor Charles of all charges and furthermore considered the matter to be closed.
The minister welcomed this clarity, especially in the light of unintended ambiguity of the media statement released by the NRF on 12 March, following the finalisation of the hearing.
The meeting also agreed that Professor Belinda Bozzoli would personally engage with the SAAO and the broader astronomic community to listen to their concerns and priorities, as part of helping rebuild relationships that may have been scuppered.
The minister was also assured that the NRF would continue to pursue consultations with the stakeholders on major policy matters that need to be addressed in the area of astronomy.
The minister hopes that all parties will work together in the best interest of astronomy in South Africa.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
25 March 2010
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za/)
