The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has welcomed the appointment Dr Sandile Malinga as CEO of the newly launched SANSA. Cabinet confirmed Dr Malinga's appointment on Wednesday.
Minister Pandor said, "the appointment of Dr Malinga as CEO gives the agency the necessary impetus to begin its work in earnest. As the caretaker CEO, he demonstrated his efficiency and capability to run the agency, and we are now looking forward to seeing the agency flourishing".
Minister Pandor launched SANSA in December 2010. Established through the SANSA Act of 2008, SANSA is responsible for the implementation of the National Space Strategy, including the coordination and integration of all national space science and technology programmes.
The key objectives of the SANSA are:
- to promote the peaceful use of outer space
- to support the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies
- to foster research in space-based earth observation, communications, navigation and space physics
- to advance scientific, engineering and technological competencies and capabilities through human capital development and outreach programmes
- to foster international cooperation in space-related activities.
Enquires:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: Lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
