Keynote address by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande on the occasion of the launch of the Natural Resources Management Programme (NRMP) at the Nqadu Great Place in the Eastern Cape
Programme Director;
His Majesty, King Ahlangene Vulikhaya Sigcawu, Ah! Vulikhaya! Ah! Vulikhaya! Ah! Vulikhaya!
Traditional Leaders;
Executive Mayors;
Acting Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Gugu Zwane;
The Deputy Executive Dean Faculty of Natural Sciences at Walter Sisulu University, Dr. Palesa Sekhejane;
Heads of our Science and Academic Institutions;
Senior government officials;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen:
It is an honour for me to be here today.
We honour King Hintsa KaKhawuta
As we know, this month we remember one of our national heroes- the great King Hintsa kaKhawuta, Ah! Zanzolo! Ah Zanzolo! Ah Zanzolo! King Hintsa was not only a visionary and diplomat. He was also an astute strategist and fearless warrior.
As you know, he played a pivotal role in what is referred to as the amaXhosa Wars of Resistance, which are sometimes also referred to as Frontier Wars, between 1779 and 1879.
These as you know were a series of nine wars between the amaXhosa and the Europeans here in the Eastern Cape. These wars were the longest-running military action in Africa’s anti-colonial history in the last 200 years.
During these wars, under the leadership of King Hintsa, amaXhosa defended our land and dignity. For this reason, King Hintsa occupies a place of honour in our history. We must also make sure that the schools in this province in particular- teach our children about this great king and his immeasurable contribution.
The importance of the Natural Resources Management Programme (NRMP)
Secondly, today is also about an important initiative known as the Natural Resources Management Programme (NRMP). This Programme is an initiative of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), which is an entity of the Department I am leading as Minister- the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
As you know, South Africa, like many countries is confronted with challenges such as land degradation, water security, climate variability, and the need to balance development with environmental sustainability.
In response to these challenges, the Natural Resources Management Programme uses satellite information and space-based technology to help communities (especially in rural areas), to protect and manage their natural resources.
This programme reflects a deliberate shift towards using science, technology and innovation, and particularly Earth Observation, as practical instruments for development.
For example, through satellite data and geospatial analysis, we are now able to monitor environmental changes, support planning processes, and improve decision-making at multiple levels of government.
Most importantly, it combines modern technology with community knowledge and supports safer living areas, improved planning, and a healthier environment.
The importance of strategic partnerships
Thirdly, the launch of this programme also confirms the importance of partnerships between government and other key stakeholders in society. As you know, the launch of this programme was made possible by a partnership between the AmaXhosa Kingdom and the South African National Space Agency.
I therefore wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the visionary leadership of the AmaXhosa Kingdom and express our appreciation for the partnership that has made this occasion possible.
I would also like to recognise the important role of our academic partners such as the University of Fort Hare, together with the potential contribution of Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela University, and the valuable research already undertaken at Rhodes University, demonstrate the strength of our national ecosystem.
In conclusion, this programme creates opportunities for skills development, for the involvement of young people, and for strengthening local capabilities. In this way, the programme contributes not only to improved resource management, but also to broader socio-economic development.
Most importantly, this programme also underscores the importance of science, technology and innovation in solving the day-to-day problems of our communities, especially in our country’s rural areas.
With these words I wish to once again express our gratitude to the AmaXhosa kingdom for this visionary partnership and further commit to ensure that it grows from strength to strength.
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