‘Out in space; back in time’
Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, Premier of the Gauteng province
Professor Loyiso Nongxa, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand
Professors Lee Berger and Paul Dirks, and academics and researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand
Deputy Minister Derek Hanekom, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology
Mayors, Members of the Gauteng Executive Council and Councillors
Members of the media and all who are watching around the world, particularly on the African continent
Ladies and gentlemen
I’d like to thank all of you for accepting our invitation to join us at this historic event.
All of you are aware of the important place palaeontology occupies in the Science enterprise in South Africa. The finds that are part of our record of achievements have placed Africa and South Africa in the forefront of the study of our origins.
WITS University has a formidable research record, one that is growing every year, but it is in the names, Dart, Tobias, Thackeray and Berger that this rich research ability is linked to the growing stature of Africa in the unfolding story of our origins.
The Department of Science and Technology has a very ambitious Research and Development Programme.
The strategy has five key programme areas Space Science, Energy, Farmer to Pharma (biotechnology), Global Change and Human and Social Dynamics.
The study of the origins of humankind, of paleoanthropologist, geology and forensics are also important focal areas of investigation and support. The selection of focus areas drew on our well developed abilities in the priority programmes and on the identification of areas of research in which South Africa has geographic advantages.
The fossil finds that we will hear more of later today are part of that geographic advantage. We are extremely fortunate in South Africa that we have a rich source of authentic fossils that will play a key role in unravelling the mysteries of human development.
I am hoping that today’s launch of these finds will be the beginning of an attempt to ensure that the story and science of our origins are communicated widely and shared with all the people of our country.
The fossils are of immense value in assisting South Africa to appreciate our scientists and their abilities, and the fact that Africa has made a significant contribution to the evolution of humanity.
No other country in the world can boast the oldest evidence of life on Earth extending back more than 3 billion years, the oldest multi-cellular animals, the oldest land living plants, the most distant ancestors of dinosaurs, the most complete record of the more than 80 million year ancestry of mammals, and, together with several other African countries, a most remarkable record of human origins and of human achievements through the last eight million years.
It’s the best of all times to be a Minister of Science and Technology.
I’m immensely proud to be South African today.
I’m proud to be at the event that will introduce a significant new fossils discovery to the world.
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
8 April 2010
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za/)
