Policy
3 March 2009
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mandisi Mpahlwa, will launch the
national space policy at Diep in die Berg Conference and Function Centre on
Friday, 6 March 2009 at 13h00. The launch will be preceded by a workshop to
discuss the goals and merits of the space policy, which was approved by Cabinet
last year, as well as the national space strategy.
The policy will be administered by thedti, whilst the strategy will be
managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The policy, amongst other objectives, seeks to:
* improve co-ordination throughout the South African space arena to maximise
the benefits of current and planned space activities, avoid or minimise
duplication of resources and efforts, and organise existing initiatives,
programmes and institutions into a coherent network for all providers and users
of space systems
* promote capacity building initiatives, both as a means towards effective
participation in the space arena, as well as develop capacity in space science
and technology, and science and technology in general
* promote the development of an appropriate and competitive domestic commercial
space sector in order to provide the industrial base to meet the nationâs needs
for space technology.
The policy also provides guidance on the development of appropriate space
capabilities and space system applications to contribute to economic growth and
reduce poverty in the country. In addition, it promotes enhanced space
awareness at all levels of society, as a means to build public understanding of
the socio-economic benefits of space science and technology.
âThe policy will enhance South Africaâs participation in the global space
arena and provide guidance to all domestic stakeholders in the public and
private sectors actively involved in the industry. It is therefore thedtiâs
responsibility, as custodian of the policy, to ensure that it is implemented in
a co-ordinated approach,â said Nomfuneko Majaja, Chief Director of Advanced
Manufacturing Unit, within thedti.
Detailed presentations on the National Space Policy and Strategy will be
delivered during the workshop from 10h30 to 12h30 by thedti and the Department
of Science and Technology (DST) representatives.
For more information, contact:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 073 522 6801
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
3 March 2009
