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Date : 29/08/2005
Source: Department of Science and Technology
Title: Mangena: Launch of National Ports Authority Corporate Social Investment Project


Keynote address by the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, at the launch of the National Ports Authority Corporate Social Investment Project in East London

The Chief Executive of the National Ports Authority, Mr Khomotso Phihlela,
Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Cape Peninsular University of Technology, Ms Vuyisa Tanga,
General Managers of the National Ports Authority, Ms Nisha Jones and Mr Mvikela Matutu,
East London Port Manager, Mr Thami Ntshingila, Educators, Learners,
Members of the Media,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

Encouraging our young people to study mathematics and science, and relating the mastery of these subjects to real life career options is of critical relevance to our nation’s prosperity and future. All organisations and institutions need to collaborate and pool together all their resources, human and material, with the aim of making a positive impact to the lives of our young people.

The undersea explorer, Jacques Cousteau, claims that, “From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the water surface, and he is free.” This freedom has not yet been fully explored by most South Africans. We need to expose, enthuse and inspire our youth to explore this new frontier and world of opportunity.

South Africans generally do not think of their country as a maritime nation. But the sea is a global highway for trade. That is why many developed nations built their economic strength on efficient sea trade. Our people will do themselves a great favour by beginning to think more and more about maximising the gains they can reap from the wealth offered by our very long coastline and sea territory. Fewer countries with much bigger land areas enjoy as much exposure to the sea shore as we do.

When the Law of the Sea is changed in 2009 to extend the Exclusive Economic Zone of qualifying nations, South Africa will have more sea area than land. The time has come for us to begin to turn to the sea for new job opportunities and economic development. The National Ports Authority can play a critical role towards the achievement of this objective.

The volume of trade that can be supported depends on the efficiency with which goods are moved through the ports. And the ongoing development of the economic infrastructure aligned to these strategic facilities is a key element to our national economic competitiveness.

In this context science and technology are critical for the development of a knowledge-based economy. Given the rate at which countries across the world are deriving benefits from the global knowledge economy, South Africa’s focus on developing a scientific and technological powerhouse should be reinforced and strengthened by every possible means.

We must be able to generate new knowledge, competitive technologies and new markets; and effectively build and exploit our intellectual assets to meet national and global market demands. It is thus imperative that we develop a society that encourages, supports, promotes and rewards innovation and research.

We cannot, therefore, afford to neglect the foundation that supports innovation and research, the sustainability of our country’s economic development and the quality of life of our people. The foundation I’m referring to is our human resources. In order for South Africa to boast a vibrant and efficient National System of Innovation through which we can achieve social and economic progress, it is imperative that we place human resource development at the very top of our national agenda. We must develop a critical mass of well-trained scientists, technologists and engineers that can competitively respond to national, regional and international market needs.

Central to our plans to build a sustainable research and development capacity are the youth. These are our future scientists, engineers and technologists who are the custodians of our country’s economic and social prosperity. They must therefore be capacitated to competently fulfil their birthright and responsibility. That is why South Africa’s youth are the nucleus of the Department of Science and Technology’s plan to transform the science sector. We are also striving to develop an enabling environment for the public understanding of science and technology, and enhancing the teaching and learning of maths, science and technology. We need to develop competent and confident citizens who can use their mastery of mathematics and science to create prosperity for our country, and improve the quality of life of our citizens.

This a mammoth task that no institution acting alone can fulfil. As government we are encouraged when establishments such as the National Ports Authority invite us to participate in initiatives aimed at the development of our human resources. My department has also embarked on a number of initiatives aimed at improving the participation and performance of our learners in maths, science and technology, as well as improving our public understanding and appreciation of science and technology.

Annually, we host National Science Week, which is a nationwide event aimed at showcasing, celebrating, and inspiring innovation in science, engineering and technology. This year, we are proud to say that approximately 160 000 learners were exposed to the National Science Week activities across the country. We are constantly searching for new collaborators not only to increase the number of our centres, but also to improve the amount and quality of information at these centres.

We have also embarked on another initiative, the DST/Thuthuka Maths and Science Development Camps, which commenced in July this year. We have committed over R25 million to this five-year project. Each camp provides approximately 150 Grade 11 and 12 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds with maths and science tutorials, practicals, life orientation courses and career education. The project is currently run in six provinces, and we are seeking partners to assist us in bringing the other three provinces on board.

My department is in the process of finalising the National Plan for Science and Maths Olympiads and Competitions. Through our collaborative agreement with the National Department of Education, this plan is aimed at supporting the efforts to increase the participation and success of disadvantaged learners in Olympiads and Competitions. Provinces and education districts are expected to play a significant role in encouraging schools to participate and equipping educators with appropriate knowledge and skills. We also support initiatives such as the Sasol SciFest and the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, which are aimed at increasing science awareness and learner participation and performance in science. However, festivals and fairs in themselves are not enough. We need to identify learners with talent and potential, and nurture and support them. Scholarships, internships, bursaries and mentorships are important mechanisms through which our learners may be assisted to successfully navigate the sometimes-choppy waters to their ultimate career destinations.

Career education is important in improving the participation and performance of our youth in science and maths. We need to provide our youth with relevant information to assist them to make informed decisions about the rewarding careers that await them as science graduates. That is why every year we provide schools with career booklets for use by learners, educators, parents and interested parties. We encourage industry and research institutions to contribute towards the quality of information that can be provided to our youth through these booklets.

South Africa is situated on a major trading route with over half of its imports and exports being sea-borne, and boasts vast marine reserves and a significant fishing industry. Research shows that our country ranks among the world's top 12 maritime trading nations, commanding 6% of the world's sea trade. Our maritime industry thus has much to offer both continentally and internationally, and is full of exciting and challenging career opportunities for learners that have taken maths and science at school. Maritime careers offer both sea and shore based careers. Marine architects, ports authorities, oceanographers, water resources specialists, marine scientists and merchant ships’ officers are just a few of the variety of careers on offer. All these examples prove that South Africa is replete with exciting scientific careers that can provide our young people with rewarding and fulfilling careers to contribute to our country’s and continent’s development. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, not all of these careers require higher-grade passes in mathematics, science and technology. Although higher-grade passes are preferred because they put learners in a better position to obtain university entrance, we should conscientise our learners to the fact that standard grade passes in maths and science are also respected and can lead to science-based careers.

In closing, may I urge the National Ports Authority and private sector companies here today to partner with government to increase the investment in science, engineering and technology initiatives so that more of our learners are exposed to the exciting opportunities they offer. Career education must form a fundamental component of all your learner outreach programmes.

To the young people present here today, know that the challenge of studying maths and science is not always smooth sailing. But if you weather the storms through persistence and determination, you will succeed and ultimately be rewarded with an exciting career in science. We encourage you to explore, dream, discover.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
29 August 2005
   

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