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&nbs p;   Date: 20/06/2005
Source: Department of Science and Technology
Title: Mangena: Antarctica Month event


Address by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, at the DST Antarctica Month event aboard the SA Agulhas, DEAT Research and Supply Vessel, in Cape Town

Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

June is the month during which we celebrate South Africa's involvement and research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. I would like to thank our partners in the South African National Antarctica Programme, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, for providing solid support to the researchers in this programme, and affording us the opportunity to see some of the capabilities of the SA Agulhas.

This month, South Africa is also commemorating the contribution made by our youth towards the attainment of our democracy. We hope that many of our science centres will be able to exhibit some of the research being carried out at the Antarctica and the Southern Island to their visitors. Such exhibits will also provide an ideal opportunity to engage the youth, who are our next cohort of researchers and the drivers of a powerful science and technology-based economy that South Africa is aspiring towards.

The first international co-operation on research in the Antarctica was achieved during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957. In 1958, the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) formed a Special Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) to continue with scientific research collaborations. Towards the end of 1959, the first South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) set off to the Antarctica to commence with the preparations to establish a South African base, which was subsequently built in 1962.

The first voyage was conducted by the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) under the administration of a Department of Transport. The research and logistics of SANAP were subsequently taken over by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. In 2003, Cabinet approved the transfer of the scientific research functions of SANAP from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to the Department of Science and Technology.

South Africa enjoys the distinction of being one of the 12 original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty adopted in 1959, as well as being a founder member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). On the 1st of December, 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed by government representatives of Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the then USSR, the UK and the USA. The treaty came into effect on the 23rd of June 1961, and the Signatory States became known as the 12 consultative nations.

There are many intriguing facts about Antarctica: 1. Antarctica is the fifth largest continent on earth, but has no permanent population.
2. About 80% of the world's fresh water lies frozen in the ice sheet covering the continent.

3. It is the continent with the highest average altitude above sea level.
4. Average winter temperatures are around -40ºC, although the coldest temperature ever recorded was -89ºC at Vostok Base.
5. Contrary to its name, there are no polar bears in Antarctica (arktos being the Greek for bear).
6. Antarctica is the only truly unspoilt natural environment. It is therefore one of the most important world habitats where meaningful research can still be done to understand global scientific phenomena.

In order to address the issue of research in a sustainable manner, the importance of developing the human capital to enhance our capacity to contribute meaningfully to global knowledge generation can never be overemphasised. I therefore urge all South Africans to develop ways of creating feeder streams towards the development of a critical mass of science researchers to respond to our social and economic challenges. All role players in the SET arena are tasked with the responsibility of attracting the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists. One of the ways of achieving this is by establishing links between industry and academia. Such linkages will create the required vibrant research atmosphere that could build a foundation for enterprise development, and contribute to economic growth. Collective commercialisation of research will enable our researchers to build reliable sources of funding to support the knowledge economy.

In order to encourage our youth towards Antarctic research, we need to develop awareness about Antarctica and appreciation of research in this remote area.

I understand that a few young black scientists have joined a team of researchers in Antarctica. For example, Tankiso Modise started with a BSc degree at Vista University in Mamelodi, proceeded towards an Honours degree in University of Pretoria. After undergoing a six month training course at the University of KwaZulu Natal, he joined an Antarctic research team on the study of disturbances in the earth's magnetic field.

Antarctica has a few indigenous life forms such as ticks, mites, penguins and several species of seals. It is important to understand that the quest to discover new knowledge should be based on protecting natural life on that continent. It is the responsibility of the researchers to ensure that the survival of these species is not disturbed or threatened.

My department has recently produced the Antarctic Research Strategy of South Africa. The implementation of this strategy will lead towards a national research programme to develop capacity and innovation geared towards economic growth. It will also allow our researchers to build partnerships with industry to promote the commercialisation of research.

To ensure success and sustainable progress in this area, disadvantaged institutions that had not had the opportunity to participate in the programme need to be brought on board. We also need to promote basic research which seeks to increase human knowledge and develop interdisciplinary links.

I understand that the South African base in Antarctica, SANAE IV, is one of the most advanced bases, which boasts impressive communication and information technology facilities. We will soon attempt to speak to the South African team members currently stationed in Antarctica.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in the celebration of South Africa's involvement and research in Antarctica and Southern Ocean.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
20 June 2005
   

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