We have detected that the browser you are using is no longer supported. As a result, some content may not display correctly.
We suggest that you upgrade to the latest version of any of the following browsers:
close notification
Date
: 24/06/2004
Source: Ministry of Science and Technology
Title: M Mangena: Launch of the HP i-Community Centre
ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR MOSIBUDI
MANGENA, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE HP I-COMMUNITY CENTRE, Mogalakwena,
24 June 2004
Distinguished Guests,
Members of Provincial Government,
Members of Local Government,
Representatives from the Private Sector and the Community
Government's approach to science, engineering and technology (SET)
is to provide a solid environment for basic and applied research
through developing the required skills force. The outputs of this
SET framework can then be transformed into products that South
Africans can use and sell, because there will be existing systems
to continuously produce new knowledge and apply that knowledge
creatively in various spheres. This vision is closely aligned with
the Millennium Development Goals, particularly to "eradicate
extreme poverty and hunger", "ensure environmental sustainability"
and "develop a global partnership for development".
Open Source Software is an important issue for the Department of
Science and Technology. The National Research and Development
Strategy emphasises the need for increased levels of local research
and innovation, particularly in the ICT sphere. The South African
ICT industry has, to date, been largely focused on re-selling
imported technology instead of focusing on the development of
innovative local solutions to address uniquely South African
needs.
We believe that Open Source Software (OSS) can make a real
contribution to change the status quo. Through access to source
codes, local entrepreneurs can build on the existing world best
technologically sound software tools and platforms. This will
enable us to leapfrog to the front of the ICT revolution, and to
create IT products comparable to the best the world has to
offer.
In the document, "Open Software and Open Standards in South Africa
- A critical issue for addressing the Digital Divide", published by
the National Advisory Council on Innovation in January 2002, a
number of recommendations were made regarding the use and promotion
of OSS in South Africa. These recommendations cover the promotion
of Open Source Software in the public sector and increased local
open source development, the creation of the necessary training and
support mechanisms to facilitate increased adoption of OSS, and
address legal issues relating to patenting and intellectual
property rights.
The Limpopo Province is a region of stark contrasts - lush exotic
climate to the north of the Tropic of Capricorn, versus the
savannah to arid plains to the south. The region is characterised
by abject poverty, but is also endowed with very brilliant minds.
Mogalakwena is the region where Africans lead innovation and
prospered centuries before.
We are here to celebrate and learn about new developments in the
Open Source arena at Mogalakwena HP i-community. We are looking
forward to the development of new ICT solutions that can be applied
within an emerging market using free software.
The CSIR Open Source Centre is tasked with the responsibility to
create enabling conditions for open source to spawn home-grown
innovation and development. The CSIR centre will provide new
avenues for individual ICT innovation; create new paths of
education provision, and open opportunities for business
development in this area. Therefore, the establishment of a CSIR
Open Source Centre office at the Mogalakwena HP i-community is a
step in the right direction. This centre will assist the CSIR Open
Source Centre to achieve its targets for the "Access to ICT" and
"SMME development sector". These interventions contribute
positively to the enhancement of a relevant ICT ecosystem, one that
grows and appreciates the African intellectual capital asset
base.
Through this i-community centre, the CSIR Open Source Centre is
making a real impact by stimulating more innovation in Mogalakwena,
discover new talent, increase participation in the digital
revolution and ultimately contribute to the war against
poverty.
But we cannot do this on our own. Without the financial support of
the private sector, we would not be able to promote the use of open
source throughout the country. HP has demonstrated its commitment
to investing in sustainable projects that will add value to the
lives of ordinary people, and help with the development of SMMEs.
We place tremendous value on HP's belief in our work, and we thank
HP for being a great example to other companies in this sector. We
want to challenge other private sector companies to become involved
by sponsoring Open Source Centres in various needy areas of South
Africa.
We also want to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to
Mark Shuttleworth for his contribution to the promotion and
development of mathematics and science especially among the youth
of South Africa. As the first African in space, you have truly
lived up to our expectations.
The success of the Open Source will present significant
opportunities for public-private partnerships for socio-economic
development, and represent a concrete mechanism for closing the
gaps between the research community and the public and private
sectors.
I thank you
Issued by: Ministry of Science and Technology
24 June 2004
Source: Department of Science and Technology
(http://www.dst.gov.za)
Map
