Date:07/12/2006
Source: Department of Science and Technology
Title: Mangena: SumbandilaSat handover


Address by the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, at the handover function of SumbandilaSat, Stellenbosch

The Director-General
Vice-Chancellor of the Stellenbosch University
CEO and Management of Sunspace
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
In October last year, we announced the three year integrated satellite development and capacity building programme, which is led by the Stellenbosch University, and in collaboration with Sunspace and Information Systems and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Satellite Applications Centre. Today, we are delighted to announce that we have reached the first major milestone of completing the construction of the SumbandilaSat.

I take this moment to acknowledge and thank all the players who took part in this exciting and challenging project, and encourage them to keep developing the technological solutions our country and continent so desperately require. Without your tireless and dedication and hard work, South Africa will continue to be among the largest consumers of foreign innovations, despite the wealth of natural resources and the new ideas that we have.

Ladies and gentlemen, to build and sustain the democratisation of our society requires higher economic growth and social development. It is for this reason that our government has committed itself to increasing investment in research and development. This investment has to lead to greater levels of innovation required to build a successful and competitive knowledge economy. This project is a wonderful example of the levels of innovation that this country is capable of.

Let me further emphasise that space science and technology plays a significant role as a support tool for sustainable development. Space offers us new opportunities; opportunities for new tomorrows, for unknown discoveries, for growth, discovery and experimentation. From managing our natural resources to inspiring all South Africans to greater achievements, we expect space science and technology to play a key role in our society in future.

Increased emphasis will be focused on establishing the Space Agency, strengthening synergies between government departments and the agency, and enhancing the capacity of the system through key infrastructure and skills. The ultimate outcome will be better, more effective and efficient programmes and services delivered to our communities. To achieve all this, we must be prepared to invest in high-risk technology development, and continue to build a successful model that links government, industry and the university research community with international partners.

The SumbandilaSat project has demonstrated a successful partnership model between government, academia and private sector. To stimulate further innovation in space technology, we also supported internships and post-graduate studies, which are taking place at various universities throughout the country. Such partnerships and related skills that are developed are necessary to build a nation of innovators.

In the past day and a half, my department has been engaging with various space players in the country to formulate the framework for the established of the South African Space Agency. We intend to build on the success of this project by continuing to support efforts within the space science and technology arena.

In closing, join me once again in congratulating the project team and officials from my department who worked tirelessly for the realisation of the SumbandilaSat. The completion of the satellite by South Africans is sufficient confirmation of South Africa's readiness to compete globally on space related initiatives. I have been assured that the SumbandilaSat has successfully passed all the necessary acceptance tests, and that we can officially accept it as a fully completed micro satellite system.

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
7 December 2006