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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
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