Date: 01/11/2004
Source: Ministry of Science and Technology
Title: M Mangena: Technology Top 100 Programme 2004 Awards


ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR MOSIBUDI MANGENA, TO THE TECHNOLOGY TOP 100 PROGRAMME 2004 AWARDS, Gallagher Estate, 1 November 2004

Ambassadors, Science and Technology Attaches from our international partners, Mr Thulane Gcabashe, Chief Executive of Eskom, Dr Steve Lennon, Managing Director of Resources and Strategy at Eskom, Professor Roy Marcus, Chairperson of the Technology Top 100 Programme and the Da Vinci Institute, Dr Rob Adam, Director-General of the Department of Science and Technology, Executives from the sponsoring organisations, Dr Elsbeth Dixon, Coordinator of the adjudicators for the Technology Top 100 Programme, Representatives of the companies who have faced the rigours of a demanding adjudication process, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen

This event is not only a launch pad for our 3-day International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition, it is also a fitting tribute to our 10th anniversary of democracy. In welcoming you all here tonight, may I take this opportunity to pay homage to all our partner countries that have been able to join us in the exhibition? We value our relationship with you, and look forward to the strengthening of our mutually beneficial relationships.

The Technology Top 100 Awards Programme is now recognised as the premier business awards function in South Africa. The growing credibility and prowess of this programme will unfold tonight as we celebrate a number of significant milestones in a truly South African project, now recognised by major countries and international bodies as being profound in its ability to provide critical information on the sustainability of companies and the economy. I must at the outset express my pleasure at the growing number of small enterprises that have joined the ranks of the country,