Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
A Science and Technology Agreement between South Africa and Germany was signed by Minister B S Ngubane and his German counterpart Dr Jurgen Ruttgers in Bonn.
The aim of this agreement is, taking into account mutual interests, to enhance co-operation in the fields of science, research and technology, as well as to strengthen friendly relations.
Science, research and technology co-operation between the two Countries will take place by means of:
- exchanging information and reports; - joint conferences and symposia; - exchanging experts and scientists and other related personnel; - joint research activities; and - the utilisation of equipment and facilities.
It was also agreed to appoint Joint Commission with the aim to define the fields of co-operation and the programmes required for implementation. Its tasks will include -
(a) to create a favourable environment for co-operation; (b) to give assistance with the implementation of programmes and projects; (c) to evaluate the results.
The Joint Commission will meet from time to time alternately in both Countries.
In terms of the agreement special arrangements could be made to accommodate task groups or committees to give attention to aspects in reaching the aims of the Joint Commission.
Both Governments undertook to facilitate the eventual commercialisation of the results of their scientific and technical co-operation.
Minister Ngubane who is on a short visit to Germany is accompanied by amongst others Dr R Biesenbach and Mr Neo Moikangoa of the CSIR, prof E Zingu (University of the Western Cape), Dr R von Greunewaldt (FRD) and Dr Roy Marcus of the Engineering Society.
Contact: Frans Basson 021 454850/70