Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culutre, Science and Technology
The first meeting of the newly appointed Board to oversee the Research and Technology Foresight Programme was held in Sandton today.
The Programme, initiated by the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST), aims to identify technologies and technology trends that will be important for South Africa's social and economic development over the next 20 years.
The Foresight Programme will bring together representatives from Government, industry, business, higher education, organised labour professional organisations and civil society to help develop consensus on key technology trends and developments. The Programme will focus on specific sectors and themes. The choice of sectors will be made through a consultative process.
The findings of the Foresight Programme will be used to inform government policy on technology as well as research and development (R + D) investment. The results will also enable industries, business and other stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the future impact of science and technology on their respective sectors. The Programme is part of an ongoing process at the DACST to encourage a more strategic approach towards science and technology within South Africa and a grater focus on the role of technology in the Country's development.
The Foresight Board appointed by Minister Ben Ngubane, will be chaired by Dr Brian Clark, Chief Executive of Telkom. the day to day work of the Foresight Programme will be carried out by a team based at the DACST. The Programme will take between 18 months and 2 years to complete.
In his welcoming address to the Board, Minister Ngubane said that the goal of the Programme will be "to develop a uniquely South African approach to foresight" .. "identifying those technologies that could be harnessed to immediate development and productivity goals."
Apart from Dr Clark, other members who will serve on the Board are:
Mr J P L Alberts: Managing Director of DENEL Mr D Band: Chairman: The Premier Group Mrs M T Davison: SA Institute of Electrical Engineers Prof Brenda Gourlay: Vice Chancellor: University of Natal Mr Roger Jardine: Director-General: Department of Arts, Dr M Jeena: Chief Director: Department of Health Dr J Job: Managing Director: Sentrachem Mr Llew Jones: Altron Prof G S K Lenyai: Rector: Technikon Northern Transvaal Dr N Magau: Manager: Education and Training: Centre for Policy and Information: Development Bank of SA Dr R Maharaj: Department of Biochemistry: University of Natal Prof William Makgoba: Research Professor: University of the Witwatersrand Dr Roy Marcus: President of The Engineering Association Mr Jayandra Naidoo: Chief Executive of NEDLAC Prof Njabulo Ndebele: Vice-Chancellor: University of the North Mr A Ngcaba: Postmaster General Ms B Njobe-Mbuli: Deputy Director General: Department of Agriculture Dr Adi Paterson: Executive Vice President: Policy and Technology CSIR Dr M Ramphele: Vice-Chancellor Designate: University of Cape Town Dr Z Rustomjee: Director General: Department of Trade and Industry Prof F Sellschop: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research): University of the Witwatersrand Mr Pierre Steyn: Secretary for Defence Mr C Strauss: MD: Standard Bank Dr Rolf Stumpf: President of the HSRC Prof Louise Tager: Chairperson of Transnet Mr J Tsotetsi: M-Cell Ltd: Multichoice Prof Christo Viljoen: Vice Rector (Operations) University of Stellenbosch