Issued by: SA Communication Service
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGY HEARINGS
The concept of innovation is central to the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology's policy. The Science and Technology White Paper "Preparing for the 21st Century" defines innovation is a "crucial survival issue. A society that pursues well-being and prosperity can no longer treat it as an option." For South Africa countering crime is a national priority and urgent action is crucial.
The DACST recognises that innovation is the key to tackling crime and has invited Science Councils to submit proposals on crime prevention. The DACST has set aside R10m from its research fund for specific crime prevention research.
Participating Science Councils, the CSIR, MRC and HSRC; ARC; Mintek; and CGS, will present their proposals at a public hearing on Wednesday 19 February 1997 at the VW Marketing Conference Centre in Halfway House. Following the hearings and based on the panel's recommenda- tions Arts, Culture, Science and Technology Minister Lionel Mtshall will decide on the allocation of the DACST's R10m NCPS Special Fund.
Joining the DACST Director-General Roger Jardine and Deputy Director-General Dr Rob Adam on the panel are Advocate George Bizos; Mr G Gouws and and Ms Zola Holtzman from the South African Police Service; Reverend Frank Chikane from the Deputy President's office; Professor N Haysom from the President's office; Mr C Mambolo from IBM; Dr van der Heever from the Department of Welfare; Advocate Dikgang Maseneke from Telkom; and Ms Mbali Mncudi and Dr Johan Olivier from the Department of Safety and Security.
In briefing participating Science Councils, the DACST high- lighted the National Crime Prevention Strategy's stance that: "crime needs to be tackled in a comprehensive way, which means going beyond an exclusive focus on policing and the Justice system." In light of this Science Councils have been urged to focus on the causal factors responsible for South Africa's crime epidemic.
To attend the DACST NCPS hearings please call Andile Xaba on 012-314-6313.
Directions to the VW Conference Centre are available on request.