Issued by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
Parliament, 16 May 2000
Madame Speaker,
Colleagues,
Honourable Members of Parliament,
Representatives of the media,
Fellow South Africans
At this, the dawn of the twenty-first century we are indeed, as our honourable President has said, a nation at work for a better life. Increasingly we find ourselves a part of the global community, challenged to continue to redefine ourselves as a country, and to adapt to ever-changing circumstances and developments.
From the point of the sectors of arts, culture, science and technology, I believe that we are excellently positioned to grasp emerging opportunities in a meaningful and fruitful manner and to play a defining role in the success of our nation in the African century. Indeed, we will continue to shape and promote the emerging society that is South Africa. The promotion and appropriate use of creativity and innovation will, I believe, determine the socio-economic success and global impact of different countries in the coming years. And creativity and innovation are at the heart of my Department's work.
My Ministry continues to impact on our national identity and South Africa's new Coat of Arms, unveiled by President Thabo Mbeki on Freedom Day last month, is a symbol in which we can all take pride. A national coat of arms, or State emblem, is the highest visual symbol of the State and the change reflects Government's aim to highlight the democratic transition in South Africa and infuse a new sense of patriotism.
Madame Speaker, honourable members of Parliament, in my speech at last year's budget vote, I outlined our work since 1994 and illustrated our multifaceted range of activities and programmes. As you know, we underwent an extensive process of research and consultation, both looking at international best-practice and closely examining our particular local context, in formulating and introducing legislation for the sectors in our portfolio and successfully establishing an institutional framework based on democratic principles.
The challenge of the next years is to further build on established policy and to dynamically adapt our thinking and action for the future, based on the realities of changing circumstances. Our work has been, and will continue to be, based on the principle of batho pele, and I hope to show, in the few minutes that I have to speak today, that this theme runs through the broad and diverse range of programmes which fall under the auspices of DACST. Developing on this theme, I wish to state the earnestness with which we have shaped our work and that of our institutions in line with Presidential imperatives, national priorities and the cluster structures of government. For instance, Madame Speaker, it gives me pleasure to note that DACST played a pivotal role in the recently convened Presidential Aids Advisory Panel, and contributed scientific validity to an increasingly political debate. We are actively addressing the threat of HIV/Aids to our nation through a diverse range of projects and interventions and aim to have a multi-sectoral impact in combating the power of the disease. Importantly, one of our strategies is the development of a vaccine. The DACST contribution to this, part of a package of funding from the private sector, international funding agencies and others, has doubled this year.
Madame Speaker, the amount of R925,287m, allocated to my Department for 2000/2001, reflects an increase in our budgetary allocation of R120,8m or 15,3%. This increase to nearly a billion Rand is significant when compared to the amount of R329,174m allocated in 1994.
As I have mentioned, we have adapted our structures to ensure congruence with the cluster structure and an increasing integration of arts and culture and science and technology activities. Broadly, the Department is formed into six business units, based on the Cabinet Clusters in which we are directly involved. This improved synergy, it is hoped, will further enable the effective utilisation of resources, including human resources. However, if we simplify the division of our budgetary allocation, we can say that an amount of R333,803m will go to the arts and culture 1999/2000 and R566,223m to science and technology activities. Innovation and creativity are key to success this century and I believe that DACST has successfully based its work on these tenets.
The concept of moving innovation to the centre is supported in fiscal terms by our budget and there is a significant increase in allocation to the Innovation Fund to an amount of R125m, up by R50m from last year. To compliment this, the allocation to special science and technology projects and investigations has been increased from R45,4m to R68,4m.
Innovation-based research and the effective use of forecasting and foresighting are closely linked. This century, we are constantly challenged to shape and reshape our identity, informed by our past, contextualised by our present and given direction by our future. Foresighting is the most effective map for charting that future.
It was a significant achievement for South Africa and the Department when, just over a month ago, the twelve sector reports of the Foresight Project were handed to the President. Beyond the value for the nation of our Foresight initiative, it is my hope that the results will have a significant impact in the region and in other developing countries around the world. I will touch on this again in connection with my work as Chair of the Commonwealth Science Council.
The Foresight findings indicate a decline in the resource-based economic activities and signal the future ascendancy of a knowledge-based economy. The wealth of biological diversity in South Africa and our immense tourism potential are focal points for growth. We need to develop our human-capital and significantly enhance South Africa's ability to commercialise and exploit emerging technologies and capitalise on niche markets. I am confident that the many programmes of my Department, our national system of innovation and our evolving policies on arts, culture and heritage, as well as, for instance, the enhancement of access to information through the establishment of the unified National Library of South Africa, will contribute significantly to our ability to meet the challenges and use the opportunities that lie ahead.
DACST is geared to meet the future, with an eye on the present and a strong foothold in the past. As our honourable President so richly illustrated in his speech at the launch of the Foresight results, South Africa has a diverse and dynamic heritage that is a rich source of ideas and traditions and is only now receiving the recognition due it. The recent discoveries at Drimolen take us back to the cradle of mankind and innovative use of our indigenous technologies and other knowledge bases propel us forward, and SALT sets our sites on the stars. During this financial year, my Ministry will introduce legislation aimed at establishing regulatory mechanisms for the protection of such resources, the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Bill, for instance.
Madame Speaker, another mechanism through which we have made a significant impact on the cultural landscape in South Africa is the legacy project and its work to ensure that previously marginalised and neglected aspects of our heritage are addressed. The Nelson Mandela Museum in the Eastern Cape, currently receiving over seven hundred visitors a day, is proving both a local and international success. Numerous different legacy projects are underway and this year's budget will fund, inter alia, the Albert Luthuli House Museum (R500 000) and the Khoisan Project (R2m). The budget also makes provision for the establishment of the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the National Heritage Council (R3,7m). Integrating legacy projects, other heritage initiatives and cultural tourism projects with our spatial development initiatives will have measurable socio-economic effects for South African communities and will give depth and breadth to our unique South African image.
The further devolution of the archives to provinces will also effectively safeguard our history for posterity and the national archives will continue to play the central role in transparent and accountable governance that they have done since 1994. Over R18m has been dedicated to supporting the performance of this key competency in equitable development and preservation, the key element in record keeping and responsible government. The Oral History Programme being run under the auspices of the archives is also vital in ensuring that inspiring oral history is not lost due to inequitable resource distribution or illiteracy. I place much value on this project believe that it will create a national treasure of material on and from our people.
Central to the multicultural heritage which informs us and our identity as a nation, is language. LANGTAG, the process of consultation towards a national language policy, started in 1995, with the adoption of the LANGTAG Report in August 1996. This formed the basis of the draft Language Policy and Plan presented at the Second Language Indaba, held earlier this year. It gives me pleasure to note that our language plan was described as a "realistic route to practical multi-lingualism". The Language Policy Draft Bill and the Translation and Interpreting Professions Council Draft Bill will aim at promoting the equitable use of our official languages and developing previously marginalised languages. Appropriately, Madame Speaker, Heritage Day this year will celebrate our multilingualism.
The development of the performing arts in South Africa has rivalled language-issues in terms of media interest and public opinion. As I have said, we are in the phase of growth in which we must build on existing policy in terms of changing contexts. The promotion and development of all South African art forms is of vital importance and worth to the country and the Department will continue to dedicate funding to a broad spectrum of programmes. While institutions such as the National Arts Council and Business and Arts South Africa have had marked success as arms-length institutions in support of the arts, there have been varying levels of success in transformation with regards the former performing arts councils (PACs). Most notably, the situation at the State Theatre has highlighted the complexity of arms-length management and adherence to due and democratic process by the State. The Playhouse Company, on the other hand, is a notable success, with transformation firmly in place and marketable programmes meeting public needs. I would like to restate my belief that solid institutions form the cornerstone of democracy.
A number of months ago I initiated a process for strategically managing the future development of the performing arts in South Africa. I will be assessing in detail the current circumstances of the former PACs and their former companies, as well as the Market Theatre, and will engage in consultations with relevant stakeholders, including MINMEC and the Portfolio Committee. A document emanating from this process will be widely publicised.
I will also seek to examine the role of educational institutions in training and strategic arts-development projects and have already raised the issue of arts in schools with the Department of Education. Any South African newspaper bares witness to the abundance of creativity and artistic expression in our country and my Ministry will ensure that we chart a clear and strong course for the future. The promotion of arts and culture is budgeted to an amount of nearly R24m, which complements the National Arts Council's R25m for arts funding and advocacy work.
The impoverished death of some of the leading figures from the South African music scene focused attention on the need to redefine the local music industry and its processes. The recently held public hearings and Music Industry Task Team (MITT) sought to examine future strategies for the sector, with the input of local role players and international experts. The process of developing the music industry is complex and involves a number of role players and a range of government Departments and I intend to raise pertinent issues with my Colleagues and leaders in the sector. Our music industry has huge potential in terms of job opportunities, building the national identity, nurturing local talent and wealth creation, and we will proactively engage with stakeholders in steering a course for the future. The film industry's potential is already being tapped and my honourable colleague, Deputy-Minister Mabandla, will outline developments in this regard.
Another key intervention by my Department, aimed at skills development, job creation and economic growth, is that of the Technology Diffusion Programmes.
The Technology Stations Programmes (TSP's) increase the capacity of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) for technology assimilation and our support is currently running at R13m. The Department established a co-operative arrangement with certain technikons at which technology advisors are placed to facilitate interaction between the education institution and SMMEs. This aims to promote efficient processing of- and innovative strategies to use products, such as metalworks, chemicals or electronics. Launched in May of last year, we envisage that this programme will be rolled out to a greater number of technikons during the course of the next five years.
The effective distribution of available knowledge is a critical function of a national system of innovation, as is an enhanced public understanding of science and technology. Technology diffusion can boost progress in South Africa through appropriate combinations of domestic and imported technologies. For small and medium enterprises to become more competitive and to carve out niche areas, access to technology and an innovative mindset are crucial. The Technology for SMME Programme was designed to focus on encouraging technology transfer within the local economy to increase the capacity of small businesses to compete successfully in a globalised economy. My Department, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will, over a three year period, establish three pilot programmes in the areas of technology development, innovation support and technology demonstration, including a Technology Demonstration Centre (TDC), an Innovation Support Centre (ISC) and a Technology Incubator.
It is my hope that the knowledge and experience gained in significant projects such as these will be of benefit to other developing countries as well and one mechanism through which my Ministry aims to share such expertise is in championing knowledge-networking through my role as Chair of the Commonwealth Science Council (CSC).
In February I assumed this position and see the CSC as a vehicle to bring together key stakeholders in government, industry and universities in both the formal and informal sectors to explore and exploit opportunities for innovation in niche areas. I will endeavour to draw attention to the need to harness indigenous capacity to design innovative solutions to development problems in Africa and Commonwealth countries. I would like to raise the visibility of the CSC and highlight its increasing relevance and role in innovation, knowledge-networking, the adaptation of foresight models for different regions and the promotion of science and technology for environmentally sustainable development and the improvement in the quality of life for communities, batho pele.
Central to my vision for the CSC is the concept of moving innovation to the centre. In South Africa, we are well on the way to achieving this. As we have noted, there is a substantial increase in the allocation to the Innovation Fund, funded to an amount of R125m in this year's budget.
We have successfully shifted scientific thinking and research into a more competitive results driven arena. The Innovation Fund encourages multidisciplinary collaboration through consortia-type partnering on projects capable of addressing problems or challenges serious enough to impede socio-economic development. Projects allocated funding last year proved the strategy's ability to benefit the nation, and especially previously disadvantaged communities, in a variety of ways. For instance, the Crime Prevention Resources Centre, to be opened on 28 June, is a direct result of innovation fund support, and will act as a conduit between Government and the research fraternity, focusing on the prevention of crime through innovative and effective interventions based on sound research.
The in-depth research commissioned through our Cultural Industries Growth Strategy (CIGS) has successfully been used for CIGS project funding. With a budget of R3m, certain crucial areas for intervention in the cultural industries were identified. Some of the projects supported include the establishment of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAS) for the cultural industries; an impact study of SA Music Day; and a study into the feasibility of glass bead manufacturing, so relevant to South African crafters and artists. Under CIGS, urban regeneration through culture projects has also been addressed, and a model for South African "creative City" projects is being developed targeting Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. During this year we will also roll out three pilot projects in support of rural development. CIGS will continue to support public/private partnerships, crucial for the effective allocation of resources to developmental needs. As I have mentioned, such collaboration between government, industry and institutions of higher learning is key to successful engagement in the twenty-first century.
Collaboration within the country is vital but so is our work with the region, the continent and, more broadly, the international community. A historic meeting of the Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Science and Technology in the SADC region was convened in Pretoria in April 1999. Representatives of nine member States attended the meeting and UNESCO was also represented. Common problems in SADC were identified, including the shortage of human resources in scientific and technical fields, a poor institutional capacity for research, the lack of resources for undertaking scientific research and other activities and poor co-ordination of research activities. As a step in addressing these issues, the creation of a technical sub-committee on science and technology is envisaged. Madame Speaker, my Department has allocated R5m to this process for research and development projects and policy studies to promote science and technology co-operation in the SADC region.
The Department of Arts, Culture, science and Technology has positioned itself to be a key player in the African Renaissance and we hosted a seminar with leading thinkers in relevant sectors to debate emerging issues. Later this year we intend to introduce the Africa Institute Bill, aimed at transforming the Africa Institute to enhance relevant research and enable effective service delivery on African affairs. We have prioritised African Renaissance Projects for 200/2001.
On a global level, we are in a strong position in terms of our international relations and have forged numerous partnerships and further developed existing relations. A number of bi-lateral agreements have been signed. To compliment our interactions with other countries and to ensure that we maximise on the tourism potential that our multiculturalism and rich heritage affords, we have also established closer relationships with a number of South African embassies and plan to develop this strategy.
International activity in science and technology has burgeoned over the past year, partly as a response to the Review of Science and Technology Institutions which pointed to the fact that greater internationalisation of the science and technology system was required. As one example of the development of our international relations in this context, I will focus on Germany. By 4 February this year, more than 40 joint projects were already in operation including environmental and climatic research, material research, information technologies, biotechnology, regenerative energy systems, fundamental research in the field of physics and health research.
To illustrate the benefits of such collaboration, let me mention the development of an automotive industry resource centre in South Africa that will provide accessible and affordable world-class technical and project-focused resources to the local and international automotive industry. The establishment of the AIDC by the Manufacturing and Materials Division of the CSIR marks the introduction of appropriate infrastructure, including consultation, research and development services, to the local automotive industry.
South African astrologers, as well as school children, scholars, interested members of the public, Members of Parliament and international visitors, are soon set to benefit from the unique experience of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).
Two years ago Government committed R50 million over a period of five years to the building of a 10-m class Hobby-Eberly Telescope, with a further R50 million to be raised internationally. SALT is now to be built, with our signing of the Science and Technology Agreement and Protocol with Poland during 1999 providing the final funding to the level where international partners have committed R45 million in cash. Thus, it gives me great pleasure to announce that construction of SALT will commence with a ground-breaking ceremony at Sutherland in September of this year.
SALT will, no doubt, play an invaluable role in stimulating public debate on science and technology and in awakening increased public interest in the SET. However, the serious skills shortages in science and technology in South Africa remains a matter of great concern, as does the dirth of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from our tertiary institutions. While my colleague at the Department of Education and I address the need for students of science and mathematics to be cultivated at a secondary and tertiary education level, DACST will develop and implement additional Public Understanding of Science, Engineering and Technology (PUSET) programmes, based on the very successful models used thus far such as the Year of Science in 1998 and this year's week of science.
Through the PUSET Programme, my Department plans to promote the development of necessary skills. In addition, we have been in discussions with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that we minimise the impediments for certain skilled immigrants wishing to come to South Africa, immigrants whose knowledge will both contribute to the development of the country and increase the skills levels of our citizens. In addition to this, we supported the development of SANSA, the South African Network of Skills Abroad, which provides local access to South Africans living abroad who are prepared to devote time to serving the Country through an integrated mechanism.
Madam speaker, since 1994 we have addressed the fragmentation in the country's science and technology system. An important achievement during 1999 was the launch of a series of joint projects between our Science Councils. I am pleased to note some of the planned activities outlined in the first progress report.
The vital role of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) in promoting this co-operation should be noted. NACI is a primary advisory body to my Ministry and is rapidly establishing itself as an invaluable resource to government, the private sector and higher education institutions. Two major issues which NACI will address this year are the supply science and technology skills and the contribution of science and technology to South Africa's competitiveness, both themes of today's address to you.
Madame Speaker, I wish to thank my Director General, Dr Rob Adam, my Deputy Director-Generals, Professor Musa Xulu and Dr Nthoana Tau-Mzamane, the latter of whom was appointed recently and is proving a great asset to the Department, and the staff of my Department for their ongoing dedication and hard work, their innovation and creativity and their commitment to batho pele, which has carried us successfully into the new millennium.
I thank you. Siyabonga.