Madam Deputy Speaker, hon Deputy President, hon members of the House, comrades and colleagues.
Indeed, the ratification of the two conventions, namely the registration convention and the liability for damage by space objects convention, enables the launch of South Africa's first national satellite known as Sumbandila, a Tshivenda name meaning "Lead the way". It is, indeed, a pathfinder that will pioneer a new trajectory into space which is the result of the collective participation of 40 local companies, including Sunspace. We may ask, outside this Parliament, what the motivation for the ratification of the space-related conventions and the developments in space science and technology is. How do they benefit us, the unemployed? However South Africa recognises the need to have independent access to space. This would have incurred a large investment and infrastructural support, if we had to do the launches in our country. So we have saved billions of rand by requesting Russia to launch our first national satellite, which is from a CosmoRom called Bica Nore in Russia that will take place next week Tuesday, 15 September 2009.
It also recognises - I think it is something that we are all proud of because it's been a joint effort - that policy, people, space and poverty are purposely linked. Our access to space enables us to get into partnership with the private sector in technology. This will assist us in addressing the challenges of poverty; disasters; urban planning; human settlements; transport; the environment; safety and security; agriculture; effective utilisation of land; the development of human potential, both in its origination and the development of space technology; and also the development of human potential through the eradication of poverty.
Of course, we already know that space satellites are used for the weather and some of us have motorcars with GPS. However, as we know in our country, rights come with responsibilities and in this case that obligation is to register all space objects and information about them; and also to take the responsibility for damage that may occur from accidents caused by our space objects.
A key element of space policy goes beyond the purely technical and enters the arena of international co-operation and strengthening relations in this regard, particularly with India. India - perhaps some of us know this - has already developed a number of socioeconomic programmes consequent upon information gained from outer space.
We also are developing co-operation agreements with other countries in Africa. Indeed, our space policy works within the African agenda and the South-South co-operation for internationally strengthening our relations with other countries. It was in this light - and having applied their minds during two or three dedicated meetings in over two months of studying the material - that the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry took a unanimous decision to support these conventions. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space approved.
Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects approved.