1. The Committee would have liked more time for the deliberation process during this phase of the Appropriation Bill 2011-2012 within the MTEF. However, the local government election commitments constrained the time available. In future, the Committee will embark on the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report processes in much more detail in order to effectively track the implementation of service delivery and performance targets. 2. In light of the above, the Committee further undertakes to regularly monitor progress of the Department and its entities, especially in relation to a key priority highlighted in the 2011 State of the Nation Address of enhancing innovation in science and technology to create jobs. 3. The Committee appreciates that further detail on the way forward with regard to the Research Chairs Initiative will be unveiled by the Minister of Science and Technology. 4. The Committee noted and congratulated Dr Olive Shisana of the HSRC who has recently been elected President of the International Social Science Council. 5. The Committee notes the important role that agencies such as the Technology Innovation Agency, National Space Agency and the National Intellectual Property Management Office have to play in facilitating the development of cutting-edge science and technology capabilities in the country. The Committee is therefore keen to monitor their operations and will make provision in its programme for detailed engagements with these entities. 6. The Department would be expected to brief the Committee on the progress and outcome of the review of the strategies such as the NSTI, HCD and bio-economy. 7. The Department will be required to provide more detailed presentations on the role of science and technology in energy security, the development of alternative energy-generation technology and energy as one of the Department's grand challenges. 8. The Committee notes that intergovernmental collaborative partnerships are instrumental in ensuring the success of the National System of Innovation. Enhanced co-ordination is necessary even at parliamentary level amongst the various portfolio and select committees in instances where science and technology issues are transversal. 9. The Committee is satisfied with the development of the MeerKAT radio telescope as a prototype for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the completion of the seven dishes. The Committee undertakes to secure continued support for the SKA project and will actively monitor DST's progress in its bidding mission to host the telescope. 10. The Committee recently visited the SKA project and is concerned about the intended "fracking" for gas in the Karoo. The Committee will pursue discussions on the matter as part of its programme for the following term. 11. The Committee noted the explanation with regard to the reallocation of funds for the SKA project (amounting to R508 million) across the 2011/12 and 2012/13 financial years. 12. The Committee is satisfied with the Department's track-record of unqualified reports by the Auditor-General. 13. The Committee is satisfied with the Department's historical spending trend of actual expenditure in relation to the amount voted for.