Hon House Chairperson, the scientific perspective of the world, especially the living world, inexorably impresses on us a dynamic picture of the world of entities and structures involved in continuous and incessant change and in process without ceasing.
The proposed amendments of this Bill are of a technical nature which seeks to harmonise the operations of entities in the science and technology sector to strengthen oversight and governance. Considering the technical nature of the Science and Technology Laws Amendment Bill, the initial introduction at the end of the Fifth Parliament, did little justice on discussion and consultation.
Improper norms and standards for entities resulted in inconsistent, inadequate and unco-ordinated management of public entities with different requirements regulating the operations and governance.
On this basis this Bill seeks to harmonise the processes for termination of membership of boards of entities, to clarify the requirements for disqualification of persons from membership of boards and to provide for the appointment of external persons to committees of the boards.
Considering the recent flawed processes of public entity boards as highlighted in the state capture reports, these amendments are crucial to ensure that the Minister and chairpersons do not have autonomy over the boards and to ensure that any amendment holds constitutional muster.
The Western Cape government in its submission of the Bill expressed the importance of fit for purpose when appointed to the boards, the inclusion of an appeals committee and the chief executive officer, CEO's term of office. Clause 22 interpretation of being convicted of fraud, corruption or any other crime involving dishonesty, within a period of 10 years preceding the date of nomination can be left open for abuse. The time period should have been realistically considered. Also placing the responsibility of determining fit for purpose in the domain of the court of law is limiting and should have been added an additional insertion of "or a competent tribunal".
The DA was in favour of deleting any clauses that were contrary to the Public Finance Management Act and the insertion of the disclosure of conflict of interest clause.
All inputs from various stakeholders were brought into fruition in this Bill. A lethargic process to ensure enactment should be avoided as happened in the previous Parliament regarding this Bill.
Change is scientific; progress is ethical; change is indubitable, whereas progress is a matter of controversy. This Bill is addressing ethical standards which should not be of a controversial nature to hinder progress. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr M N PAULSEN Ms C V KING
Hon House Chairperson, the role of science and technology, in particular research and development is the industrialisation and betterment of society. Highly industrialised countries have used science and technology to drive industry in addressing the country's challenges.
The Chinese government has placed emphasis through funding, reform and societal status on science and technology as a fundamental part of the socioeconomic development of the country as well as for national prestige.
China has made rapid advances in areas such as education, infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, academic publishing, patents and commercial applications and is now in some areas and by some measures a world leader. China is now increasingly targeting indigenous innovation and aims to reform remaining weaknesses.
Cuba, despite continued sanctions is able to function almost independently because of the proper use of science and technology, but more importantly their leadership within science and technology. We have brother Blade and brother Buti.
However, let us look at South Africa. Failure by the ruling party to reconfigure research institutions post1994, has resulted in these institutions continuing to operate in silos and playing no role in the reduction of unemployment and inequality. However also, science and technology is deemed as elitist with very little accountability to the ruling party. If it was not elitist, our focus would have been on issues which affects the poor masses in this country, the provision of decent water and sanitation, the harnessing of renewable energy where implementation would be driven by a capable and capacitated state.
Minister Nzimande spoke of the Square Kilometre Array. Yes, it is in the Northern Cape, but the global headquarters are in the UK. These headquarters will ultimately be the owners of any intellectual property emanating from the Square Kilometre Array.
However, I am not surprised by the Minister's lack of understanding of things that really matter. The University of KwaZulu-Natal is burning and there are serious allegations that a security service provider is responsible for the problems at the KwaZulu-Natal campuses. It is poor students who are given the blame and Minister you are here sitting and speaking about the Square Kilometre Array.
The purpose of this Bill focuses on the need to harmonise the entities within science and technology, but the Bill and these institutions are operating within a policy framework that prioritises research for selfish interest and greed.
Harmonisation was already recommended in the Fourth Parliament and this House considered the First Amendment Bill in 2011.
In April 2014, the Second Amendment Bill was considered. Essentially the Second Amendment Bill proposed the harmonisation of processes which included the appointment of chairpersons and members of boards of science and technology entities, the qualifications of board members and the dissolution of boards.
However, what is laughable is the amendment of section 5 of Act 26 of 2008. Paragraph 8 says and I quote, "The board must be constituted in a manner that is broadly representatives of the demographics of the country."
South Africa is the only country where the government must make laws to empower the majority group of its citizens. Black people. In other countries the government makes laws to empower minority groups. That is how weak we are as a democracy and a country.
The current Bill was proposed in the Fifth Parliament, but Parliament rose before the Bill could be considered. The current committee constitutes none of the ANC members of the Fifth Parliament. You have just replaced all of them, no continuity.
The research and development budget has declined and there has been a loss of critical scientific skills.
This department does not have a plan to ensure that Industry 4,0 does not lead to greater inequality between the working class and those who continue to enjoy their historical advantages.
Although an aspect in the Bill is a step in the right direction, much more is required before the real benefit of science and technology will be realised. The EFF rejects this Bill. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Mr S L NGCOBO Mr M N PAULSEN
Hon House Chair, this bill seeks to promote accountability and transparency of boards and councils regarding science and technology. We note the many technical amendments of this Bill in providing sufficient powers to ensure accountability and transparency in the boards and councils. The boards and councils oversee the work of various entities in this department and act as a strategic mechanism ensuring functionality.
The IFP believes in making amendments that speak to appointing those who are fit and proper. We are glad to see the board and the Minister being compelled to engage each other in this regard as a first step in appointing people who are fit and proper, through this Amendment Bill. The consultation between both parties will reduce the potential for an individual to abuse the power. In a democracy, checks and balances are important in order to ensure that the people govern through elected individuals. Checks and balances work to promote accountability and transparency which must be the tool that people use to assess their levels of satisfaction with government.
The public confidence in this department and some of its entities is currently low and these amendments seek to redress the lost confidence. We saw the clear indications of the lack of confidence during the portfolio committee's oversight and presentations made to it.
Public confidence must be built by showing that these entities are free from corruption, nepotism and patronage. These entities are seemingly run as if they are just a tuck shop.
Currently, South Africa has been left in the wake of grand corruption by the former administration. We witness through many commissions and the Zondo Commission, of a clear lack of attention paid to checks and balances, accountability and transparency.
We maintain that only people who show excellence and who are suitably qualified should be appointed in boards, councils or official positions. In doing so, we will start to realise a professionally skilled public service. However, these amendments alone won't ensure the fully skilled public service that our nation deserves. We must guard against partisan relationships at board and council levels to ensure that jobs are given to those who are equal to the tasks required and not because they are friends of the Ministers or other people. The IFP supports this Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]
Dr W J BOSHOFF / AZM MNGUNI (26-02-2020)/ END OF TAKE 14:32