Hon House Chair, the obvious starting point in this debate is the Constitution which provides that international treaties, agreements and conventions bind the country subject to the parliamentary resolution. We have witnessed the signing of the Headquarters Agreement in Rome, Italy. Another obvious choice to anchor this discussion is the role that Minister Naledi Pandor and Minister Mamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane noticeably played in the course of the ensuing debate about mainstreaming innovation, science and technology in the African continent. The AIC can boldly say without any fear of contradiction that the ratification of this
Convention establishing the Square Kilometre Array Observatory by Parliament affirms the stellar role of those former Ministers.
The use of scientific evidence and appropriate technology for inclusive development would be very much appreciated. The Square Kilometre Array will govern the global SK radio and telescope project. Being part of this international initiative means that we are part of the world and we are getting deeper into Fourth Industrial Revolution. So, in conclusion, we wish to footnote the African Union Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa preamble which states that:
Strategy is designed to respond to the need of transforming Africa into knowledge-based and innovation-led society.
We support this report.