1. Introduction On 18 April 2012 the Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara briefed the Committee on the strategic plan and budget for the Department of Science and Technology (DST or the Department). A number of briefings by the entities reporting to the Department of Science and Technology followed. These entities were the National Research Foundation, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Technology Innovation Agency, South African National Space Agency, Academy of Science of South Africa and the Africa institute of South Africa.