I think, Chairperson, I should conclude by saying our most ambitious project is the grand challenge of trying to win the bid for building the world's largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometre Array. We have completed the first phase of this telescope, building the first seven dishes, KAT-7. Four of the dishes are now operational and receiving information. Construction of the 80-dish MeerKAT will soon begin. If, in 2012, we are awarded the bid, we will build a large number of dish arrays of over 3 000 km in scope, which will be inclusive of eight African partner countries. This will be a significant development for South Africa. [Applause.]
Chairperson, thank you for giving me more time. I would like to conclude by thanking my colleague, Deputy Minister Derek Hanekom, for his support and hard work. He is a fantastic colleague; we work together very well, and we haven't had a single Deputy Minister-Minister conflict. [Laughter.] In fact, I think we are succeeding to work well with our department, unlike my conflicts with hon Mike Ellis from time to time. [Laughter.]
I also wish to thank the director-general, Dr Phil Mjwara, for his hard work, and also his team of deputy directors-general. Of course I thank all my officials, the Minister's Office team, the board chairs and members of all the science councils, chief executive officers of the science councils, the hon members, led by Dr Ngcobo, who are in the portfolio committee, and my colleagues in Cabinet, who are always supporting the potential that science and technology has for contributing to innovation. Thank you very much, Chairperson.