Chair, hon Ministers, the ACDP notes that the Department of Science and Technology has been allocated R4,6 billion for the 2010-11 financial year. This is a 1,5% increase. This, we hope, will allow for significant progress in the development of human resources, knowledge generation and investment in science and technology infrastructure.
The Minister's enthusiastic report was encouraging and very interesting. The information around solar energy initiatives, vehicle innovations and more was exciting and inspirational. Thank you.
In view of the underspending in the previous financial year due to staff turnover and vacant posts, hon Minister, what is the current personnel vacancy rate, and what obstacles are being experienced in filling these positions?
The ACDP is concerned that the skills deficit in the department could impact negatively on the department's ability to deliver on its mandate. We call on the Minister to prioritise the resourcing of relevant skills.
Recognising the role of the Research Development and Innovation, RDI, programme in providing policy leadership in long-term and cross-cutting research and innovation, does the department's South African HIV and Aids research and innovation platform link with initiatives like the SA Aids Vaccine Initiative? Is there greater scope for linking initiatives and is this aspect adequately budgeted for? Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your input on these issues.
The International Co-operation and Resources programme, which aims to develop and service bilateral and multilateral relationships and agreements in science and technology, has a 4% decrease in expenditure. Will this decrease have repercussions in terms of the work being done in this area? How much donor funding does the department hope to secure over the Medium- Term Expenditure Framework period, and has this funding been earmarked for any specific projects?
We are pleased to note that the programme which prioritises the development and implementation of national programmes to produce knowledge and development of human capital, the associated infrastructure, equipment and public research services, has increased from R1,6 billion to R1,7 billion.
The ACDP recognises the importance of and the need for the intended additional 150 research chairs to be awarded across various fields of science and technology. I heard the Minister talking about 20; I hope it is not just 20. We also commend the department on the seven centres of excellence that have been established, but note that nine were originally envisioned. Are the remaining two still on the cards, and what has caused the delay?
The ACDP is encouraged by plans to increase the number of learners in schools benefiting from supplementary tuition in mathematics, physical sciences and English. The public would, however, like to know what criteria the department uses to determine which schools and learners benefit from the supplementary tuition.
Will you be considering the success of the LEAP Science and Maths schools in Langa, Gugulethu and Alexandra, where the former achieved an average matric pass rate of 94%? Of all LEAP's matriculants, 70% have gone on to study at tertiary level. Their principal and originator is reported to have suggested that government must take over the schools with a view to extending the model. Lastly, the ACDP would like to know the extent to which the budget focuses ... [Time expired.]