Some of the achievements highlighted to the Committee were: . the launch of the SumbandilaSat (a micro earth observation satellite); . the completion of the construction of 7 dishes of the KAT-7 (MEERKAT precursor); . the launch of the SA HIV and AIDS research and innovation platforms; . 82 research chairs that were awarded; . an increased number of people participating in the National Science Week Programme; . the launch of a R100 million Platinum Development Fund to promote commercialization of platinum group metal technologies in South Africa; . SA's election as Vice-President of the Non-Aligned Movement Science and Technology Bureau for the next four years; . R178 million leveraged by DST through official donor assistance; . the finalization of the 10-year Global Change research plan; . the roll-out of rural broadband connectivity using a wireless mesh network, that reached 150 schools in Nkangala District Municipality in Mpumalanga and part of the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo; and . the establishment of a Titanium Centre of Competence was at an advanced stage.