Madam Chairperson, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, hon members and guests of Parliament, I stand before this House to introduce a Report of the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology on the Consideration of the Shortlist of Candidates for Appointment to the SA National Space Agency Board, dated 28 October 2009.
Matters pertaining to space are very important in the new era of technological development. Indeed, as was covered by the Minister yesterday, we have already launched a satellite that is revolving around us, giving images of what is on African soil, in particular how our communities are enriched with this technology in terms of agriculture, economic growth and climate change related problems.
Our satellite gives data four times a day about what is happening around the continent. We have people in the African member nations who are benefiting from this satellite and have already engaged in satellite time affiliation, paying back air to our space technology activity.
Matters pertaining to space are not necessarily limited to climate and economic growth, but they are also about security. The Israelis have a company called Romeo Yankee Limited where they develop vertically taking off and landing, VTOL, cars. These are air cars that are able to fly up to an altitude of 8 000 feet. They are divided into two categories called Turbo Hawks and City Hawks.
The City Hawks can be parked on normal car parking bays, but they can also take off from the suite and fly over at an altitude of 8 000 feet. Turbo Hawks are more adapted for security measures in high buildings. Since Israel is faced with wars from its neighbours, they have developed Turbo Hawks which can fly high and come down and travel on the road. This is how air space can be used for security. We feel that in South Africa, with the development of our space agency, we need to have a board with capable men and women. Therefore, it is for this reason that the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology - having considered the shortlist of candidates for appointment to the SA National Space Agency Board in terms of section 7(1)(c) of the SA National Space Agency Act, Act 36 of 2008, which was referred to the committee on 07 October 2009 - today reports that the committee held meetings on 21 and 28 October 2009 on the above subject. The department had received 94 applications and has shortlisted 25 candidates.
During the committee's deliberations on 21 October 2009, members raised concerns about the lack of shortlisted candidates who fall within the vulnerable groups and people with special needs such as persons with disabilities. The committee subsequently requested the department to, in future, consult organisations working with persons with special needs. Fortunately, the department was able, in a very short space of time, to address this question by identifying and discussing this with the board that deals with disabled people in South Africa.
After discussions, the department forwarded the name of Mr Vincent Gore to the committee. He replaced Ms Limpitlaw Justine who withdrew her application, due to personal circumstances. The Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology felt that the department had addressed some of the concerns raised by members and, therefore, approved the list that was submitted, with Mr Vincent Gore replacing Ms Justine. I therefore appeal to the House to ratify the list as it appears on the Order Paper. We thank the Minister for her efforts. Thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.