Chairperson, South Africans, particularly those directly involved in the science and technology environment, have been holding their breath in the past two days praying for the successful launch of the Sumbandila microsatellite by a Russian rocket, as the Deputy Chief Whip indicated in his motion. The launch has been postponed twice in as many days due to technical hitches and adverse weather conditions in that part of the world. It is now hoped that Sumbandila will be launched today.
This 81kg microsatellite is a product of South African knowledge, skill and technological expertise. It was built by SunSpace, a company based in Stellenbosch, on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology.
The construction and launch of this satellite is one building block in the creation of a South African national space agency. Our country already has the capability to track and control satellites, as well as to download information and imagery provided by satellites. Thus far, we have been doing it for other nations or downloading data we have bought from satellites owned by others.
Our ability to plan towns and settlements better, monitor our agriculture and crop yields, communicate electronically, navigate the seas better, monitor our forests, manage national disasters and our environment, and fight crime will grow in tandem with the growth of our prowess in space science and technology.
Although our fingers are already sore and numb from being crossed for so long, we still keep them firmly crossed for the successful launch of Sumbandila tonight. We are all saying: "Sumbandila, fly!" [Time expired.] [Applause.]