ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
JANUARY NOVEMBER 2006
(DATE: 14 NOVEMBER 2006)
Name of the Committee: Science and Technology
Chairperson: Mr E N N Ngcobo
Committee Secretary: Zelna Jansen
Chairpersons overview
The Committee was able to work well together as a team. There was a great deal of transparency, efficiency and co-operation throughout. Discussions in the Committee were often robust, but frank and fair.
Vision and mission of the committee
The Mission of the Committee is to constantly perform a monitoring and oversight role by engaging the Department of Science and Technology and various stakeholders in their progress and development.
The Vision of the Committee is to ensure real and sustainable improvement in the quality of lives of all South Africans by making science and technology the engine of socio-economic growth in our society.
List of public entities over which the committee exercise oversight
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Human Science Research Council (HSRC)
National Research Foundation (NRF)
Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA)
Tshumisano Trust
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)
National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
South African Council for National and Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
Number of meetings held and those cancelled
39 Meetings
Meeting on 5 September 2006 was cancelled as the Director General of Department of Science and Technology and Minister of Science and Technology were out of the country.
Meeting for 22 August 2006 was rescheduled for 30 August 2006 due to the Director General not being available.
FIRST TERM
7 March 2006 Minutes adopted on 23 May 2006
Agenda:
Welcome and opening address 2. Adoption of Minutes of Meeting of 15 November 2005
3. Adoption of Portfolio Committees First Term Draft Programme
4. Review of Portfolio Committees Annual Report of 2005
5. Review of CILLA Programme
6. Consideration of Draft Business Plan for Portfolio Committee in accordance with Treasury Recommendations
7. Deliberations on how the Presidents State of the Nation Address affects the Department of Science and Technology and its entities
8. Apologies
9. Matters arising
8 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006
Agenda:
1. Hearings with the Department on Science and Technology on Budget Vote 31 and their corporate strategy.
9 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006
Agenda:
Hearings with the National Research Foundation (NRF) on their corporate strategy for 2006 (Budget and Strategic Plan).
10 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006
Agenda:
Hearings with the National Research Foundation (NRF) on their corporate strategy for 2006 (Budget and Strategic Plan).
13 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006
Agenda:
Hearings with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on their corporate strategy for 2006 (Budget and Strategic Plan).
14 March 2006 Minutes adopted 31 May 2006
Joint meeting with Portfolio Committees Public Enterprises and Mineral and Energy
Agenda:
Briefing by ESKOM on power outages in the Cape, the national implications and challenges with electricity capacity.
15 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006 Agenda:
Hearings with Council for Geosciences (CGS) and GODISA Trust on their corporate strategies for 2006 (Budget and Strategic Plan).
16 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006 Agenda:
Hearings with Academy of Sciences of South Africa (ASSAf) and Tshumisano Trust on their corporate strategy for 2006 (Budget and Strategic Plan).
24 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006 Agenda:
Hearings with the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) on their corporate strategy 2006 (Budget and Strategic).
29 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006 Agenda:
Hearings with Mintek on their corporate strategy for 2006 (Budget and Strategic Plan).
31 March 2006 Minutes adopted 23 May 2006 Joint meeting with Portfolio Committees Public Enterprises and Mineral and Energy
Agenda:
Adoption of Report on Eskom: Power outages in the Cape, the National Implications and Challenges with Electricity capacity.
SECOND TERM
19 May 2006 Minutes adopted 30 May 2006
Agenda:
1. Adoption of Portfolio Committees Programme for Second Term of 2006.
Adoption of Minutes for 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 29 and 31 March 2006.
Adoption of Report on Strategic Plans of DST and its Entities.
Consideration of Budget Vote 31 and preparations for debate.
Joint sitting sought Portfolio Committee on Education for 23 May 2006.
Report back on NACI Workshop.
Swedish trip problems.
Any other business:
Chairpersons trip to Iran and developments for Science and Technology.
9. Announcements:
9.1 New Centre of Excellence - SACEMA
9.2 Invitation to NSTF Awards on 19 May 2006
9.3 Invitation by Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises for joint meeting on 31 May 2006.
23 May 2006 Minutes adopted 30 May 2006
Agenda:
Adoption of Minutes for 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 29 and 31 March 2006.
Adoption of Report on Strategic Plans of DST and its Entities.
Deliberations on Budget Vote preparations
Consideration of Portfolio Committees Funding
5. Announcements:
5.1 Portfolio Committees possible visit to Japan
30 May 2006 Minutes adopted 6 June 2006
Agenda:
Adoption of Minutes for 19 and 23 May 2006.
2. Adoption of Portfolio Committees Budget for 2007/2008
3. Deliberations on CILLA Training Project
4. Consideration of new procedures for Functioning of Committees
5. Budget Vote review
6. Management committee feedback
Trip to Japan
Letter to Cde Doidge
Foreign speakers to PC
Plans for local and international trips
7. AOB (Any other business)
8. Announcements
6 June 2006 Minutes adopted 13 June 2006
Agenda:
Introduction of the new Director General to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology by the Minister of Science and Technology
Adoption of minutes dated 6 June 2006
AOB (Any other business)
Announcements
13 June 2006 Minutes adopted 15 August 2006
Agenda:
Briefing by the Water Research Commission (WRC)
Adoption of minutes dated 6 June 2006
AOB (Any other business)
Announcements
THIRD TERM
15 August 2006 Minutes adopted 30 August 2006
Agenda:
Consideration of Iranian trip on South African Exhibition Invitation by South African Ambassador to Iran.
Adoption of minutes dated 13 June 2006
AOB (Any other business)
Announcements
Presentation by Professor P Tobias on "Some thoughts on science and society after sixty years as an active scientist".
29 August 2006 Minutes adopted 12 September 2006
Agenda:
Apologies Adoption of Minutes for 15 August 2006.
3. Presentation to the Portfolio Committee by Professor Vilakazi from the Premiers Office KZN, Dr A Chabalala, Professor Y Seleti from DTSs Indigenous Knowledge Unit and Professor T Mbewu and Dr P Manyike from the MRC, and Mr Z Gwala and Professor N Gqaleni, on Research Progress made on HIV/AIDS.
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
30 August 2006 Minutes adopted 12 September 2006
Agenda:
Apologies Adoption of Minutes for 15 August 2006 3. Briefing by the Director General of Department of Science and Technology on forthcoming legislations
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
12 September 2006 Minutes adopted 17 October 2006
Agenda:
Apologies Adoption of Minutes for 29 and 30 August 2006
3. Consideration of Annual Report of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
19 September 2006 Minutes adopted 17 October 2006
Agenda:
Apologies Adoption of Minutes for 12 September 2006
3. Briefing by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on their Annual Report
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
October 2006 Minutes adopted 17 October 2006
Agenda:
1. Apologies 2. Adoption of Minutes for 12 and 19 September 2006 3. Briefing by Technology Top 100 of the Department of Science and Technology on their role in the National System of Innovation
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
October 2006 Minutes adopted 17 October 2006
Agenda:
1. Apologies 2. Hearings with the National Research Foundation on its Annual Report for 2005-2006
3. Adoption of Minutes dated 12 and 19 September 2006
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
October 2006 Minutes adopted 2006
Agenda:
1. Apologies 2. Hearings with Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA)
3. Adoption of Minutes dated 12 and 19 September 2006
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
24 October 2006 Minutes adopted 2006
Agenda:
Apologies 2. Hearings with National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the South African Council for National and Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
3. Adoption of Minutes dated 12 and 19 September 2006, and 10, 11 and 17 October 2006.
4. Adoption of Fourth Term Program
5. AOB (Any other business)
6. Announcements
31 October 2006 Minutes to be adopted 14 November 2006
Agenda:
Apologies 2. Hearings with Tshumisano Trust
3. Adoption of Minutes dated 24 October 2006
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
7 November 2006 Minutes to be adopted 14 November 2006
Agenda:
Apologies 2. Hearings with Academy of Sciences of South Africa (ASSAf) and Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on its Annual Report for 2005 / 2006
3. Adoption of Minutes dated 24 and 31October 2006
4. AOB (Any other business)
5. Announcements
14 November 2006 Minutes to be adopted First Term 2006
Agenda:
Apologies 2. Adoption of Report on the consideration of the Annual Reports of Departments and Entities
3. Consideration and adoption of Annual Report of the Portfolio Committee for 2006
4. Adoption of Minutes dated 24, 31October and 7 November 2006
5. AOB (Any other business)
6. Announcements
Legislation referred to the committee (Finalised and not finalised):
No legislation was referred to the Committee
Papers (International Agreements, Protocols, Reports etc) referred to the Committee:
The Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium and the Government of the Republic of South Africa on Technology-Aided Distance Self Learning in South African Police Service, tabled in terms of section 23 (3) of the Constitution, 1996. Referred to Portfolio Committee on 19 June 2006.
Oversight (Local) visits:
Study Tour Visits to Sasolburg and Secunda
Objectives of the trip
-: The Portfolio Committee was invited by Sasol to conduct a study tour in order to provide the Portfolio Committee with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the technologies that Sasol has developed over the years in particular Sasols Research and Development Activities.
Dates
-: 10 11 August 2006
Delegation
-: Mr. E N N Ngcobo (Chairperson) (ANC)
Ms F Mahomed (ANC)
Ms B T Ngcobo (ANC)
Mr. S N Nxumalo (ANC)
Mr J P I Blanche (DA)
Ms A M Dreyer (DA)
Mr H J Bekker (IFP)
Mr P J Nefolovhodwe (AZAPO)
Ms Z Jansen (Committee Secretary)
Province, places visited
-: Sasolburg and Secunda
Report (when was it adopted by the committee)
-: To be adopted in First Term 2007
Study Tour Visit to ENGEN Refinery
Objectives of the trip
-: The aim of the study tour is to afford the Portfolio Committee an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the manufacturing of crude oils. It will also be an opportunity for Engen and the Portfolio Committee to interact on issues of mutual interest such as: cleaner fuels programme, bio fuels and the interrelationship with cleaner fuels; availability of skills pool and its capacity to meet the quality and demands of anticipated capex programmes; issues relating to BEE and EE, and the industry charter; environmental issues around ensuring cleaner air in South Durban; challenges that Engen face and finally social responsibility issues.
Dates
-: 10 November 2006
Delegation
-: Mr R Ainslie (ANC)
Mr. E N N Ngcobo (Chairperson) (ANC)
Ms F Mahomed (ANC)
Prof I M ohamed (ANC)
Mr. S N Nxumalo (ANC)
Mr A Nyambi (ANC)
Mr J P I Blanche (DA)
Ms Z Jansen (Committee Secretary)
Mrs C Adams (Committee Assistant)
Province, places visited
-: Engen Refinery, Durban
Report (when was it adopted by the committee)
-: To be adopted in First Term 2007
International Visits:
International Conference on Global Innovation Ecosystems (GIES)
Objectives of each trip
-: The Conference on GIES attempts to define a global innovation ecosystem for sustainable development with the focus on science-based innovation, and develop a framework for international collaboration.
Dates
-: 8 and 9 September 2006
Delegation
-: One Member, Mr E N N Ngcobo (Chairperson) (ANC)
Country, places visited
-: Kyoto, Japan
Report (when was it adopted)
-: Informal report in the form of Chairperson briefing the Committee.
Science and Technology in Society Forum in Japan
Objectives of each trip
-: The advance of science and technology raises important ethical, safety and environmental issues: possible negative applications are threatening mankinds future. Since progress in science and technology is expected to accelerate and will be necessary for sustainable human development in the 21st century, wisdom must be exercised to keep it under control.
-: The STS Forum aims to provide a new mechanism for open discussion on an informal basis. And to build a human network that would in time resolve the types of problems stemming from the application of science and technology. The Forum community will also explore opportunities arising from science and technology, and address how to remove the barriers to using science and technology to solve the problems facing humankind.
Dates
-: 10, 11 and 12 September 2006
Delegation
-: One Member, Mr E N N Ngcobo (Chairperson) (ANC)
Country, places visited
-: Kyoto, Japan
Report (when was it adopted)
-: Informal report in the form of Chairperson briefing the Committee.
Budget Vote:
Referred 8 March 2006
Briefing by Department of Science and Technology (DST) 7 and 8 March 2006
Hearings was held with the Department and its Entities on -: 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 24 and 29 March 2006
Received 14 submissions from DST and its Entities
Report was compiled but not referred as Chairperson wants to make amendments.
Annual Reports from Departments and its Entities referred to the Committee:
Department of Science and Technology
Referral date
-: 6 September 2006
Briefing
-: 12 September 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-: To be ATCed
National Research Foundation (NRF)
Referral date
-: 6 September 2006
Briefing
-: 11 October 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-: To be ATCed
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
Referral date
-: 13 September 2006
Briefing
-: 7 November 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-: To be ATCed
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Referral date
-: 15 September 2006
Briefing
-: 19 September 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-:
Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA)
Referral date
-: 27 September 2006
Briefing
-: 17 October 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-:
Information Systems, Electronics and Telecommunications Technologies Sector Education and Training and Training Authority (ISETT-Seta)
Referral date
-: 4 September 2006
Briefing
-:
Report publication (ATC date)
-:
South African Council for Natural and Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
Referral date
-: 24 September 2006
Briefing
-: 17 October 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-:
National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)
Referral date
-: 27 September 2006
Briefing
-: 24 October 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-:
Tshumisano Trust
Referral date
-:
Briefing
-: 31 October 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-:
Academy of Sciences of South Africa (ASSAf)
Referral date
-: 27 September 2006
Briefing
-: 7 November 2006
Report publication (ATC date)
-:
Other committee activities (briefings on other issues, workshops, conferences)
CSIR Innovation Leadership and Learning Academy (CILLA Training Project)
Date
-: 1 to 7 August 2006
Agenda
-: The purpose of the CILLA Training was to give Members an insight into the total management of the innovation process and its underlying dynamics where the aggregated outcome depends on getting the entire value-generating cycle right. The generic content was to be transferred in a facilitative manner to allow for customized application of learning acquired.
Hosted by
-: Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology
Presenters:
-: Mr A Vlok Manager: Research and Development, CSIR
Professor A Buys Course Convener, Dept of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria
Dr D Walwyn Group Manger: Research and Development, CSIR
Professor J Amadi-Echendu Dept. of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria
Dr M Jeenah Research Support and Development, University of Pretoria
Resolutions
-: None
Budget of the committee
How much was allocated to the committee
-: R500 000,00
Expenditure: R 144 443,00
Catering - R 14 473,00
Provincial Visits R 42 223,00
Overseas Trips R 87 747,00
Conferences R 0,00
Seminars R 0,00
Workshops R 0,00
Balance R 355 557,00
Outstanding Matters:
-: Adoption of Minutes of 14 November 2006 and Study Tour Reports for Sasolburg Secunda and Engen Refinery
The following documents are attached:
Master attendance list
Copies of minutes of meetings
Copy of Budget statement
Programme for Fourth Term