Budget Vote Debate- Extended Public Committee
Mkhuleko Hlengwa Mp
Inkatha Freedom Party
Hon.House Chairperson,
At the outset the IFP wishes to congratulate the Department of Science and Technology and its entities for receiving clean audits last year. Sound financial management and a strict adherence to the PFMA and National Treasury regulations are a key component of service delivery and corruption free governance. We therefore implore the Department to continue on this trajectory of clean and good governance.
Corruption has become a prominent feature in the discourse of governance in South Africa, and it is thus refreshing to find hope in the Department of Science and Technology.
In a continuously globalising world which is making scientific and technological advances every day, it goes without fail that South Africa must be at the forefront of innovation.
We can no longer rely on our mineral resources as being the backbone of our economy and in this regard Science and Technology becomes key to bolstering our efforts and improving our conditions.
The National Development Plan affirms this by emphasising that science, technology and innovation are crucial for development, noting that countries that have effectively alleviated poverty by growing their economies, have done so by investing in and developing strong science, technology and innovation environments and capabilities.
We need to place science, technology and innovation at the centre of our national priorities.
When South Africa is hit by a drought we need innovative solutions to mitigate the prevailing circumstances and alleviate our plight. Science and technology must lead the agenda of research into alternative water sourcing and addressing food security.
Countries like Israel rely on desalination to mitigate their water shortages, and best practice may be sourced from there.
As the world’s population continues to rise and South Africa shoulders the burden of the drought in the region, the pressure on water resources are only going to increase. It is yet to be seen whether technological advances will be made to meet the demand.
We must translate the successes and aspirations of science and technology to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our people.
The approach of the department must shift away from top-heavy academic achievements and adopt a people-centred development agenda.
Hosting the Square Kilometre Array for example may be a fine scientific achievement and give great insight into the stars and turning patterns of planets but weighed against our immediate challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment is it not time to come back from cloud nine and use our scientific, technological and innovative capabilities selfishly for our own betterment.
Notwithstanding, the current economic conditions the decrease of R53 million in the Departments budget grinds against the grain of progress.
Our BRICS partners are making heavy investments into STI and if we are to compete favourably we should do the same because STI is the future and the future is today!
For STI to make serious progress in South Africa we must go back to basics, and that means investing in basic education as a seeding ground for new ideas and innovation for the future and thus become a reliable feeder at tertiary level. Why is it that we still have 18258 schools without science labs in South Africa?
The Department has done well in many fields of STI and research but it cannot continue with a business as usual approach; the current realities of poverty and stagnant economic growth must motivate the department to become an island of hope in a sea of chaos.
The IFP supports this budget vote.
I thank you.
Contact Mr MH Hlengwa, MP, on 0838712711
IFP Media, Parliament