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3 March 2009

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mandisi Mpahlwa, will launch the national space policy at Diep in die Berg Conference and Function Centre on Friday, 6 March 2009 at 13h00. The launch will be preceded by a workshop to discuss the goals and merits of the space policy, which was approved by Cabinet last year, as well as the national space strategy.

The policy will be administered by thedti, whilst the strategy will be managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The policy, amongst other objectives, seeks to:
* improve co-ordination throughout the South African space arena to maximise the benefits of current and planned space activities, avoid or minimise duplication of resources and efforts, and organise existing initiatives, programmes and institutions into a coherent network for all providers and users of space systems
* promote capacity building initiatives, both as a means towards effective participation in the space arena, as well as develop capacity in space science and technology, and science and technology in general
* promote the development of an appropriate and competitive domestic commercial space sector in order to provide the industrial base to meet the nation’s needs for space technology.

The policy also provides guidance on the development of appropriate space capabilities and space system applications to contribute to economic growth and reduce poverty in the country. In addition, it promotes enhanced space awareness at all levels of society, as a means to build public understanding of the socio-economic benefits of space science and technology.

“The policy will enhance South Africa’s participation in the global space arena and provide guidance to all domestic stakeholders in the public and private sectors actively involved in the industry. It is therefore thedti’s responsibility, as custodian of the policy, to ensure that it is implemented in a co-ordinated approach,” said Nomfuneko Majaja, Chief Director of Advanced Manufacturing Unit, within thedti.

Detailed presentations on the National Space Policy and Strategy will be delivered during the workshop from 10h30 to 12h30 by thedti and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) representatives.

For more information, contact:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 073 522 6801
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
3 March 2009