The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is looking for suitable candidates to man its SA National Space Agency (Sansa) board. Nominations from the public will be accepted until 22 May.
The Sansa board will be responsible for the governance and control of the agency, which was created earlier this year after former President Kgalema Motlanthe signed the National Space Agency Act into law.
The Act states the board will consist of no less than 10 and no more than 15 members, including the CEO of Sansa, and will be headed by a chairperson, who will serve a term of four years.
Some of the functions the board will conduct include overseeing the operations of Sansa, monitoring the research priorities and programme of the agency, and notifying the science and technology minister of any matter that may prevent or materially affect achieving the objectives of the agency.
Growing the industry
Sansa was formed to promote the peaceful use of outer space; foster research in astronomy, earth observation, communications, navigation and space physics; foster international co-operation in space-related activities; and advance scientific, engineering and technological competencies through human capital development.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is currently conducting a six-month “space audit” in order to determine whether it will provide incentives for companies operating in the space industry. The feasibility study came after the DTI unveiled the National Space Policy, which is aimed at co-ordinating efforts by the public and private sectors in the space industry.
DTI chief director of advanced manufacturing Nomfuneko Majaja says the local space industry can only be grown with the aid of government departments such as the DST, the departments of foreign affairs and communications.
Related stories:
DTI heads into space
Space Agency Act blasts off
Space agency to aid lawmaking
Share