Message from Minister Derek Hanekom on the CSIR-SAPS partnership

February 2014

The Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, has  congratulated the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on their signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) that will see the CSIR use its technology programmes to support "smart policing".

The MoA which was signed at the CSIR on 18 February will create an institutional framework for the SAPS to have direct access to a scientific, engineering and technology base to support the operational and strategic components of their safety and security duties, involving a portfolio of research and technology support programmes over a three-year period. It will target specific areas, including information and communication technology; integration and interoperability support; and science and technology capability development.

Fighting crime is one of the government's five priorities, and the Department of Science and Technology commends this strategic partnership.

During the event yesterday(18 February), Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega said the signing of this agreement is a critical milestone on the journey to transforming the SAPS. “We will cooperate and obtain expertise in all areas of policing including technologies, research, procurement and skills development. CSIR is already working together with various Government Departments including the SANDF. So, in a way this is a long overdue marriage, which we are very pleased about”, she said.

CSIR’s CEO, Dr Sibusiso Sibisi said the collaboration will help the SAPS to be ahead of the game when dealing with crime. “Collective effort is needed in order to achieve a safer South Africa”. We have no doubt that collaborations of this nature will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of our country”.