Minister Müller, Ambassador Adt, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a pleasure for me to be present at this festive occasion. The opening of the Cultural Weeks is part of a whole list of events highlighting the excellent relationships between South Africa and Germany. The idea of having the Cultural Weeks as the German contribution to celebrate ten years of democracy in South Africa is much appreciated. It is also my pleasure to be a member of the committee working to strengthen this friendship.
The Cultural Weeks form part of a series of events to showcase our relationships. The High-Energy Stereoscopic System, HESS, a gamma ray telescope situated in Namibia, was launched on 28 September, and both Germany and South Africa are participating in that programme. As you know, the South African International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (insite) will take place at Gallagher Estates from 1 to 3 November, and Germany is a prominent exhibitor and participant as well. The launch of the Southern African Large Telescope, SALT, will take place early next year. In this programme too, Germany is a strong participant, and is supporting related disciplines as well.
I was pleased to learn that Germany has organised so many events during the Cultural Weeks that are of a scientific nature and will promote our collaboration in these important areas. Scientific research and the systematic gathering of knowledge is a culture too, the culture of science. My predecessor was the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and the argument for having that arrangement at the time was that all of these constituted activities that required creativity, and often some measure of experimentation.
Typical areas in which art and science are combined include photography and design. Tonight we will enjoy a concert in which not only music, but also technological applications in producing musical instruments and stage management apparatus will ensure a successful performance.
The relationship in science and technology between South Africa and Germany is well established, and covers a wide range of activities. The cooperative efforts do not only indicate the need to be competitive in global markets and be at the forefront of certain scientific endeavours, but also that science and technology play a strong developmental role. Various joint efforts indicate the social responsibility scientists, technologists and engineers have. My Ministry plays a vital role in ensuring that the players in our science and technology system are sensitive to social and economic needs, that we address such needs and give our scientists the resources to negotiate these challenges. In all of this, our international partners play a very important role.
I would like to mention just a few of the joint projects between South Africa and Germany. One of the best known is the Coelacanth project, the fossil fish research project on our eastern seaboard. Of big economic and technological importance is the role that Germany plays in research and technology transfer in the automotive industry. This is a good example of how science and technology can create jobs and transfer skills to disadvantaged communities. Our National Laser Centre uses some German laser equipment. Lasers are not only used in manufacturing, but also for medical and health purposes, as well as measuring and monitoring gas emissions.
Also in a multilateral context Germany and South Africa enjoy very productive relationships; the OECD, the WSSD and the ensuing activities, as well as the projects conducted under the various Framework Programmes of the EU bear witness to this.
In the framework of these excellent relationships the stage has been set for many more joint efforts in science and technology. Minister Müller and guests, I wish you well with the Cultural Weeks and I am sure that the concert will be a great success.
Thank you.
