DRAFT legislation that aims to establish a single official scientific body to promote the development of research and the exchange of such knowledge in South Africa was passed unanimously by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Friday. Responding to debate on the measure in the House, Science and Technology Deputy Minister Bridgitte Mabandla said the new legislation would enhance the development of excellence in the fields of science and technology. It would make the Academy of Science of South Africa – founded in 1996 — the only officially recognised organisation of its kind in the country. ”Government will actively utilise (the academy) to provide advice on policy and strategy,” she said. According to a memorandum attached to the bill, the academy will be an ”autonomous body corporate” that will focus on the natural, social, economic and health sciences, as well as engineering, agriculture and the humanities. Members will be elected ”on the basis of the highest level of scientific thinking and knowledge, and of a significant contribution in the service of the nation as a whole”, it says. – Sapa
Thursday November 15, 2001