On Palaeontology, Archaeology & Heritage:
While all our efforts are geared towards a better future for our country it is important for us to appreciate our past, and the distant past that we are studying through the outstanding work of our palaeontologists and archaeologists represent the collective past of all of humanity. We initiated a consultative process last year to formulate a strategy for archaeology and palaeontology. We want to instil a sense of pride in the special place that South Africa occupies in the story of life and humanity on Earth. Our intention is to empower our museums to curate our extraordinary fossil collections, to create capacity in our universities to produce a critical mass of archaeologists and palaeontologists, and to drive knowledge production to make South Africa a world centre of scientific excellence in these disciplines. Our plan is to establish at least one centre of excellence, as well as a few research chairs in these fields, where we have a heritage unrivalled by any other country in the world.
While all our efforts are geared towards a better future for our country it is important for us to appreciate our past, and the distant past that we are studying through the outstanding work of our palaeontologists and archaeologists represent the collective past of all of humanity. We initiated a consultative process last year to formulate a strategy for archaeology and palaeontology. We want to instil a sense of pride in the special place that South Africa occupies in the story of life and humanity on Earth. Our intention is to empower our museums to curate our extraordinary fossil collections, to create capacity in our universities to produce a critical mass of archaeologists and palaeontologists, and to drive knowledge production to make South Africa a world centre of scientific excellence in these disciplines. Our plan is to establish at least one centre of excellence, as well as a few research chairs in these fields, where we have a heritage unrivalled by any other country in the world.
Rest of the speech here: Unabridged budget vote: Science and Technology: Deputy Minister Derek Hanekom | DefenceWeb
