South Africa remains committed to fostering peaceful use of outer-space environment, for all Space activities; as governed by the current Space Affairs Act (No. 84 of 1993). This was said by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Bulelani Magwanishe. Magwanishe was speaking in Vienna, Austria where he was delivering country statement at the UNISPACE+50 High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPOUS).
This is where the international outer space community is gathering to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
According to him, South Africa is committed to ensure, the long- term sustainability (LTS) of outer- space activities; particularly in the development of its guidelines; to address the challenges posed by Space debris for future accessibility of outer space. He added that the interests of all mankind; as concerned for current and future generations lies here.
“South Africa, has keen interest in global partnerships concerning Space exploration and innovation; and will continue, to prioritise this area for economic development. As Africa’s economy is increasingly becoming Space-dependent, the Space related products have proven to contribute to the alleviation of key societal challenges, that are still plaguing the Continent and other developing countries,” said Deputy Minister Magwanishe.
It is for this reason according to him that South Africa played a key role in the development and adoption of the African Space Policy and Strategy, in 2016. The adoption of these Framework documents by African Union Head of States according to him provides a foundation, for collective collaboration, on African Space activities. He added that, this has set the basis, for Space governance in the continent; and strategic space engagements leading to the Africa Agenda 2063.
Deputy Minister Magwanishe also welcomed the move Mauritius and Ethiopia who have applied for membership of COPOUS and would join other African countries. This he said would move towards progressive participation of the Continent to see space African aspirations and concerns, being thoroughly represented in Outer Space governance.
Deputy Minister Magwanishe confirmed South Africa’s endorsement of the Draft UNISPACE+ 50 Resolution, for the development of the 2030 Space Agenda and further affirmed that South Africa will continue to spearhead regional and international co-operation.
Meanwhile, space agencies of the BRICS countries are expected to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation on BRICS remote sensing satellite constellation to be signed in South Africa in July 2018. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates Space Agency and South African National Space Agency are also expected to sign an MoU regarding cooperation in the exploration and use of space for peaceful purposes.
The South African delegation will also witness the signing of the Algerian and South African space agencies on cooperation in the field of Space Science and Technology. A letter of intent for the establishment of a Committee of African Space Institutions (CASI) is also expected to be signed between the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL); Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI), Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations (AGEOS), the Ghanaian Space Science and Technology Center (GSSTC), Kenyan Space Agency (KSA), Moroccan Royal Centre for Remote Sensing (CRTS), Nigerian National Space and Development Agency (NARSDA) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). All these will take place on the margins of UNISPACE +50.
CAPTION: Deputy Minister Magwanishe in Vienna, Austria attending the UNISPACE+50 High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPOUS).
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe-Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (012) 394 1650
Mobile: 079 492 1774
E-mail: [email protected]
Issued by: The Department of Trade and Industry
Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti