Inauguration of 3rd NACI Council

The third National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday 2 June 2009Â at Villa Sterne Boutique Hotel, Pretoria. The guest of honor at this meeting was Ms Naledi Pandor, the newly appointed Minister of Science and Technology. The meeting was attended by NACI Councillors and members of the NACI Secretariat. Dr Steve Lennon, chairperson of NACI chaired the meeting.

The main aim of the meeting was to inaugurate the third NACI Council, report on NACI’s progress, map out NACI’s work plan as well as to induct the new NACI members on the nature, role and contribution of NACI to the National System of Innovation. The meeting was also aimed at introducing the new Minister to NACI activities and getting a sense of what she expects from NACI as her advisory body.

The Minister was invited to inaugurate the third NACI Council, as appointed by Cabinet to serve for a four year term ending February 2013. In her address, the Minister emphasised the important role that NACI could play in promoting science and technology in order to address the socio-economic challenges facing South Africa.