Governance and Compliance

The Corporate Affairs unit continued to manage stakeholder relations adequately. Regular contact was kept with key individuals within the Department of Science and Technology (DST), other government departments, parliament and various parties locally and internationally. The interaction with Council and the Chairpersons of the various Committees of Council – EXCO, research, audit and human resources and finance (HRFin) – were robust. Liaison with foreign counterparts and missions represented in South Africa was maintained throughout the financial year. The Corporate Affairs Manager offered wide ranging secretarial support to the Council and Committees of Council throughout the year. The unit ensured that all scheduled meetings took place and proper records of minutes were kept. Submissions and responses to parliamentary questions were returned to the Ministry of Science and Technology timeously. The division remained focused and did everything in its power to achieve what was intended in the 2010/2011 business plan. However, the Corporate Affairs Manager resigned in December 2010 and a new manager only assumed duty in February 2011.