ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4 Fostering Excellence through Knowledge and Innovation CONTENTS Contents

ChAiRPERSON’S STATEmENT 32 CEO’S REPORT 54 part a: organizational overview 7 CORPORATE OvERviEw 9 NCRST mANdATE 10 miSSiON 10 viSiON 10 vALUES 10 STRATEgiC ThEmES 11 BOARd OF COmmiSSiONERS STRUCTURE 15 FUNCTiONS 16 NCRST COmmiSSiONERS 18 NCRST COmmiTTEES 20 ExECUTivE COmmiTEE (ExCO) 20 FOUNdATiON FOR RESEARCh, SCiENCE ANd TEChNOLOgy 20 FiNANCE, iNvESTmENTS ,AUdiT ANd RiSk mANAgEmENT COmmiTTEE 21 hUmAN RESOURCES ANd REmUNERATiON COmmiTEE 21 TENdER COmmiTTEE 21 mANAgEmENT ANd SUPPORT STRUCTURE 23 mANAgEmENT STRUCTURES 24 SUPPORT STRUCTURES 26 part B: performance overview 29 RESEARCh, SCiENCE, TEChNOLOgy ANd iNNOvATiON COORdiNATiON ANd SUPPORT 31 POLiCiES ANd PROgRAmmE dEvELOPmENT 32 RESOURCE mOBiLiZATiON ANd gRANT mANAgEmENT 32 SCiENCE PROmOTiON 34 iNNOvATiON ANd TEChNOLOgy dEvELOPmENT 37 iNNOvATiON ANd iNdUSTRiAL RESEARCh 38 NATURAL SCiENCES 39 BiOTEChNOLOgy 39 part c: financial report 43 FiNANCiAL STATEmENTS FOR ThE yEAR ENdEd mARCh 31, 2014 45 gENERAL iNFORmATiON 46 COmmiSSiONER’S RESPONSiBiLiTiES ANd APPROvAL 47 iNdEPENdENT AUdiTOR’S REPORT 48 COmmiSSiONER’S REPORT 49 STATEmENT OF FiNANCiAL POSiTiON 50 STATEmENT OF iNCOmE 51 STATEmENT OF ChANgES iN EqUiTy 52 STATEmENT OF CASh FLOwS 53 ACCOUNTiNg POLiCiES 54 NOTES TO FiNANCiAL STATEmENTS 56 dETAiLEd iNCOmE STATEmENT 61

2 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 1 C h A i RPERSON ’ S STATE m ENT Chairperson’s statement

The 2013/14 financial year marks an Science and Technology (NCRST and the 7. Deepen stakeholders cooperation Education, Hon Dr. David Namwandi, important milestone for NCRST towards Delegation of Authority to Committees of and strategic alignment around and my fellow Commissioners. My becoming fully functional with a fulltime the Commission, Chairperson and CEO. RSTI, and deep appreciation extends to the Chief management team and the Board of 8. Align and integrate a supporting Executive Officer, Dr Eino Mvula and his Commissioners being able to perform In parallel with the genesis of the regulatory environment for RSTI team for their stewardship of the NCRST. its duties of governance and strategy governance framework for the NCRST, the in Namibia. C h A i RPERSON ’ S STATE m ENT formulation. Following the appointment organizational structure replete with job of the 16 Member Board of Commissioners grades (Paterson scale) and remuneration The NCRST continues to ask fundamental in May 2012, the process of recruiting the regime were formally approved by the questions about its own definition of Chief Executive Officer was initiated. The Commission and subsequently, by the success. The primary objective of the Chief Executive Officer was appointed appointing authority, the Minister of Commission is to establish a national prof andre du pisani and assumed duty in July 2013. In order Education, Dr. David Namwandi. This system that promotes, develops, to facilitate the execution of its function, was then followed by the appointment of coordinates and informs Research, Science the Commission established in terms of key managerial staff over a period from Technology and Innovation towards a Section 13 of the Research, Science and October 2013 to the end of January 2014. knowledge-based society. The Board of Technology Act, 2004, the following Commissioners is encouraged by the Committees: The reporting period (2013/14) was emerging collaboration between NCRST 1. The Executive Committee; devoted to in-depth and extensive policy and its key stakeholders. Collaboration 2. The Foundation for Research review and design for the NCRST. This is critical to enable the Commission to Science and Technology process produced revised policies in the achieve the goal of reducing fragmentation Committee; domains of Financial Management and and duplication of effort within Namibia 3. Finance, Investments, Audit and Procedures, Human Resource Policies innovation systems. Risk Management Committee; and Procedures. 4. The Human Resources and I wish to express my deep gratitude for Remuneration Committee; and, Under the mantra of ‘Fostering Excellence the support received from Minister of 5. The Tender Committee. through Knowledge and Innovation’ the The Terms of Reference for each of the Strategic Plan of the NCRST was finalized above Committees were drafted and and approved by the Commission. The subsequently adopted by the Commission Strategic Plan resonates powerfully with during the period under review. This Vision 2030 – the long-term development process was preceded by induction frame of the country – and speaks to training to all Commissioners, with special other relevant national development emphasis on the legal and governance documents, such as NDP4. The Plan frameworks of the NCRST, inclusive of pivots around three (3) strategic themes the provisions of the King III Code. The over the next five years. These are: Commission also approved the Charter 6. Further public understanding of of the National Commission on Research, and interest in RSTI in Namibia.

2 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 3 CEO ’ S REPORT CEO’s rEpOrt

CEO ’ S REPORT The NCRST is pleased to present its Annual 1. Finalization of review of Research guidance and support. My profound and will take the Commission to greater Report for the financial year 2013/14. This Proposals for Funding under the appreciation also goes to the Minister of heights. represents a significant milestone in the Namibia-South Africa Joint calls; Education, Hon Dr. David Namwandi existence of the Commission. The 2013/14 2. Development of Procedure for his visionary leadership that enables financial year was dominated by the Manual for the operationalization NCRST to deliver on its mandate. I completion of the consolidation process of the National Research, Science and continue to be inspired by the hard- and implementation of the Commission’s Technology Fund (NRSTF); working staff members of NCRST whose mandate as set out in the Research, 3. Issuance of First Call for Research tireless effort has brought us where we are Dr. eino mvula Science and Technology Act, 2004 (Act no Proposals in February 2014; 23 of 2004). 4. Formulation of the National Programme on Research, Science, As a new organization we were required Technology and Innovation to develop the governance framework to (2014/15 to 2017/18) with guide the work of the Commission and its stakeholders consultation as Committees and also to develop internal provided for the in Section 18 of policies in order to ensure compliance to Research, Science and Technology the provisions of the Research, Science and Act, 2004 (Act no 23 of 2004); Technology Act,2004 (Act no 23 of 2004) 5. Formulation and approval of as well as other statutory requirements. the strategic plan for the period Key policies and procedures that guide 2014/15 to 2018/19 the operations of the NCRST were developed and processes were initiated The NCRST continues to strengthen resulting in the successful transfer of its leadership as with high quality functions from the former Directorate of leadership team in order to deliver on Research, Science and Technology within its mandate, hence the appointment of a the Ministry of Education to the NCRST competent and dedicated team. Although as an autonomous statutory body. the National System of Innovation still faces several challenges that need to be In addition to the work aimed at setting addressed, we are confident that with the up the organisational foundations, the strong commitment and support of all NCRST continued to carry out work our stakeholders these challenges are not on the coordination, development, insurmountable. and coordination of research, science, technology and innovation in line with I would like to take the opportunity to its mandate. It is noteworthy highlighting express deep gratitude to the Board of some of major achievements during the Commissioners under the leadership reporting period 2013/14, this includes: of Professor Andre du Pisani for their

4 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 5 part a: organizational overview

6 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 7 corporate overview

NCRST mANdATE 10 miSSiON 10 viSiON 10 vALUES 10 STRATEgiC ThEmES 11

8 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 9 CORPORATE O v ER vi E w corporate overview

ncrSt manDate promotes, develops, coordinates and and decisions, and all staff members up to responsible action. Government has long recognized the informs research, science technology and must consciously practice the values so importance of Research, Science and innovation (RSTI) towards a knowledge- as to develop a consistent values-based 9. Passion for Excellence - Passion Technology as an engine of economic based society. approach. is an intense emotion compelling, CORPORATE O v ER vi E w growth and development, hence the enthusiasm, or desire, in this case enactment of the Research, Science and Explanation: The emphasis is on creating 7. Integrity - adherence to moral and we have the passion to excel. Doing Technology Act, 2004 (Act no 23 of 2004). a systematic approach that links and ethical principles; soundness of moral anything with excellence of course The objectives as outlined in section 1 of coordinates stakeholders in a delivery character; honesty. Coming across as means that we will do the very best the Act are: funnel towards achieving optimal RSTI authentic. Others experience us as that will be able to be done. We will 1) to ensure the co-ordination, relevant deliverables and in that process being true to what we promise, we therefore perform to the best of our Establish a We strive monitoring and supervision of furthers meaningful progress towards a are consistent in the way we do things own ability, and further those abilities A national system for personal A research, science and technology in knowledge based society (socio-economic in that this is always based on being so that we can feel deeply satisfied that promotes, excellence to Namibia; system/society) truthful, honest and sincere. We are about our achievements. We strive develops, 2) to promote and develop research, seen to be consistently trustworthy for personal excellence to make make significant coordinates science and technology in Namibia; viSion and honest in the way we deal with significant contributions to NCRST contributions and informs 3) to promote common ground in To achieve 2% of Gross-Domestic NCRST work. excellence. Indeed performing with to NCRST research, science research, scientific and technological Product (GDP) invested in Research and excellence will require passion. excellence. technology thinking across all disciplines, Development (R&D) in Namibia by 2018 8. Pro-activeness - anticipatory, Although success is never a guarantee, and innovation including the physical, mathematical to meaningfully support Vision 2030 change-oriented and self-initiated our passion never gives birth to (RSTI) towards and life sciences, as well as human, behaviour in situations, particularly mediocrity. Our excellence starts with in the workplace. Proactive behaviour getting very clear on the end state a knowledge- social and economic sciences; Explanation: The vision attempts to 4) to encourage and promote innovative galvanize the various stakeholders and involves acting in advance of a future we wish to achieve and relentlessly based society. and independent thinking and the mechanisms/means that make up the situation, rather than just reacting. driving towards it every day. We optimum development of intellectual funnel towards the creation of RSTI Being prepared, anticipating and know when to push on (even when capacity of people in research, science deliverables into an R&D commitment and considering consequences and placing you don’t have all the information or and technology; spend that as a lead indicator will further oneself in a position to deal with and the perfect solution), but doing it well 5) to ensure dedicated, prioritised and promote socio-economic development manage them. It means taking control and constantly refining as we forge systematic funding for research, in the context of a knowledge-based and making things happen rather ahead. science and technology application economy. than just adjusting to a situation or and development in Namibia; waiting for something to happen. Strategic themeS 6) to promote linkages between Namibia valueS Organisationally, it means creating and international institutions and The NCRST strives to further value a desired future, and thus taking the The following themes are of vital strategic bodies on the development of based behaviour, engaging and relating, initiative to do so. Proactive staff importance over the next five years and research, science and technology. decision making and action. Stakeholders members generally do not need to create distinct focal clusters against which interacting with the NCRST and its be asked to act, nor do they require objectives can be defined: miSSion representatives should consistently detailed instructions, they are guided 1. Further Public Understanding – in Establish a national system that experience these values in all interactions by a clear purpose and desire to live order to create interest and a certain pull

10 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 1 1 Laboratories Schools Polytechnic Research Agencies International M of E University Research, Science & Technology Delivery Funnel CORPORATE O v ER vi E w Professionals S Scientists for RSTI in Namibia, public awareness NCRST Strategic Plan for the period and understanding will be vital – here 2104/15 to 2018/19 was formulated leverage should be sought in respect during December 2013 and January 2014, targeting segments of the population through two workshops held – one in

CORPORATE O v ER vi E w that will further RSTI progress most December 2013 and one in January 2014.

favourably (optimal effort-return ratio); The selected NCRST staff members (a Resourcing 2. Further Stakeholder Cooperation mixture of managerial and professional & Alignment – to identify active and staff) worked systematically towards a potentially active RSTI “players” and strategy document. Under the mantra of create linkages, networks and ventures ‘Fostering Excellence through Knowledge Early Education A balanced that will further and optimise RSTI and Innovation’ the Strategic Plan of the A scorecard progress within the delivery funnel; and NCRST was finalized in March 2014 and A approach 3. Alignment and integration of approved by the Commission at a Special is adopted Regulatory Environment – to establish Meeting of 13 March 2014 and duly to facilitate a relevant and desirable operating submitted to the Minister of Education, Creation implementation of environment underlying legislative Hon David Namwandi. The Strategic the four strategic and statutory frameworks aligned and Plan follows the Balance Score Card (BSC) Formal themes identified. integrated towards optimal mobilisation approach hence the report will follow the Employment of RSTI in Namibia. balance scorecard perspectives The Strategic themes are: The themes provide guidance in the • Perspective 1: Stakeholders formulation of appropriate objectives and Perspective •

subsequent targets. At the Commission’s Perspective 2: Financial Application meeting held on 18 July 2013, a business Perspective Applied/ plan covering a period of 3 to 4 months • Perspective 3: Internal Business Focused on-job of the operationalization of the NCRST Process Perspective was approved. This short-term business • Perspective 4: Growth and plan served as vehicle to facilitate the Learning Perspective

operationalization of the NCRST and also ¥ Added-value ¥ Scientific ¥ per Capita ¥ Innovations OUTCOME Ventures articles scientists researchers/ facilitated the development of the first five This report covers progress made in terms years Strategic Plan for the Organisation. of initiatives and activities performed to A balanced scorecard approach is achieve the objectives in line with the adopted to facilitate implementation of approved Strategic Plan. the four strategic themes identified. The

12 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 1 3 BoarD of commiSSionerS Structure

functionS 16 ncrSt commiSSionerS 18 ncrSt committeeS 20 executive commitee (exco) 20 founDation for reSearch Science anD technology 20 finance, inveStmentS ,auDit anD riSk management committee 21 human reSourceS anD remuneration commitee 21 tenDer committee 21

14 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 1 5 BOAR d OF CO mmi SS i ONERS board of commissioners structure functionS persons belonging to designated research, science and technology and to facilitate, separately or The National Commission on Research groups; conferences, meetings, workshops in co-operation with the private Science and Technology (NCRST) is 5) to promote the participation of or any similar event; sector, the use of public good established in terms of section 4 of the Namibians and research institutes 10) to participate, in co-operation with research outputs, and to stimulate Research Science and Technology Act, in regional and international relevant bodies and institutes, proposals of broad national in studies on human resources interest for research; BOAR d OF CO mmi SS i ONERS 2004 (Act no 23 of 2004). The NCRST is research, science and technology governed by the Commission consisting projects and events, and, in co- relating to research, science 13) to provide research grants, loans, of (16) members appointed by the operation with the Minister and and technology activities, and bursaries and similar financial Minister and a five member Executive Ministers responsible for foreign where appropriate, to promote aid in research, science and committee which execute the decisions of affairs and finance, to enter into the growth and development technology; of human resources for such 14) to collect, disseminate and A the Commission. agreements on co-operation and A The function and powers of the maintenance of relationships with activities; promote any research, science Commission in terms of section 5 of the similar foreign institutions in the 11) to collect and distribute, in and technology results, statistics, Act are: fields of research, science and accordance with this Act, financial, reports, literature, data, services 1) to monitor and supervise the technology; human and other resources or any other information, promotion,co-ordination, 6) to promote awareness and national for the efficient management including the establishment and development and continuation of appreciation of the value of and promotion of councils and maintenance of information research, science and technology research, science and technology research institutes and to solicit systems to support - in all sectors in Namibia, and to social, cultural and economic and make priorities for funding in (i) the monitoring and to minimize overlapping in the development; respect of- evaluation of the fields of research, science and 7) to promote, facilitate and organise (i) research, science and overall management technology; seminars, conferences, lectures, technology purposes; and functioning of the 2) to prepare and review a national workshops and similar events (ii) a framework for science and technology programme in the manner referred relating to research, science and expense on research, system and the national to in section 18; technology; science and technology; system of innovation; 3) to co-ordinate and facilitate the 8) to promote the application of (iii) the building and and development of research, science research, science and technology maintenance of (ii) the continuous and technology on national, to the development and research, science and revision of science and regional and local level, and to improvement of industrial and technology capacity technology policies to provide direction and policy commercial outputs, designs and by way of selective address changing and guidance to the research, science productivity; funding of training new circumstances; and technology innovation 9) in co-ordination with the Minister and development; and 15) to undertake, in co-operation with systems in Namibia; responsible for foreign affairs, (iv) national facilities for the appropriate institutions and 4) to promote broad participation in to participate in international research, science and other bodies, the development research, science and technology research, science and technology technology; and exploitation of any research, activities with due regard to the events of national interest, 12) to co-ordinate the use of moneys science and technology invention, promotion of designated groups or and to represent Namibia at of the Fund and investments, and to provide advice and

16 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 1 7 Prof Andre du Pisani Dr Johannes D. Shoopala Mr Markus von Jeney Mr Alfred Ilukena BOAR d OF CO mmi SS i ONERS

assistance to innovators and 21) to make recommendations inventors in the registration and to the Minister regarding the Ms Martha Namundjebo- Mr Johannes Aipanda Ms Sharonice Busch Mr Uda Nakamhela protection of their innovations amendment of this Act or any Tilahun and inventions; other Acts which may contribute 16) to identify and validate national to the promotion of research,

BOAR d OF CO mmi SS i ONERS research and development science and technology; priorities in or relating to research, at the request of the Minister, or on its own accord, to enquire into, report on science and technology; and make recommendations on any 17) to identify and raise awareness matter, or the performance of such other with any authority, institution, tasks, falling within the objects of this Act. A body or person, of any need A relating to the establishment, ncrSt commiSSionerS transformation or dissolution of 1. Prof Andre du Pisani, any relevant research, science Chairperson Ms Hilma Nangombe Ms Graça D‘Almeida Dr Vicky Do Cabo Ms Petrina N. Nakale or technology body or policy or 2. Dr Johannes D. Shoopala, Deputy other relevant matter, including Chairperson the co-ordination of any request 3. Mr Markus von Jeney, Member for advice in this regard; 4. Mr Alfred Ilukena, Member 18) to build capacity, skills and know- 5. Ms Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, how of the staff of the Commission Member and councils and Namibian people 6. Mr Johannes Aipanda, Member in general; 7. Ms Sharonice Busch, Member 19) to advise the Minister on manners 8. Mr Uda Nakamhela, Member how to secure a sustained basis for 9. Ms Hilma Nangombe, Member the funding of research, science 10. Ms Graça D‘Almeida. Member and technology; 11. Dr Vicky Do Cabo, Member 20) to advise the Minister, the 12. Ms Petrina N. Nakale, Member Mr Franz Uirab Ms Elly Hamunyela Ms Josephine J. /Haubas Ms Antonia Kapia President, Parliament and any 13. Mr Franz Uirab, Member other authority or body on the 14. Ms Elly Hamunyela, Member functions and initiatives of the 15. Ms Josephine J. /Haubas, Commission and on any matter Member relating to research, science and 16. Ms Antonia Kapia, Member technology; 17. Dr. Eino Mvula, CEO/Member

18 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 1 9 BOAR d OF CO mmi SS i ONERS

ncrSt committeeS Chairperson”) Section 18 of the Act. of accurate financial reporting, state of The Commission shall in terms of Sections • Vice-Chairperson of the Commission o To oversee and approve the allocation compliance with all applicable legal 12, 13 and 14 read together with Section (the “Vice-Chairperson”) of resources necessary to advance and requirements and accounting standards 31 of the Act delegate certain functions • Three other Commissioners elected implement the National Research, and risk management. to the Chairperson of the NCRST (“the by the Commission Science ,Technology and Innovation Programme. human reSourceS anD BOAR d OF CO mmi SS i ONERS Chairperson”), the CEO or any other • The Chairperson and Vice- statutory Committees established under Chairperson of the Commission o To guide the allocation of the resources remuneration committee the Act, without abdicating its own shall be the Chairperson and necessary to advance strategic regional To oversee compliance with HR related responsibilities. The functions may be Vice-Chairperson of the EXCO and international collaborations in the Policies and provide advice on such delegated to the following commitees: respectively. field of Research, Science, Technology Policies to the Commission. Initiate and During the period • Executive Committee; and Innovation. oversee the formulation and review of all A under review, A • Foundation for Research, Science founDation for reSearch, o To evaluate and approve grants for HR related Policies and recommend to the Commission and Technology (FRST); Science anD technology research and innovation. the Commission for approval with due approved • Finance, Investments, Audit and The Foundation for Research, Science and o To actively pursue international consideration of guidelines contained in the Terms of Risk Management Committee Technology (the “Foundation”) whose collaboration and funding the Labour Act, 2007 and State-Owned references of all (FIARM); functions are as specified in the rules of opportunities for collaborative Enterprises Governance Act, 2006 (SOE its Committees. • Human Resources and the Commission is established in terms research. Act) where appropriate. Remuneration Committee; of section 13 (4) of Research Science and o To ensure that Intellectual Property and Technology Act 23 of 2004 (the “Act”). Rights (IPR) issues emanating from tenDer committee • Tender Committee; The Foundation shall consist of seven publicly funded research is handled The primary purpose of the Committee is During the period under review, the members elected by the Commission from in a fair and equitable manner in line to assist the Commission in discharging Commission approved the Terms of their number to serve on an annual basis, with Section 33 of the Act. its duties in ensuring that an appropriate references of all its Committees. or such longer period as the Minister, on procurement system is established and recommendation of the Commission, may maintained. executive committee (exco) determine. finance, inveStmentS, Section 12 (1) of Research Science and The Foundation shall have the following auDit anD riSk In addition to the ordinary and special Technology Act, 2004 (Act 23 of 2004) powers and functions: management committee meetings of the Commission and its (“the Act”) establishes the Executive The primary purpose of this committee is Committees, several workshops were Committee (EXCO) whose functions is o To advise the Commission in to assist the Commission in discharging also held to review Terms of reference to execute decisions and manage the formulating national policies and its duties relating to the safeguarding of of Committees as well as policies of the affairs and activities of the Commission. strategies on Research, Science, assets, the operation of adequate systems, NCRST The EXCO shall consist of five members Technology and Innovation. control processes and the preparation appointed by the Commission, comprising o To oversee the development of the following persons as listed in Section the National Research, Science, 12 (3) of the Act: Technology and Innovation programme and monitor its • Chairperson of the Commission (the “ implementation as provided for in

20 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 2 1 management anD Support Structure

management StructureS 24 Support StructureS 26

22 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 2 3 m ANA g E ENT AN d SUPPORT management and support structure executive management research, Science, technology & innovation coordination and Support Department position incumbent commenced position incumbent commenced GM: Research, Science, Technology & 1 CEO Dr. Eino Mvula 1 July 2013 1 Innovation Coordination and Support Dr Diina Shuuluka 3 February 2014 GM: Research, Science, Technology & Manager: Policies, Programmes and 2 Innovation Coordination and Support Dr Diina Shuuluka 3 February 2014 2 Dr Simasiku Siseho Council Services 1 March 2014

m ANA g E ENT AN d SUPPORT GM: Innovation and Technology Deceased 7 April 2014 3 Development (Management of National Manager: Resource Mobilisation and facilities) Mr John Sifani 1 December 2013 3 Vacant at 31 march 2014 Grant Management 4 GM: Business Support Ms Albertina Ngurare 3 February 2014 Manager: Resource Human, Institutional 4 Ms Angelique Philander 1 March 2014 Development and Science Promotion Head: Company Secretariat and Legal A 5 Advice Ms Enid Keramen 6 January 2014 A innovation and technology Development (management of national facilities) Department 6 Head: Internal Audit Mr Metlem Kahona 6 January 2014 position incumbent commenced Head: Corporate Communication and GM: Innovation and Technology 7 Ms Elzita E. Beukes 3 February 2014 Marketing 1 Development (Management of National Mr John Sifani 1 December 2013 Head: Quality Assurance and facilities) 8 Operational Excellence Mr Matheus Shikongo 13 January 2014 Manager: Resource Innovation and 2 Industrial Research Ms Lovisa Kambonde 1 March 2014

management Structure 3 Manager: Natural Science Research Ms Hilya Shikongo 1 March 2014 Office of the CEO 4 Manager: Biotechnology-Paterson Vacant at 31 march 2014 position incumbent commenced

1 CEO Dr. Eino Mvula 1 July 2013 Business Support Department Head: Company Secretariat and Legal 2 Ms Enid Keramen 6 January 2014 position incumbent commenced Advice 1 GM: Business Support Ms Albertina Ngurare 3 February 2014 3 Head: Internal Audit Mr Metlem Kahona 6 January 2014 Head: Corporate Communication and 2 Manager: Finance Vacant at 31 march 2014 4 Ms Elzita E. Beukes 3 February 2014 Marketing Head: Quality Assurance and 3 Manager: Human Resources Vacant at 31 march 2014 5 Mr Matheus Shikongo 13 January 2014 Operational Excellence 4 Manager: ICT Vacant at 31 march 2014

24 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 2 5 m ANA g E ENT AN d SUPPORT

Support Structure service to board and management. CP01- Policy Development and Document Control Policy internal audit CP02-Standing Rules of the Commission To provide a professional internal audit Quality assurance and operation function that enables the effective, excellence CP02A- Recruitment and Selection consistent and thorough auditing of all To establish the quality and standards CP02B- Remuneration Policy NCRST processes and systems, within requirements throughout the NCRST CO02C-Disciplinary and Grievance Policy

m ANA g E ENT AN d SUPPORT the context of a risk and mitigations and provide support and services to CP02E- Training and Development Policy framework. Internal Audit has formulated other functions in order to ensure high CP04- Travel Policy the Audit Charter and Audit Plan for standards and consistency throughout 2014/15 which was considered and the NCRST. The NCRST will develop and CP05- Medical Aid Policy Establish a We strive approved by the Finance Investment, implement quality management systems CP06- Cellular Phone Policy A national system for personal A Audit and Risk Management (FIARM) based on international Standards, ISO CP07- Internal and External Communication Policy that promotes, excellence to Committee in March 2013. Internal Audit 9001 across the organisation to ensure develops, of the Recruitment and Payroll was consistency and reliability of service In order to ensure staff competence the 29 January 2014 and recommended for make significant coordinates conducted during the reporting period. provision to stakeholders. This would be NCRST staff will be required to attend approval by the Commission. Most of contributions and informs Based on the results of the audit, (eleven) facilitated by a business process mapping conferences and training. A competence the amendments have been incorporated, to NCRST research, science findings were identified to indicate spearheaded by the Head of Quality based training will be formulated for all however, the procedural flow charts excellence. technology operational weaknesses in the processing Assurance and Operational Excellence. staff and coordinated through the Human are yet to be developed. The Financial and innovation and monitoring of recruitment and Resource Division in line with the CP02E- Management Policy will be submitted to (RSTI) towards payroll activities completed from July corporate communications and Training and Development Policy. the Commission for consideration and a knowledge- 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014. The report marketing approval at its next meeting in July 2014. was presented to the Finance Investment, The function is tasked with positioning Following the approval of the Strategic based society. Audit and Risk Management (FIARM) the NCRST both internally and externally Plan by the Commission, a process of information technology Committee at its meeting in March 2014. as an effective and valuable driver of developing the Business Plan for 2014/15 The NCRST has been faced with the RSTI in Namibia, a key factor in the RSTI and cascading into individual score challenge of attracting a suitably qualified company Secretariat and legal advice delivery channel that has substance and card has commenced. The Performance candidate for the position of the ICT The division provides a complete legal ability to meaningfully further RSTI in Management Policy (CP09) has been Manager whose primary task would and company secretarial service, with Namibia. developed and would be taken through be to establish the ICT infrastructure to specialist services bought-in managed the appropriate governance process for support the realization of the organization to NCRST requirements and standards. human resources approval. strategic objectives. This has necessitated Since all other departments are also in a The following policies have been approved the NCRST to enlist the services of IT process of emergence and development, by the Commission at its meeting held finance companies. The following systems and this functions ties-in closely with all on 30 January 2014. The policies have The NCRST Financial Management Policy platform have now been established, legal requirements in all other functional also been submitted to the Minister of (CP03), was reviewed by the Finance, Pastel Accounting and VIP Payroll areas, assists in mitigating legal risk and Education, Hon Dr. David Namwandi. Investments, Audit and Risk Management system, internet and email connection as provides an effective company secretarial (FIARM) Committee at its meeting of well as a website.

26 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 2 7 part B: performance overview

28 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 2 9 reSearch, Science, technology anD innovation coorDination anD Support

policieS anD programme Development 32 reSource moBilization anD grant management 32 Science promotion 34

30 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 3 1 research, science, technology and innovation RST i COOR di NAT ON coordination and support While interdependent and integrated and NGOs. and evaluation system for Namibia. The • Financial resources derived within the NCRST value chain, the establishment of the funding mechanisms from the sale of any asset of the The Programme will have a proactive department is concerned with the creation and frameworks would promote fairness Commission; approach by forecasting future trends RST i COOR di NAT ON and deepening of RSTI awareness, the and equity while striving towards vital and thus employing interventions • Money borrowed under section development and alignment of the and quality research outputs, which are in promising research, science and 5(2); regulatory environment leveraging its socially and economically relevant for innovation areas to take advantage of possibilities to optimally serve RSTI, the Namibian people.This cooperation • Financial resources received by promising areas with a long term view. and the allocation of grants and support was being carried out as per the Terms of the way of donations or grants Other areas of focus will be promoting means to directly further the development Reference developed between UNESCO from any source in Namibia, and, disciplinary integration through climate of RSTI. Some key activities under and the Ministry of Education in 2012. subject to the approval of the The Programme development relevant inter and multi- The establishment the specific divisions are being highlighted As part of this process a stakeholders Minister in agreement with the will have a disciplinary science, technology and of the funding B in this report. engagement workshop was held in Minister responsible for finance, B innovation research, underpinned by the proactive Windhoek in May 2013, which was from any source outside Namibia; mechanisms and principle of sustainable development. approach by followed by the Workshop on the draft frameworks would Thus the focus will be science, • Financial resources obtained forecasting policieS anD programme Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) promote fairness technology and innovation research through the sale of i) publications future trends and Development Funding Mechanism, Monitoring and and equity while and their intersection with economic, prepared by or for the Commission; thus employing Evaluation System held on 20 August striving towards The National Commission on Research, environmental and social aspects of the ii) reference material, data and interventions 2013. A number of stakeholders attended vital and quality Science and Technology (NCRST) has been Namibian society, economic landscape information; and in promising the workshop and provided input in research outputs mandated by the Minister of Education and the environment. Furthermore the the draft documents. Considering the • Any other financial resources research, science to develop the implementation strategy law prescribe that the Programme is need to advance research, technology which may accrue to the and innovation in the form of the National Programme a three yearly programme approved and innovation, section 23 of Research, Commission. areas to take on Research, Science, Technology and and endorsed by Cabinet and National Science and Technology Act 23 of 2004 advantage Innovation according to Section 18 of Assembly. It is also defined that the Commission creates the “National Research, Science the Research, Science and Technology should manage the Fund in accordance of promising and Technology Fund” and provides Act, 2004 (Act No 23 of 2004). As part with sound principles, by observing the areas with a basic provisions. Article 24 of the Act of this process, on 24 and 25 March reSource moBilization anD measures implemented to protect its long term view. defines that the fund is constituted by: this year, the National Commission on grant management liquidity. Research, Science and Technology held a • Financial resources appropriated establishment of the research fund The Act defines that the money available by Parliament on behalf of the National Consultative Workshop on the in the Fund should be used: Development of the National Programme The National Commission on Research, Fund; on Research, Science, Technology and Science and Technology (NCRST) • To pay the administrative • Fees that are received under the Innovation Programme (NPRSTI). with assistance of the United Nations expenses of the Commission; Act for the benefit of the Fund; The workshop attracted close to 150 Educational, Scientific and Cultural • To pay the administrative • Interests or dividends earned on participants representing institutions of Organisation (UNESCO) has developed expenses of every council; higher learning, government ministries, the Science, Technology and Innovation any investment made in terms of State-Owned Enterprises, private sector (STI) funding mechanisms and monitoring subsection 5; • To fund the costs of any project or other activity of the Commission

32 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 3 3 RST i COOR di NAT ON

undertaken by the Commission or institutions have signed the agreements Foundation. The purpose of the conditions. Plato courseware is ideally by any research institute with the outlining the conditions of the grant Science Fair is to popularize science suited to a variety of learning situations, approval of the Commission; and and related reporting requirements. and technology among our students, such as alternative education, school to RST i COOR di NAT ON The NCRST will ensure adherence to community and educators. It is a vehicle to work programmes, workplace training • To pay remunerations and the condition through the reporting and encourage student, parents and teachers and retraining endeavours, adult basic allowances payable by the monitoring mechanisms to be established to take a more active interest in the study education developmental studies, and Commission and such other and implemented for the current of science by providing an opportunity for employment preparation programmes. expenses incurred by the and future research grants under the students to conduct and publicly present Whether presented in an instructor Commission in the performance Commission. an independent scientific inquiry. During independent setting, as a supplement of its functions. the reporting period, the National Science to a mainstream programme, or as Out of a total of National research funding under the namibia/ Fair 2013 was successfully hosted at the an advanced course offering, PLATO B 60 peer-reviewed Commission on B South africa bilateral agreement Science promotion Sports Klub Windhoek (SKW) from 10 – software can meet the needs of a wide research 12 September 2013. range of learner populations. Research, Science proposals, At the Bilateral Namibia/South Africa national Science, technology and and Technology mathematics and Science computer The following centres are currently being the NCRST Joint Technical Meeting held in Windhoek innovation week (NCRST) as the over two-days in October 2013. This based learning centres established; Ongwediva (Oshana region), subsequently This event is organised annually with an national IST- important and productive meeting Rundu (Kavango region) and Gobabis agreed in mid- aim of providing a comprehensive, multi- This project has been building capacity Africa partner solidified previously agreed thematic (Omaheke region) as well as finalising January 2014, to facetted, interactive programme made and upgrading the abilities of senior in Namibia areas of cooperation in research, science, the management system for all centres up of some national and international secondary school learners in order fund 42 research technology and innovation between the including the future of the project. organised keynote addresses, illustrated talks, that they enter tertiary studies with a proposals two countries and took stock of a number workshops for workshops, short courses, competitions, more advanced level of understanding information Society technologies (iSt- of SADC-wide multilateral frameworks stakeholders demonstrations, displays, exhibitions, Mathematics and Science fields. The pilot africa) and projects. Out of a total of 60 peer- in Information sport science events and field trips, to centre has been based in Windhoek but reviewed research proposals, the NCRST During the period under review, the Society, ICT enthral and inspire our budding young now that the viability has been assessed, subsequently agreed in mid-January 2014, National Commission on Research, and Innovation scientists (and their educators). During further centres are being established to fund 42 research proposals under the Science and Technology (NCRST) as the the period under review, the event was throughout Namibia. Three centres related research Joint Third Call (2013). These proposals national IST-Africa partner in Namibia held at the University of Namibia from in Keetmanshoop, Katima Mulilo and and innovation group within a range of disciplines, such organised workshops for stakeholders in 15– 19 July 2013 organised and facilitated Khorixas respectively have also been activities in a as animal sciences, computer science, Information Society, ICT and Innovation by the National Commission on Research, established. series of IST- education, environmental sciences, related research and innovation activities Science and Technology (NCRST) in Africa activities food sciences, microbiology, molecular The training product used is PLATO in a series of IST-Africa activities during collaboration with the Ministry of genetics, astronomy, Indigenous software that is internationally recognized November 2013 in Windhoek: Education, the University of Namibia and Knowledge Systems and oceanography. as an accredited computer based learning the Polytechnic of Namibia. • IST-Africa Horizon 2020 tool. Plato was developed in America by The NCRST has disbursed close to N$ 2.8 Training Workshop, Thursday 14 the Roach Corporation in conjunction Mil for the approved research projects national Science fair November 2013 for recipients at UNAM, Polytechnic and with the University of Illinois but has This event is organised annually in DRFN. All recipients and their research been adjusted for Southern African • IST-Africa Living Labs Training collaboration with the NamPower

34 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 3 5 Workshop, Friday 15 November since 2005, IST-Africa is a strategic 2013 collaboration between IIMC (Ireland) and Ministries and National Councils

RST i COOR di NAT ON A comprehensive study of national responsible for Information Society, Information Society, ICT and Innovation ICT and/or STI (Science, Technology related Research Capacity in Namibia & Innovation) Adoption, Policy and Supported by the European Commission Research in 18 African Countries. The (EC) and African Union Commission workshops were held at Nampower (AUC), founded in 2002 and co-funded Convention Centre and were officially by the European Framework Programme opened by the NCRST Chairperson. B

innovation anD technology Development

innovation anD inDuStrial reSearch 38 natural ScienceS 39 Biotechnology 39

36 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 3 7 i NNO v AT ON AN d TEC h NOLO gy INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT innovation anD technology the national facilities in the form of and soft investment activities has been Biotechnology Development National Research, Science, Technology compiled for consideration under this and Innovation (RSTI) Valley consisting programme. Modern Biotechnology is regarded as While interdependent and integrated of (a)National Innovation Hub; (b) the one of the technologies that will change within the NCRST value chain, National Genetically Modified Organism the face of agriculture and many other the department is concerned with Testing, Training and Research Facility; natural ScienceS economic sectors. The ability of this the furthering of innovation and (c) the National Science Demonstration technology to cross species boundaries technology within the RSTI funnel. cherenkov telescope array Centre. These facilities will allow makes this technology a powerful tool i NNO v AT ON AN d TEC h NOLO gy Acting mostly as a catalyst in terms of academia and industry to have access The National Commission on Research, that has to be closely managed and bringing various partners together and to state-of-the-art laboratories for Science and Technology (NCRST), mastered by nations where agriculture bringing various furthering cooperation within Innovation The Biosafety their research as well as product and together with delegates from South is a critical sector of the economy and B partners together and Technology development and Act (Act No. 7 of B technology development. The rationale Africa, held a task force meeting on livelihood of citizens. The Biosafety and furthering application, there are instances where 2006) provides of this proposed National RSTI valley is 1 April 2014 on Namibia’s bid for the Act (Act No. 7 of 2006) provides for the department will take a more direct cooperation to facilitate linkages and collaboration Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). Prior measures to regulate activities involving for measures role of involvement, but within a clearly within Innovation between different stakeholders in RSTI to the meeting, the delegation paid a the research, development, production, to regulate defined time frame and criteria, until the and Technology by providing a platform for exchange courtesy call to the Minister of Education, marketing, transport, application and activities venture can sustain itself. development and transfer of knowledge as well as Hon Dr. David Namwandi to appraise other uses of Genetically Modified involving the and application technology experiences. him on the CTA project especially in Organisms and specified products research, terms of the expectations from the host derived from genetically modified innovation anD inDuStrial development, country and potential benefits presented organisms; to establish a Biosafety reSearch production, by hosting the project. The CTA will Council and define its powers, functions olute food research centre (pearl marketing, national research, Science , technology millet) be the world’s biggest gamma ray and duties; and to make provision for transport, and innovation (rSti) valley observatory, ten times more powerful incidental matters. The Pearl Millet/Mahangu Project than today’s instruments. It will consist application The NCRST through the Ministry of is located in Ondangwa, and is a of two arrays, one in each hemisphere. A The selection of nominees to the and other uses Education has requested UNAM to production facility with major outputs in decision on where to host it is due to be Biosafety Council has been finalised by of Genetically allocate a portion of land measuring 8 ha the form of Mahangu flour and instant taken at a meeting in Munich, Germany the Commission at its special Meeting Modified for the development of the NRSTI Valley Porridge. The facility is targeting local from 10 - 11 April 2014. held on 13 March 2014. In accordance Organisms and facilitate the process of subdividing communities in particular women. with section 19 of the Research, Science the land to provide the required size Following the meeting between NCRST and Technology Act, 2004 (Act 23 of for the NRSTI. UNAM has approved in and Ministry of Trade and Industry Square kilometre array 2004) read together with section 6 (5) (b) principle the allocation of a piece of land (MTI) regarding the Pearl Millet of the Biosafety Act, 2006 (Act 7 of 2006), South of the Campus (between UNAM (Mahangu) project on 20 September Namibia participated in the launch of the a submission for the approval of the and the Western by-pass measuring 7 2013, the NCRST has requested MTI MeerKAT Square Kilometre Array (SKA) nominees was made on 17 March 2014 to ha. The UNAM Council is expected to support the project through its in South Africa from 24 to 28 March the Minister of Education for approval. to discuss the request at its meeting Industrial Upgrading and Modernization 2014. Namibia is a partner country in The Regulations will be finalised once on 10 April 2014. The land will house Programme (IUMP). A list of hard hosting the SKA due to its clear skies and the Biosafety Council is in place. This conducive environment for Astronomy.

38 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 3 9 process will include final stakeholders will be regulated through the Biosafety consultation. Upon finalisation of the Act. While this process is on-going, the Regulations, both the Regulations and Commission has been in the process the commencement date will be Gazetted. of setting up the administrative unit to The Commencement date will also deal with the regulations of GMOs in the indicate the starting date that GMO’s country. i NNO v AT ON AN d TEC h NOLO gy

B

40 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 4 1 part c: financial report

42 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 4 3 financial StatementS for the year enDeD march 31, 2014

general information 46 commiSSioner’S reSponSiBilitieS anD approval 47 inDepenDent auDitor’S report 48 commiSSioner’S report 49 Statement of financial poSition 50 Statement of income 51 Statement of changeS in eQuity 52 Statement of caSh flowS 53 accounting policieS 54 noteS to financial StatementS 56 DetaileD income Statement 61

44 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 4 5 F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS

C C

______Dr. Eino Mvula Prof. Andre du Pisani Chief Executive Officer Chairperson Board of Commissioners: NCRST

______Sharonice Busch Chairperson Finance and Audit Commitee

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C C

48 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 4 9 F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS

C C

50 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 5 1 F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS

C C

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C C

54 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 5 5 F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS

C C

56 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 5 7 F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS F i NANC AL STATE m ENTS

C C

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C C

60 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 6 1 NOTES

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62 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 NCRST ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014 6 3 Head Office Hamutenya Wanehepo Ndadi Street, Olympia, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 431 7000 Fax: +264 61 229 928 innovation hub Cnr Louis Raymond and Grant Webster Street, Olympia, Windhoek Tel: +264 61 431 7099 Fax: + 264 61 235 758

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