Before the SKA comes into being in 2024, this radio telescope is to date the largest and most sensitive in the southern hemisphere. Manamela, who is expected to be accompanied by premier Zamani Saul during the site visit, will today lead a meeting with SKA’s partners from other parts of Africa.

The department confirms the meeting, set to kick off this afternoon, will not only focus on the development of the project and what still needs to be achieved but on other radio astronomy initiatives and efforts that needs to be taken to grow astronomy in the country. The SKA will be the largest radio telescope in the world and will incorporate the MeerKAT telescope in its array. While the project is an international one with various countries joining forces, hopes are high that it will greatly benefit communities in the Northern Cape.

The project is amongst those set to significantly contribute to science and technological developments in the world, grow the economy and address the high number of unemployment in South Africa.

It is also hoped that while enabling scientists to make discoveries about the universe, the project will also bring new scientific opportunities to Africa.

OFM News