DST to investigate fracking impact on SKA
The minister of science and technology, Derek Hanekom, has announced the intention to undertake independent research on the possible negative effects of shale gas exploration and exploitation on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). Both are located in the Karoo. The written reply states that the research will be [...]
Call for innovation agency board members
The minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, has called for candidate nominations for reconstituting the board of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) in terms of the Technology Innovation Agency Act. The core objective of the TIA is to stimulate and intensify technological innovation in order to improve economic growth and the quality of [...]
National Space Agency to consider stake in Sunspace
Cabinet has approved that the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) further explores the acquisition of an equity stake in Sunspace, a local satellite manufacturer. In its statement earlier this week, Cabinet says it has accepted the outcomes of an investigation on government acquiring a majority stake in Sunspace. It has also approved do my homework [...]
Fracking “detrimental” to SKA
Shale gas exploration in the Karoo could harm the multi-billion rand Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, the Department of Mineral Resources has found. According to the findings of an investigation into hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – in the Karoo by the department, the controversial process will impact on radio astronomy projects in the area. [...]
Call for SA innovators to enter Siemens contest
Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, has encouraged South Africans to showcase their innovation on the global stage by entering a competition seeking technology solutions to development challenges. The minister has endorsed the competition aimed at small businesses, inventors, researchers, NGOs and technology organisations. Prize money of Euros 200,000 (approx R2 million) is available to [...]
Africa gets going on multi-billion rand SKA
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) African partner countries will meet during September to develop a joint strategic direction for the project. This follows South Africa’s successful bid to host the multi-billion rand telescope project. In May the SKA organisation announced that two of the three SKA receiver components would be constructed in Africa – with [...]
Pandor calls for more young scientists
Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, has encouraged learners who have won the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)-MeerKat schools competition to study maths and science, as the country needs more people with these skills. Learners in Grades 4 to 11 from various schools throughout the country were given an opportunity to enter a competition based on [...]
Act scuppers Shell fracking plans
Government has gazetted regulations restricting activities in areas which will host the multi-billion rand Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project – possibly putting an end to fracking plans in the Northern Cape.
According to the Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act 21 of 2007 no mining or prospecting will be allowed in areas which host the SKA; the Southern African large telescope (SALT) as well as the MeerKAT radio telescope.
While Shell had planned shale gas explorations – also known as fracking – in the Karoo, the announcement that SA would host 70% of the SKA project and the gazetting of the Act are set to affect the plan.
SA running out of scientists – Pandor
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will spend R110 million on internship programmes as it battles the severe drain of scientists in the public sector. Speaking at the National Science and Technology Forum, minister Naledi Pandor, noted that government needed to develop strategies to respond to the loss of skilled professionals – saying SA was running out [...]
R120m to kick-off SKA construction
The board of the African Renaissance Fund has approved a R120 million funding for the initial work to construct a network of radio telescopes in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) African partner countries. The South African government, through the minister of International Resources and Cooperation and the minister of Finance, has approved the allocation for [...]
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