IBM partners with govt on SKA
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) SA announced it anticipates working with IBM with the goal of developing a next generation big data analytics platform to better analyse large volumes of radio astronomy data. With self-tuning and self-learning capabilities, the proposed software may help automate the process of analyzing antenna-collected data allowing astronomers to more effectively [...]
R1.1bn spent on research chairs
Government has invested over R1.1billion in the South African Research Chairs (SARChI) since 2005.
According to Rural Development and Land Reform minister, Gugile Nkwinti, the money has been spent as part of government’s attempts to produce high quality postgraduate students and research and innovation outputs.
The SARChI is a flagship initiative of government designed to attract and retain excellence in research and innovation in the South African science system.
SKA win to boost ICT development
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the multi-billion rand Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project – saying the boost to ICT infrastructure would bring the country closer to the global centre of cutting-edge science and technology. With construction costs estimated at nearly 2 billion euros and annual operating costs of about 150 million euros – government [...]
Govt adds 60 research chairs
Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, has announced that 60 new research chairs will be awarded to various institutions of higher learning - increasing the total number to 154. The South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) is an initiative of government designed to attract and retain excellence in research and innovation in the South African [...]
Zuma calls for SKA support
President Jacob Zuma, has urged South Africans to get behind Africa’s bid to host the multi-billion rand Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. Speaking during his State of the Nation Address yesterday, Zuma noted the project could be a major infrastructure boost for the country. “Another infrastructure project with great potential is South Africa’s bid to [...]
DST promotes SKA awareness in schools
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is calling on all learners in grades 4 to 11 to enter a competition in aimed at increasing awareness on SA’s bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. Laptops, printers, digital cameras and organised tours to their nearest astronomy observatory will be awarded to winning learners. [...]
Science, technology crucial to climate solutions
Science and technology is crucial to government plans in confronting climate challenges, says the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Speaking at the COP17 conference in Durban, Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, noted that the department would play a key role in government’s commitment to green economy initiatives and the greening of industrial development.
“These initiatives provide the framework for a coordinated state approach to the challenges of climate change, development and poverty eradication. While the broad policies seek to address our challenge of job creation, infrastructure provision and socio-economic development – it is important to note science, technology and innovation remain central in the attainment of most of these challenges,” she explained.
DST, SAP partner in ICT innovation
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and software company, SAP, have announced their support for an advanced human capital development programme in ICT. Director-General of the DST, Phil Mjwara, and SAP Africa’s MD, Pfungwa Serima, signed a memorandum of understanding. SAP says it believes in investing in the countries in which they do business [...]
Increase black-owned tech companies – DST
Despite making strides in innovation and technology commercialisation, increasing the number of black-owned technology companies was still a challenge, says the Department of Science and Technology.
Speaking during the Technology Top 100 Awards in Johannesburg, Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, noted the awards would be key in stimulating entrepreneurship.
“One of our greatest challenges is to expand the number of black-owned technology companies. This can be seen not only in the response to the Technology Top 100 programme but also in other programmes such as the First National Bank Entrepreneur programme.”
CSIR, Dell partner on computing solutions
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has partnered with Cambridge University, Eclipse Holdings and Dell to expand access to research computing solutions and expertise. The partnership will leverage high performance computing to enable researchers to drive innovations focused on some of the world’s most challenging issues prevalent to the region including drought, climate [...]
muppet: 
ambreen11: 
Guest: 
Me: 
Seriously: 