R4.4bn for research and innovation
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has allocated a total of R4.4 billion to boost Research &Development in 2011 – with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) getting over R400 million.
In addition the department also proposed the formation of new research chairs and broadband connectivity for universities country wide by the end of the year.
Speaking during her budget speech, Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, spoke of the need to connect tertiary
institutions, saying there were medium term plans in place to ensure the connectivity of universities.
“By the end of December 2011, every major campus of every university will have broadband connectivity to SANReN (South African National Research Network. This means that a student studying or a researcher working in Thohoyandou will have the same connectivity as in Rondebosch.
Tech boost for Khayelitsha school
Western Cape Education minister, Donald Grant, has opened a new Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) school in Khayelitsha.
COSAT is one of three Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) facilities in the Western Cape. The other two existing facilities are the Cape Academy in Tokai and the new Claremont High School.
“Subjects such as Maths, Science and Technology give our learners the necessary skills for entering higher education studies, and for various career options in business, economics, accountancy and medicine. This is key to the economic development and progress of any country,” said Grant.
No decision on Karoo fracking bid
Mineral Resources minister, Susan Shabangu, has announced that the department will neither accept new applications nor finalise existing shale gas exploration applications until the department’s feasibility study is finalised.
This follows concerns that gas exploration plans in the Northern Cape could hamper SA’s bid to host the multi-billion rand SKA project.
“Given the intensity and scale of the issue and the fact that this (shale gas exploration) has never been done before in our shores,
New Dawn lifts into orbit
According to the company, the Ariane 5 vehicle lifted off and was followed by spacecraft separation from the launch vehicle and signal acquisition at on 22 April 2011.
The Intelsat New Dawn satellite is owned by a joint venture between a consortium led by Convergence Partners and Intelsat. The satellites 28 C-band and 24 Ku-band 36 MHz transponder units are designed specifically to supply critical communications infrastructure for African customers, who have experienced exceptional growth along with the development of the region.
Intelsat New Dawn is the first of eight satellites slated for launch over the next two years. Intelsat’s next launch is expected to be the Intelsat 18 satellite, slated for later in 2011.
R500 000 for Mozambique SKA site
SA will spend R500 000 on developing a site for the first radio telescope in Maluane, Mozambique, as it steps up its bid to host the multi-billion rand Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
This follows a decision by the countries to expedite the installation of Mozambique’s first radio telescope by early 2012 and submit the site readiness reports for the SKA bid on schedule.
Following a joint committee meeting held between the two countries last week, Science and Technology minister Naledi Pandor, committed to assisting Mozambique in establishing its Radio Astronomy Observatory (MRAO), which should reach operational levels by early next year.
Shell won’t obstruct SKA bid – DST
Despite concerns that gas exploration plans could hamper SA’s bid to host the multi-billion rand SKA project – the Department of Science and Technology (DST) says there are measures in place to protect its bid.
Addressing concerns on the planned Shell gas initiative in the Northern Cape, the DST noted they were looking at the implications of the exploration – which would pose an immediate threat to the bid if there were any strong radio signals in the area.
Support SKA bid – Pandor
Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor, has called for more support on SA’s bid to host the multi-billion euro Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
Speaking to the Pretoria Press Club this morning on the country’s bid to host the SKA radio telescope, Pandor called on the media to provide a platform to market the project and ensure that SA fully supports SKA initiatives.
“We believe SKA is an important project for several reasons, we will create a global scientific instrument, we will attract highly accomplished researchers and we will significantly strengthen our existing astronomy science achievements and create a first class hub for astronomy in Africa,” says Pandor.
Budget 2011: Boost for innovation budget
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is set to spend over R1.2 billion by 2014 on research, development and innovation budget in an effort to boost the country’s skills base and contribute to economic growth. According to the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) released by the National Treasury today, it was estimated the expenditure [...]
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