By Phenyo Selinda
Cape Town, South Africa – Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has emphasised the urgent need to “demystify science and its purposes and meaning to the lives of all people, especially the most marginalised” in South Africa and across Africa. This call was made during his address at the opening of the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU) in Cape Town on Tuesday evening.
Astronomy as a Tool for Inclusion
“Astronomy offers such an amazing opportunity to naturalise and indigenise scientific thinking within all our communities,” Nzimande stated. He highlighted the importance of making scientific knowledge accessible to the broader public through Open Access features online, which will help generate interest in science.
Nzimande also announced that young people have been appointed as volunteers for the event, with some presenting their research posters. The General Assembly (GA) includes satellite viewing sites across Africa and an astronomy ambassadors programme, which aims to leave a lasting legacy by promoting science throughout the continent.
Broadening Participation in Astronomy
On a continental scale, Nzimande stressed the importance of “broadening the participation of the African continent in astronomical sciences.” He acknowledged the significant contributions of the IAU Office for Astronomy Development (OAD) and the African Astronomical Society (AfAS), both based in Cape Town, in supporting other African countries to seize opportunities in astronomy.
“We also see this Assembly as an opportunity for raising awareness of the IAU within the African science community and encouraging the emergence and professional development of the next generation African scientists,” Nzimande said. He noted that over 3000 abstracts were submitted for the 2024 GA, providing a platform to share new data and test theoretical models through experimental work.
Vision for South African Astronomy
Nzimande outlined the government’s vision for South African astronomy, aiming to make the country a “global hub for astronomical sciences and facilities,” as detailed in the National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy of 2015. This strategy leverages South Africa’s strengths in astronomy, such as its clear southern skies, large-scale investments in projects like MeerKAT/SKA and SALT (Southern African Large Telescope), and its growing international partnerships.
“This strategy is currently under review in consultation with the astronomy community to enhance it and take advantage of new opportunities in this era of multi-messenger techniques and technological innovations,” Nzimande explained.
MeerKAT/SKA Project and the Knowledge Economy
The MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, stands out as a cornerstone for South Africa’s contributions to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution. Nzimande stated, “The SKA is the flagship frontier science partnership of the 21st century, and South Africa remains fully committed to it.”
He highlighted the project’s role in driving transformation and human capacity development through international collaborations and world-class research.
Developing Astro-Tourism
In a move to further enhance South Africa’s appeal as a global astronomical hub, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation is collaborating with the Department of Tourism to develop an “astro-tourism sector through community-public-private partnerships in remote parts of South Africa.”
“We are looking forward to the approval of our newly established Astro-Tourism Strategy by Cabinet in the next few months,” Nzimande said. This strategy aims to promote the preservation of dark skies and radio silence in the Karoo, essential for star-gazing and astro-tourism, thereby creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Annual World Tourism Day
Nzimande also announced that he and Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille will co-host the Annual World Tourism Day in Carnarvon on 27 September 2024. This event will provide a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of preserving dark skies for both scientific and tourism purposes.
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