The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, has noted the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Organisation's statement about the delayed announcement of the decision on the proposed site for the SKA.
Minister Pandor said: "I am disappointed at the delay. I hope that the SKA orgnaisation will make a decision in the first half of 2012 and that the decision will reflect the best scientific outcome. “
South Africa is leading Africa's bid to host the SKA radio telescope. Australia is leading an Australian/New Zealand bid.
The SKA will consist of about 3 000 dish-shaped antennae spread over a wide area. If Africa wins the SKA bid, the core of the telescope will be constructed in the Karoo region of the Northern Cape, with outlying telescope stations throughout South Africa, and in Namibia, Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Zambia, Kenya, Madagascar and Mauritius.
Minister Pandor reiterated that "We believe we have an excellent site at which exciting science will be done, we in Africa are ready to host the SKA”.
The SKA Organisation statement is available on www.skatelescope.org.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
