President Jacob Zuma has congratulated the Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor on winning the bid to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) as announced by the Independent SKA Board today, 25 May 2012.
"On behalf of government and fellow South Africans, I congratulate our Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor, and her entire team for their hard work which saw South Africa win the bid to host this major Square Kilometre Array (SKA) at home," said the President.
The SKA Organisation has agreed to construct the two biggest components of the SKA in Africa comprising 70 percent of the facility. This is the lion's share of the SKA Project, which South Africa will co-host with Australia.
President Zuma further acknowledged that this mammoth achievement was possible because of the African Union endorsement and support from partner countries, namely, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia and Zambia.
"We are especially proud of winning this bid particularly on Africa Day. Africa is indeed rising. South Africa is confident that the country will deliver on the expectations of the continent and world," President Zuma said.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
