Nam, SA cooperation aims for the stars

A joint statement was signed confirming Namibia and South Africa’s commitment to cooperation in the area of Astronomy and Space Science earlier this week.
Minister of Education, Hon. Dr David Namwandi, and South African Minister of Science and Technology Hon. Naledi Pandor, signed as ministers responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation in their respective countries, confirming their mutual cooperation that already exists within the Framework of the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Agreement.
South Africa reaffirmed its political, scientific and technological support for Namibia’s bid to host the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), a global project that has attracted more than 1 000 scientists from 27 countries. Namibia is competing against potential sites in Argentina and Chile, and hopes to host the southern hemisphere portion of the CTA near the remote railway town of Aus in the south, and would attract about two-thirds of the CTA budget as it will be the larger site.

Both countries committed themselves to enhancing the human capacity for developing a global competitive scientific and technological community in support of Astronomy, Space Science in Southern Africa, as well as to advancing public outreach, promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics education tor the stimulation of innovation.
Dr David Namwandi said,“Namibia is committed to the advancement of Science and Technology as driver of national development. As we march towards becoming a knowledge-based, industrialized nation we recognize the need to invest in Science and Research infrastructure to support innovation and technology development. I would like to thank the Minister of Science and Technology of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Naledi Pandor for the overwhelming support that her government has given Namibia during the CTA bid process.”
South African minister of Science and Technology then, encouraged Namibia to “stay on the course of investing in Astronomy, and the drive to host the CTA.
I congratulate you on setting up the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, this is indeed a vital entity and a milestone in promoting Research, Science, Technology and Innovation in Namibia. We are certain that our combined effort will strengthen our partnership in Science, Technology and Innovation through the opportunity presented by the CTA.”