The continent’s forays into unlocking the secrets of the universe are expanding, writes Paul Boateng.
Information on a scale and of a type never seen before calls for a new kind of analysis and research.
Governments put several millions into projects such as the Square Kilometre Array and they expect "the same coming back to their national industries".
The Square Kilometre Array Organisation is confident it will gain new member countries to fund the €2bn radio telescope.
The giant radio telescope will attempt to answer some of humanity’s most enigmatic questions.
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor says that a backup system has been developed so that the site can manage for three days without power.
The Square Kilometre Array will contribute to huge surveys that seek to answer questions like: Is there life out there and how do galaxies form.
Scientists and engineers are trying to determine the technological cost of predicting what the world will look like in 2020.
The first phase of the mammoth scientific project is tipped to cost almost €2bn, but experts say this figure is an extreme worst-case scenario.
Astrophysicist Bernie Fanaroff was chosen to head the SKA project; with his experience and political credentials he led the company in its mission.
Fanaroff will retire at the end of next year, but will be acting as strategic advisor on the project from January 1 2016 until December 2017.
Six dishes were expected by next month, but only one exists so far as a result of a metalworkers’ strike and logistical problems.
While the SKA project’s organisers say they are disappointed, they do not believe Germany’s pulling out reflects on the radio telescope’s progress.
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor is pleased Germany’s withdrawal is not due to lack of confidence in the Square Kilometre Array project.
Africa’s challenge is to get itself ready to host the SKA telescope, Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom has told African heads of state.
