The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, will address the second annual African Astronomical Society Conference (AfAS), which opens in Cape Town on Monday, 14 March 2022.

 

The five-day hybrid event, supported by the Department of Science and Innovation through the International Astronomical Union Office for Astronomy for Development, provides an opportunity for astronomers from across Africa to share information and discuss research topics for future collaboration.

 

The AfAS is a Pan-African professional society for astronomers seeking to expand access to astronomy for socio-economic development in the continent.  The 2022 conference will focus on science and education activities in Africa, astronomy for development, and initiatives to strengthen existing activities in the field and attract young people to astronomy.

 

The programme will include planetarium shows, and profile leading women astronomers in Africa through the inaugural African Women in Astronomy Awards.  There are two categories, one for senior level astronomer and one for early career astronomer.  The awards are managed by the African Network of Women in Astronomy, which connects women working in astronomy and promotes the participation of girls and women in the sector.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend online or in person, depending on space.

 

Opening ceremony

Date:       14 March 2022

Venue:   South African Astronomical Observatory, Observatory Road, Cape Town

Time:      09:00 to 11:00

Link:        https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87565297820?pwd=ek1NU2M2OThTaUVFVmc3ZjR2MnNxZz09

 

Planetarium shows

Date:       16 March 2022

Venue:   Planetarium at Iziko Museums, 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town

Time:       17:30 to 19:30

 

African Women in Astronomy Awards

Date:       17 March 2022

Venue:   South African Astronomical Observatory, Observatory Road, Cape Town

Time:      09:30 to 10:10

Link:        https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81741596695?pwd=MUNqUVZhNmVtZDQxS0xlVzlDR09SZz09

 

For media attendance, RSVP Veronica Mohapeloa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 083 400 5750, or Thabang Setlhare at 072 659 9690 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

To register to attend online sessions, please visit https://www.africanastronomicalsociety.org/afas-2022-programme/

 

Issued by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

Building 53, CSIR Campus

Meiring Naudé Road

Brummeria

Pretoria

 

Enquiries:  Ishmael Mnisi at 066 037 8859