Minister Pandor to visit Southern Africa's largest optical telescope in Sutherland

The media are invited to join the Minister Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, on 29 and 30 April when she visits the Southern African Large Telescope(SALT) in Sutherland. The event will include stargazing with the telescope.

SALT is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere and among the largest in the world.

The visit to SALT will give the media an opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about the telescope, as well as new developments and discoveries.

In addition, on Friday, 29 April, Minister Pandor will visit various community projects that have come about as a result of the hosting of SALT at Sutherland. These include ‑

• a community outreach centre, which provides computer facilities and a learning centre for learners and adults;
• a science centre;
• science laboratories at Sutherland High School and Roggeveld Primary School;
• stargazing in the evening at SALT.

On Saturday, 30 April 2016, the Minister will also host a government imbizo at Roggeveld Primary School in Sutherland.

Minister Pandor will be joined by the Northern Cape's Premier, Sylvia Lucas, the Namakwa District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Vas, and the Karoo Hoogland Mayor, Cllr Julies.

Media are invited as follows:

Part 1:       Visit to community projects

Date:          29 April

Time:         10:30-13:00

Part 2:       Imbizo

Date           30 April

Time:         11:00 - 14:00

Venue:      Roggeveld Primary School

For media confirmations, please contact David Mandaha at 072 126 8910 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology

Enquiries: Lunga Ngqengelele, Media Liaison Officer, at 082 566 0446