SKA Regulations: FF Plus ‘Cautiously Optimistic’

Dear Editor

The FF Plus is cautiously optimistic about the newly proposed regulations for the location of the radio telescopes of the international SKA project.

The regulations propose that a smaller area must be set aside for the project. The Minister of Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, published it on 18 July in the Government Gazette for public comment.

The SKA is an ultra-sensitive radio telescope of which all the antennas will cover an area of one square kilometre upon completion. The majority of these antennas will fall within a 20-km “virtual centre”, which was specifically procured for this purpose and is cleared of all traffic and economic activities.

There are, however, also another 24 antennas that must be erected outside of this centre in so-called spiral arms.

According to the previous regulations, a 10-km wide protected corridor needed to be set aside for linking the various locations of the antennas with one another. This has now been reduced to a protected “camp” of 4 hectares (200 m by 200 m) for each antenna with a road linking them.

Although it may seem like the SKA’s footprint is being reduced for the sake of local livestock activities, it still does not solve landowners’ problems. Some farmers are also questioning the methods that were followed to determine the economic impact on farms.

In addition, the lack of fencing around the land belonging to the SKA is also a point of contention. SANParks is tasked with managing the land. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), which is in charge of the SKA, must first erect a fence around the land.

After years of empty promises, there is still no sign of that happening while nearby livestock farmers are increasingly experiencing problems with predatory animals, like caracals.

The FF Plus recognises and acknowledges the scope of the SKA as well as the positive outcomes it will have for the country on the whole and science in general. However, the negative impact on the communities already residing in the area must continually be taken into account as well.

The FF Plus has thoroughly cemented its role as advocate for local communities, particularly the farming community. Despite the SKA’s international profile, livestock farming remains the cornerstone of local economies.

The public has time until the 16th of September (60 calendar days from publication) to send their comments to Mr Mere Kgampe at Mere.kgampe@dst.gov.za.

Regards

Dr. Wynand Boshoff
FF Plus MP