April 19, 2024
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) recently held a community engagement session in Matjiesfontein. The aim of the session was to update community members on the progress of the deep space ground station project and provide a platform for the community to voice concerns or issues related to the project.
The satisfactory community turnout made it clear that the project holds significant importance to the people of Matjiesfontein. Among the attendees were representatives from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Matjiesfontein village. Their presence reinforced the collaborative spirit of the engagement session and highlighted the importance of partnership between various entities for the benefit of the community.
SANSA actively engaged with the community, addressing concerns about its hiring processes, job accessibility, and tender advertisements. The Agency emphasised its dedication to partnering with the community, even as it progresses towards establishing Africa’s pioneering deep space ground station.
Following the main event, a science engagement session was hosted by the SANSA science engagement team. This session specifically targeted primary and high school learners, aiming to spark their interest in science and space-related topics. The science engagement session proved to be a hit among the younger audience, attracting 110 learners and children.
