How science infrastructure drives local economic development

Science infrastructure is not just critical for the generation of new scientific knowledge and the development of researchers and scientists. Science infrastructure also has immense potential to drive socio- economic development for local communities and stimulate science tourism.

Over the past three decades, as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, we have made significant and targeted investments in the building of key science infrastructure for South Africa. As South Africa, we are proud hosts of the Square Kilometre Array- the world’s largest radio astronomy project. Through the SKA, we have significantly enhanced our international collaboration in advancing the frontiers of discovery science on the back of cutting-edge infrastructure in the field of astronomy, computational technologies, fibre optics and engineering. Further to this, we have also been able to use the SKA to provide significant socio-economic benefits for the community of Carnarvon and surrounding areas in the Northern Cape, where the SKA is housed.The socio-economic benefits programme of the SKA project is implemented by our entity the National Research Foundation (NRF), through its facility, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO).

Through its Stakeholder Engagement Programme, SARAO has been working with various community-based stakeholders in Carnarvon and surrounding areas, to ensure that the socio-economic benefits of the SKA are spread as evenly possible.To facilitate this, SARAO conducts monthly community engagement sessions with the communities of Carnarvon, Williston, and Vanwyksvlei. Through these sessions, communities are provided with among others, updates on upcoming projects and the available opportunities for SMMEs and unemployed community members.

As an outcome, this programme has contributed to employment opportunities in construction for engineers, technicians, project management, logistics, administrative and ancillary jobs. Currently, SARAO employs 110 staff in the Karoo, 80% of whom are from the communities surrounding the SKA site.

This includes jobs created by contractors who are taking part in theconstruction activities of the MeerKAT/SKA project. Over 6 346 jobs havebeen created in the local communities surrounding the MeerKAT/SKA Site.

Through its SMME Development Programme, SARAO has ensured that communities in the Karoo benefit from business training, support, andcompliance assistance. For instance, between 2024 and 2025, the following SMME development support initiatives were implemented:

 The provision of training to eight local SMMEs on the construction of concrete drifts for the roads in the SKA MID Infrastructure-1 project;

 The provision of informal skills training and daily mentorship ongeneral business compliance, payroll management and human resource management provided to the eight sub-contracted SMMEs from surrounding communities; and

 In partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) training was provided to 16 SMMEs on how to complete tender documents and costing.

SARAO is also making a significant contribution to our Department’s programme to produce sufficient numbers of young, black and women scientists and researchers. Through its Human Capital Development Programme, SARAO hosts a Schools Programme, which is ringfenced for improving mathematics and science education in local schools.The programme benefits nine schools in the area, where two mathematics and science teachers are employed at Carnarvon High School. At postschool level, SARAO has awarded grants to more than two hundred South Africans in faculty and postdoctoral positions, and to Doctoral-level researchers. In order to improve equity in research positions, aggressive targets are adopted across the human development pipeline with more than 90% of undergraduate grants awarded to black South Africans of which 50% arefemales.

Through its Artisan Training programme, SARAO has trained more 130 young people as artisans. Another exciting addition to our Department’s local economic development programme through the SKA, has been the promotion of science tourism in Carnarvon and surrounding areas. In collaboration with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, SARAO has launched a pilot astro-tourism initiative that includes training local Astro Guides. In the current financial year, an additional ten guides working in the tourism sector were trained. This programme combines modern astronomy with indigenous knowledge and is developed in collaboration with local eldersand local communities. An independent socio-economic study was conducted to assess the national impact of radio astronomy investments in the MeerKAT and SKAprojects for the period 2011 to 2022. The economic modelling results reveal that a total of 23 022 full-time equivalent (FTE)  jobs were created nationwide, production increased by R19.4 billion, GDP rose by R8.891 billion, and household income saw an increase of R4.624 billion, benefiting 92 088 individuals. Given the socio-economic context of Carnarvon and surrounding areas, SARAO also implements interventions to address social ills. This is done through Early Childhood Development Centres, Sports, and Recreation, as well as community Wi-Fi connectivity.

Through all these interventions in Carnarvon and surrounding areas, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, actively supports the vision of our country’s National Development Plan 2030, as well our country’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation, which emphasises inclusive economic growth, especially in rural areas, through job creation, skills development, and infrastructure investment.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande.

*** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL.

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