Following an expression of interest entered into between the South African National Space Agency (Sansa) and the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) to identify opportunities for collaboration this year, Sansa recently hosted the CDC at its Space Operations facility, in Hartebeesthoek, near Magaliesburg, in Gauteng.

A high-level delegation of the CDC, led by CEO Khwezi Tiya, was hosted by the CEO and executive team from Sansa. The visit included discussions about future programmes and projects the organisations would be involved in.

During the visit, both organisations explored areas of potential collaboration as a foundation for creating a symbiotic relationship with a view to enhancing State-driven programmes – culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by Tiya and Sansa CEO Dr Val Munsami.

The MoU affirms the value of collaborating and forming partnership in pursuing areas of common interest for mutual benefit of each party and the citizens of South Africa.

The CDC took the opportunity to undertake a site visit of the facility that houses over 40 antennae used for tracking, monitoring and supporting satellites and launches, as well as the download of satellite data for government and international clients.

Both organisations planned to be part of programmes that will deepen the capacity of the State and leverage from State institutions with extensive experience, like the CDC, in implementing complex and mega projects in infrastructure development and various service delivery initiatives.

As Sansa progresses the project planning for the Space Infrastructure Hub, partnerships with organisations such as the CDC, that have experience and skills with large infrastructure projects, will support the contribution towards growth of the South African economy.

Munsami says that, as part of government’s strategy of enhancing impact for South Africa’s citizens, partnerships of this nature will enable strengthened and joint focus on outcomes aligned to Sansa’s and Coega’s mandates.

Tiya also highlighted the importance of leveraging from the experience of both organisations. “As the CDC, we are hoping this partnership, will lay the foundation for greater things to come.”

He adds that the visit marks the beginning of a relationship that stretches the imagination to greater heights. “We are hoping our experience in infrastructure development and project management will not only be beneficial to Sansa, but rather greater society at large."

Meanwhile, Sana reports that its Space Operations facility will be hosting, for the first time by an African country, the SpaceOps 2021 event from May 2 to 5. This will provide the international space market a glimpse into the state-of-the-art capacity and capability offered by Sansa.