From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. The first antenna for the MeerKAT radio telescope array was launched at the end of March. Keith Campbell reports.

Keith Campbell:
This dish antenna is the first of 64 that will make up MeerKAT, which is a precursor to the international Square Kilometre Array or SKA radio telescope. Categorised as an offset Gregorian design, the dish has a diameter of 13.5 m, a total height of 19.5 m and weights 42 tons. At the same event, the Karoo Array Processor building was also officially opened. Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom explains the MeerKAT project.

Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom

Keith Campbell:
SKA South Africa director Dr Bernie Fanaroff highlighted the role of industry in the MeerKAT programme.

SKA South Africa director Dr Bernie Fanaroff

Dr Glen Collins

Shannon de Ryhove:
Other news making headlines this week: The IDC turns its focus to the creation of black industrialists; The Gauteng Provincial Government launches the GoGauteng app; and the Mohlakeng enterprise Hub is launched to revitalise the township’s economy.

South African development finance institution the Industrial Development Corporation reports that it approved funding of more than R128-billion over the past 20 years, a period that coincided with the country’s democratic era.

IDC CEO Geoffrey Qhena

The Gauteng provincial government recently launched the GoGauteng mobile application aimed at assisting commuters in planning their journeys, an alternative route app to provide road users with the resources needed to avoid e-toll roads and also released the 'Promoting Sustainable (Green) Transport in Gauteng’ draft policy for public comment.

Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Dr Ismail Vadi

The Gauteng provincial government recently launched the Mohlakeng Enterprise Hub, in the township of Mohlakeng near Randfontein, in Gauteng.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.