Regional Coordinator	National Point of Contact
Africa	South Africa
Minoo Rathnasabapathy	Pierre van Heerden
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SGAC South Africa

Welcome to the SGAC South Africa page! 2011 was a busy year for SGAC SA, as we had the honour of hosting the 10th annual Space Generation Congress, and 2012 promises to be just as eventful.
Through this page, we intend to keep young South African space enthusiasts and the general pulibc informed of developments and events in the South African space sector. If you would like to get involved in space in South Africa, have general comments or queries or know of events that should be advertised to other space enthusiasts, please don't hesitate to get in contact with one of our NPoC's. Feedback concerning this website is also welcome.

Young Space Activities Overview in South Africa

From the Sumbandila satellite to Space School Africa events, South Africa is increasing its capabilities in space ventures. From agricultural applications to improving health services and education, space technology has become an indispensable component in today’s modern information society. SGAC South Africa provides you with global networking capabilities, allowing you to increase your role in scientific studies, exploration and the utilisation of space. Many of the events focus on global collaboration with participation from other countries such as France, Australia, Romania, Nigeria, Syria, Saudi Arabia and many more.
Developments in the South African space sector

• This year, the local space community banded together to host the International Astronautical Congress, Space Generation Congress and a number of other, related events.
  The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) continued to consolidate existing space facilities in SA, the latest being the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (formerly a facility of the National Research Foundation).
• The South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA) launched a national registry of space objects, which may be found at http://www.sacsa.gov.za/registry/index.php.
• 2011 also saw the end of SumbandilaSat and the start of a plan to build a replacement Earth observation satellite.

Accomplishments in 2011

• South Africa hosts SGC 2011: The 10th annual Space Generation Congress was hosted in Cape Town, South Africa and brought together 130 delegates from 42 countries. A fine time of local and international organisers put together an unforgettable programme, which not only emphasised youth involvement in space affairs, but also the need for stimulation of space activities in developing countries.
• SAASTA-SGAC Think-Tank Brunch: SGAC was invited to review and give input into the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement's 3-year strategic plan for space outreach in South Africa. SGAC was proud to have been involved in these fruitful discussions, which are sure to benefit the South African public.
• Space Suit Walk around Cape Town City Centre: To raise awareness of the Space Generation Congress, International Astronautical Congress and space activities in South Africa in general, SGAC SA members organised several volunteers who donned space suits and went for a walk through the streets of Cape Town. This activity was generously supported by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement and the International Astronautical Congress 2011 Local Organising Committee.
• ASSA-SGAC Space Night at the SAAOÖ The Cape Centre of the Astronomical Society of South Africa invited representatives from the 5 SGC working groups to present the preliminary conclusions of the SGC 2011. The night also included activities for young and old alike, was kindly hosted by the South African Astronomical Observatory and supported by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement and the International Astronomical Union's Office for Astronomy Development.

Country-Specific Events in 2012

Interesting Web Links for the Young Generation in South Africa

Media

Ernie Halberg discovers Asteroid 2010 DC, the first discovery of an asteroid by a school student in South Africa: http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=264387&cat=15
South Africa’s Sumbandila Satellite Mission Blog: http://sumbandilamission.blogspot.com/

Industry, Facilities and Education

South African space Agency: www.sansa.org.za
South African space Association: www.spacesa.org
The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa: http://www.saao.ac.za/assa/
Sunspace: http://www.sunspace.co.za/home/?url=/home
South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO): www.saao.ac.za/
Emerging Astronaut Programme: www.nydt.org/home.asp?pid=1090
National Research Foundation: www.nrf.ac.za/
National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme: www.star.ac.za/
Institute for the Development of Emerging Achievers and Leaders [IDEALS]: www.nydt.org/home
South African Space Portal – a great website to South Africa’s space facilities: www.space.gov.za/index.php
Cape Peninsula University of Technology: www.cput.ac.za/
University of Witswatersrand: web.wits.ac.za/WitsHome.htm
Space Commercial Services: www.comspace.co.za
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): www.csir.co.za/
South African Council for Space Affairs: www.sacsa.gov.za
University of Kwazulu-Natal: www.ukzn.ac.za
Stellenbosch University: www.sun.ac.za