SARAO Web

MeerKAT Radio Telescope Call for Observing Proposals

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The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) announces an opportunity to apply for observing time on the MeerKAT telescope.

A minimum of 1,750 hours of telescope time will be awarded through this opportunity. Novel proposal types and observing capabilities are offered in this Call.

MeerKAT consists of 64 dishes with superb sensitivity on baselines of up to 8 km. This Call offers continuum, spectral line, and pulsar/fast transient capabilities employing the UHF (580-1015 MHz), L- (900-1670 MHz), and S-band (1.75-3.5 GHz) receivers.

Instructions, documentation, and the tools required to prepare and submit proposals are available on the MeerKAT Knowledge Base. Proposals are due no later than 12:00 UTC on Tuesday, 3 May 2023.

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SARAO Web

SARAO has new request for quotations, respond before the closing date

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The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) has recently announced the availability of new Request for Quotations (RFQs) on its website. These RFQs are for the procurement of various goods and services required by the organization to support its ongoing projects and initiatives.

SARAO is a world-class radio astronomy facility that operates telescopes and other equipment across the African continent. The organization is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and understanding through the study of the universe and its phenomena. To achieve its mission, SARAO works closely with international partners, including the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, which aims to build the world’s largest radio telescope.

Click here to view available request for quotations

Click here to download supplier database documents

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SARAO Web

Stay Connected to the Latest in Radio Astronomy: Follow SARAO on Facebook!

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Attention all fellow space enthusiasts and radio astronomy fans!

We would like to extend a warm invitation for you to follow our Facebook page. Our page is a hub for all things related to radio astronomy and the latest developments in the field.

As a leader in the industry, we are dedicated to sharing the latest advancements and exciting discoveries with our followers. Whether you are a professional astronomer, a student, or just have a passion for the cosmos, our page is the perfect place for you to stay informed and connected.

We regularly post updates on the MeerKAT radio telescope and other observatories, as well as the latest scientific results and findings. You will also have access to behind-the-scenes photos and videos, as well as insights into the work that we do.

In addition to our commitment to sharing the latest news, we also value engagement with our followers. Our page is a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions with us.

So if you’re looking for a place to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in radio astronomy and connect with like-minded individuals, be sure to follow our company Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here to view our Facebook page

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SARAO Web

Questionnaire: Science Engagement Interest

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Working in an environment like SARAO and closely linked to the SKAO, a lot of staff members are leading the way in their respective fields – and therefore, have a story to tell. This story could inspire others to follow similar paths and it could even lead to a more scientifically literate society! You have to power to be the change!

Please complete the short questionnaire to indicate where you would be interested to contribute, your information will be used only for SARAO purposes and in compliance with the POPI Act.

Please see the link to the questionnaire: https://forms.gle/Ls3TLyAkpGwfxCuu8

Kind regards
The SARAO Science Engagement Team

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SARAO Web

Website feedback, help us improve our website

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Give feedback about the SARAO website, If you can’t find what you’re looking for, land on a broken link or have a general comment, please let us know by using the form below.

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SARAO Web

Connect, follow and have a conversation with us on our social media platforms

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Daily updates and latest findings on the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory facilities, science and the latest news from SARAO.

News and views, FAQs and experts – see our accounts.

LinkedIn: South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Facebook: SARAO

Twitter: SKA_Africa

Instagram: saraoweb

Youtube: SARAO Web

TikTok: SARAO_Official

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SARAO Web

Labourers and SMMEs working on MeerKAT+ Project honoured at graduation ceremony

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SARAO celebrated members of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and labourers that received skilled training during the MeerKAT+ tender at a graduation ceremony held on Saturday, 15 October 2022 in Carnarvon.

More than 10 SMMEs participated as subcontractors in the MeerKAT+ tender as a result of the Karoo Enterprise Development Program initiated by the SARAO Commercialisation Unit  to develop entrepreneurs in Carnarvon, Williston, Brandvlei and Van Wyksvlei. The aim of the Karoo Enterprise Development Program is to promote downstream employment and local economic development.

SARAO formed a three-year partnership with the Northern Cape SMME Trust to support SMMEs in the four towns. This partnership includes a full time resource based in Carnarvon to assist SMMEs with its daily needs. Through the program SMMEs are provided training, assisted with completing tender documents and requests for quotations, costing and pricing, applying for funding as well as all compliance documents. The initiative has a database of over 50 active SMMEs in the four towns from various sectors.

“We wanted to celebrate this important milestone with them as this was the first time that local SMMEs participated in the MeerKAT+ tender. We are proud of all the SMMEs and labourers that persevered,” says Apiwe Hotele, SARAO Senior Commercialisation Specialist.

SARAO celebrated members of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and labourers that received skilled training during the MeerKAT+ tender at a graduation ceremony held on Saturday, 15 October 2022 in Carnarvon.

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SARAO Web

Request for expressions of interest to participate in a BBBEE equity opportunity

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The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) hereby invites potential BBBEE partners to express interest in collaborating with SARAO in a BBBEE equity opportunity.

Click here to view available request for quotations

Click here to download supplier database documents

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SARAO Web

SARAO partners with Siyafunda Community Technology Centre and Kareeberg Local Municipality to bring digital skills to Carnarvon community

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While the rest of South Africa commemorated Youth Day on 16 June, SARAO, in conjunction with the Siyafunda Community Technology Centre and the Kareeberg Local Municipality, launched its community computer centre in Carnarvon.

This collaboration between the two organisations and the local Kareeberg Municipality will see computer skills training and education transfer be given to the local Carnarvon community.

The Siyafunda Community Technology Center was launched on Youth Day, 16 June 2022. The Center is established through a long-standing collaboration between SARAO, Siyafunda and Kareeberg Municipality. Pictured above: the Mayor of the Kareeberg Municipality, Monray MacZali and Siyafunda facilitator Gillian Maritz reveal the plaque.

The Siyafunda Lab, as the facility is known, is one of several initiatives to provide communities with information, communication technologies or ICTs where locals can access information, apply for jobs and conduct research.

SARAO has previously provided computer labs at several schools surrounding the SKA site, as well as internet connectivity that is currently being expanded. In this regard, the Lab is aimed at further expanding these digital technology platforms that will in turn support community, economic, educational, and social development.

This initiative aims to reduce isolation, bridge the digital divide, promote health issues, create economic opportunities, and reach out to youth. The collaboration forms part of SARAO’s ongoing efforts to facilitate positive socio-economic impact in the towns in MeerKAT and the SKA’s impact area, which includes Carnarvon, Williston, Brandvlei and Van Wyksvlei.

To support community members and SMMEs, a facilitator and trainer have been appointed from within the local community to provide training to all users of the facility on digital and other skills they may require.

SARAO Stakeholder Manager Nomfundo Makhubo says: “We hope that this computer centre will go a long way in alleviating the shortfalls experienced by locals in the town of Carnarvon. We would like to thank all parties involved, particularly Siyafunda and Kareeberg Local Municipality for their full support to the centre”.

Makhubo added that this is one example of how collaboration can lead to greater community benefit.

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SARAO Web

SARAO supports and participates in fun-filled sports day for local communities held in Carnarvon

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The SARAO Stakeholder Relations unit and staff members from various other units participated in and supported a Sports Tournament in collaboration with Bietjie Begin, a local non-government organisation from Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

The Sports Tournament was held on Monday, 2 May 2022 and drew more than 750 participating members of the surrounding communities of Carnarvon, Van Wyksvlei, De Aar, Loxton and Victoria West. Local stakeholder groups from the Department of Health, the local retirement facility, the Department of Justice and the local SAPS also joined in the fun.

The SARAO Stakeholder Relations unit and staff members from various other units participated in and supported a Sports Tournament in collaboration with Bietjie Begin, a local non-government organisation from Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

Fun and games were played with activities such as netball, soccer, rugby, tug-of-war and egg-on-a-spoon. Netball teams of all ages competed for the Carnarvon Netball Cup. The SARAO team came in second place in the netball tournament, having lost to the Department of Health’s team by only one point.

The last games of the day were rugby matches between De Aar, Van Wyksvlei and Carnarvon. The first game between De Aar and Van Wyksvlei saw the latter winning a spot in the final to take on the Carnarvons Young Lions. In the end Van Wyksvlei continued their winning streak and gained the upper hand over the Carnarvon Young Lions, and was crowned the rugby champions of the day.

Other activities included fun and games for children like jumping castles, old croc rugby games and a braai.

SARAO staff members came out in their numbers to volunteer and support the tournament. They spent the day not only winning on the field, but assisting with food, braaing and ensuring that the event was fun for the entire community. Definitely a day filled with sportsmanship, enthusiasm and memories to cherish!

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