Sutherland: The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, is set to deliver the keynote address at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) on Monday, 10 November 2025, in Sutherland, Northern Cape.

According to South African Government News Agency, for the past two decades, Africa’s Giant Eye on the Sky, located at the National Research Foundation’s South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, has stood as the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere and ranks among the largest globally. This prestigious research facility is managed by the National Research Foundation, part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Since its inauguration in 2005, SALT has played a pivotal role in advancing the contributions of South Africa and Africa to global astronomy. It has supported groundbreaking discoveries, including new exoplanets, the optical afterglow of neutron star mergers, and distant galaxies that offer insights into the early universe.

The department emphasized that SALT will continue to keep South Africa internationally competitive in the field of astronomy well into the 21st century. It also serves as a central point for developing basic space science across the African continent.

The anniversary celebration will assemble leading astronomers, international research partners, and science leaders to reflect on SALT’s scientific accomplishments and its influence on building local research capacity and inspiring young scientists.