Gateway to Space: The Exhibition

The Department of Science and Technology's exhibit at Gateway to Space: The Exhibition was officially opened by the director general, Dr. Phil Mjwara, on the evening of 1 June 2016 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The exhibit by the department of science and technology (DST) focuses on the South African space sector and highlights astronomy as well as space science and technology.

The DST has partnered with Media24 to demonstrate its commitment to bringing awareness and inspiring the youth of South Africa to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics as school subjects through its association with Gateway to Space: The Exhibition, which runs from 1 June to the end of July.

“Space science and technology, particularly satellite applications, have rapidly become an integral part of our daily lives, from observation of Earth as a system to connecting people through mobile apps and broadcasting to satellite navigation.

The minister of science and technology, Naledi Pandor, recently emphasised that science isn’t only for the elite and our partnership at this exhibition aims to support this,” says Humbulani Mudau, chief director of space science and technology at the DST.

Minette Ferreira, Media24’s spokesperson, says that following its tour of Europe this exhibition brings the great adventure of space exploration to South Africa for the first time. “It’s an enormous privilege to bring this phenomenal experience to the nation in collaboration with the most relevant government department. We’re delighted to see schools have come on board and that more than 16000 school children have so far booked to come to the exhibition,” she says.

The DST, along with organisations such as the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, Southern African Large Telescope, South African National Space Agency, Square Kilometre Array Project (SKA), Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Denel Spaceteq, is exhibiting a collection of artefacts that depict success stories in this field. This part of the exhibition focuses on the South African space sector and includes SA’s space journey illustrated on a timeline stretching from 1535 to 2016.

“We’re proud to partner with Media24 in showcasing the technological advancements in the area of space science and technology,” Mudau says. “We believe this exhibition will not only help bring science closer to the youth but also demonstrate how space science can help the government address priority service delivery and social challenges.”