South Africa is investigating the possibility of building a locally-produced communications satellite.
The satellite is to support multi-modal, augmented remote learning systems.
“As we try to find better ways to implement effective multi-modal, augmented remote learning systems, we are considering the use of Space Science and Earth Observation technologies and platforms in support of our plans to reach to vulnerable students,” Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
“The Department of Science and Innovation, in conjunction with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Sentech and South African National Space Agency, is currently looking at a long-term solution to supporting the digital transmission needs for the national education system through the launch of a locally-produced communications satellite.”
Nzimande added that the CSIR is also completing the task of establishing a geospatial planning map identifying the location and distribution of learning and co-learning sites in all the districts of South Africa to enable the of support students in the period before full return to campuses.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation and all public universities have developed detailed strategies for remote multi-modal teaching and learning during the period of the current lockdown.
The department is planning to implement the strategies from the beginning of June.
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We have great minds in SA to reduce the reliance on other countries. Hopefully this is the beginning of great things to come.
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