OVERVIEWEngineeringSKA
OVERVIEWEngineeringSKA construction projectsare ongoing.The world’s biggest astronomical projectcontinues to grow in the desert nearCarnarvon. The Square Kilometre Array(SKA) telescope is not only proving aneconomic boost to the Northern Cape, but it isgiving its young people a whole different set ofdreams about what they might study and the fieldsin which they might work.In the course of 2025 and 2026, four new disheswill be added to the array and construction of aR142-million visitors’ centre at Carnarvon was set tobegin in the middle of 2025. National governmentwill spend R4.5-billion on SKA-related constructionin the period to 2029. Residents of Carnarvon are already benefittingfrom astronomy, with Mathematics and Science teachers’ salaries beingcovered by SARAO (the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory)while the Klerefontein Training Centre gives local high school pupilsaccess to an accredited electrical engineering apprenticeship programme.The training programme will provide the MeerKAT and SKA radio telescopeswith qualified artisans for their operations and maintenance.National road agency SANRAL has begun a process of provincialisation,starting in the Northern Cape with the opening of a office in the provincialcapital of Kimberley. In the three years from 2025 to 2027, a sum of R7.2-billion will be invested in the province’s road infrastructure.This follows the opening by the South African Institute of ElectricalEngineers (SAIEE) of a branch in Kimberley. The SAIEE Northern Cape Centrewill attend to the needs of members and hold events of interest related toelectrical or electronic engineeringThe Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) hasallocated R210-million to a Northern Cape bursary and skills-developmentprogramme that will reach 2 000 unemployed young people. Skillsprogrammes will include arc welding, electrical engineering with specialitiesin chemical and renewable energy and mechanical-workshop assistant.The Northern Cape is gearing up for the creation of a deepwater porton its western flank. As part of those preparations, five students are studyingONLINE RESOURCESConsulting Engineers South Africa: www.cesa.co.zaSouth African Institute of Electrical Engineers: www.saiee.org.zaTechnology Localisation Implementation Unit: www.tliu.co.zaSECTOR INSIGHTSANRAL has new officesin Kimberley.Marine Engineering at theVietnam Maritime University.The Boegoebaai deepwaterport and associated SpecialEconomic Zone plannedfor the area north of PortNolloth have the productionof green hydrogen amongtheir planned uses. With thepossibility of adding value tominerals, exports and logisticsalso mooted as uses for thesites, the role of engineers willbe central to the operationof this planned new hub foreconomic development.The same applies to theNamakwa Special EconomicZone (SEZ) Project and theKathu Industrial Park, areaswhere the concentration ofindustrial and manufacturingactivities will increase thedemand for engineers. ■NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2025/2646PHOTO: Nasief Manie/SARAO
The SAIEE calls on EngineeringPractitioners in the Northern CapeFormed in 1909, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineering (SAIEE) has a long-standingtradition of supporting and promoting excellence in electrical engineering. As we continue to growand expand our reach, we call on all Northern Cape engineering practitioners to join us andestablish a centre/branch in your region, with head office support.Becoming a SAIEE member gives you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities tofurther your career and professional development. Our 9 Centres nationwide provide a platformfor members to network with industry experts, participate in monthly lectures, and accesscareer development tools to enhance their skills and knowledge.One key advantage of being a SAIEE member is the opportunity to participate inCPD-accredited site visits, which can provide valuable insights and practicalknowledge to help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field ofelectrical engineering. Additionally, our Centres are vital in promotingengineering studies to school leavers, mentoring students throughour student chapters, and offering access to the industry’s mostessential technical information in English.By joining forces and building a strong community of engineeringpractitioners in the Northern Cape province, we can make a realimpact and drive positive change in our industry. We inviteyou to join the SAIEE family and help us shape the future ofelectrical engineering in South Africa. Join us today and bea part of something great!For more information, email minx@saiee.org.zajoin us today!MembershipCorporate ForumsCPD Training AcademySkills Development9 Centres nationwidewww.saiee.org.zaDedicated to Electrical Engineering since 1909T: 011 487 3003 | SAIEE House 18a Gill Street Observatory JHB
