a visit to ska

THE SALT OF SUTHERLAND

Home to the southern hemisphere’s largest optical telescope, Sutherland is a land of astronomical wonder.

By: Lusanda Tamesi

Just a four-hour from Cape Town lies Sutherland's Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO).

This is home to the biggest optical telescope in the Southern hemisphere, the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).

The Observatory has initiated direct and indirect opportunities for the community. Some of which include 200 bursaries that will cater to the youth of Sutherland who want to study Mathematics and Physics-related courses at tertiary institutions. A great feature of the Community Hall is a computer center that acts as a hub to help students enhance their computer skills and apply to varsities.

The Science Stars team attended an event led by the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul; Dr Clifford Nxomani, the Deputy CEO of the National Research Foundation (NRF); Acting Chief Director of Astronomy, Takalani Nemaungani, and an Independent Public Participation Consultant commissioned by UCT, Mrs Doreen Februarie.

With the astronomical research in South Africa celebrating 200 years of existence and astro-tourism, the SAAO expanded on its community initiatives. “We are grateful to the officials of the South African Astronomical Observatory as well as the National Research Foundation for hosting us on what has been a very insightful visit,” said the Premier, Dr Saul, who went on to appreciate the professionalism of the “energetic and intellectually agile, SALT SA Project Engineers and Scientists that are creating a name for us worldwide in the field of astronomy!”

In having SALT in the Northern Cape there is also the guarantee that the province’s name will forever appear in scientific journals. “We will continue with collaborations with the SAAO and SALT for the benefit of the community, especially the youth,” added the Premier.

“A great feature of the Community Hall is a computer center that acts as a hub to help students enhance their computer skills and apply to varsities”

It was a day filled with much applause and excitement for the Sutherland community. It truly was a case of a large-scale project filtering down to benefit the surrounding community. In so doing, we are certain that the residents will also value and protect the SALT area. It is, after all, theirs and will soon benefit 200 of their brightest minds.

The next day was off to a busy start. Little did we know it would be quite an emotional experience for all participants. Activities commenced with a visit to the local computer centre to showcase what the community has at its disposal. We then witnessed a meeting between Dr Saul and the descendants of nine individuals who were unethically removed from their graves in the Sutherland district and provided to the University of Cape Town for research purposes in the 1920s.

“In our culture when people suffer hardships, a cemetery visit is the only way to connect spiritually with their ancestors,” said Dr Saul as he listened to the painful story of graves being removed.

We met Alfred Stuurman (58), a descendant of one of the families whose graves had been removed. He shared with us his wish to visit his forefather’s grave, Dawid Stuurman. Before this day, that dream seemed quite impossible for him. But upon learning about plans to rebury their family members, there was much excitement. The process of repatriation has been set in motion.

Stuurman's history is now firmly in my grasp! And I hope that one day I will be able to walk to the graveyards without hesitation," said Alfred. If all goes well the reburials could be done this year.

Plans for the re-burial were planned for much earlier but were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Saul apologised to the families present for the delay and reiterated the government’s continued commitment to this process to ensure that the Abraham and Stuurman families and community at large find closure.