SOUTH Africa is working with Tanzanian institutions on initiatives especially in satellite technology, with hopes of jointly launching satellites in the future, a visiting cabinet minister has declared.

Dr. Bonginkosi Nzimande, the Education, Science and Innovation minister for South Africa, made this affirmation in Dar es Salaam at the weekend, hailing prospects of extending support to Tanzania in that field.

His remarks came as the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), a facilitating institution for the government, was unveiling ambitious plans to launch three satellites within the next few years in a new drive to explore opportunities tied with space technology.

Dr. Richard Masika, the DIT council chairman talked of these expectations at a meeting with the visiting minister, explained at a media briefing.

The visitor was exploring chances of enhancing educational collaboration among scientific institutions charged with portions of government plans in the fields of science and technology, as the government has tasked DIT with implementing initial steps to launch the first satellite in 2026, followed by two more in 2027 and 2028, the don affirmed. 

The government is implementing space-related programmes to promote the use of satellite technology for convenient access to communication, highly important in fields like defence and security, research, disaster management and weather forecasting, he explained.

The country has been making strides in space-linked programmes, including securing an orbital position of 16W for use in broadcasting satellites and new frequencies to improve the reliability of air and maritime communications.

The visit provided DIT with a unique opportunity to leverage South Africa’s expertise in space technology, he said, underlining that DIT is committed to aligning student training with industry demands. 

DIT backs up national goals by developing competent engineers through a skills-based approach rather than focusing on conceptual problem solving, he said, pointing at the 

DIT’s ‘teaching factory’ approach as equipping students with practical skills.

This ensured that they are market-ready upon graduation as by the time they leave they are ready for involvement in industry, he stated, while Dr. Petro Pesha, the DIT academic director, shared insights into DIT’s roadmap for executing the space initiatives. 

As part of this initiative, DIT established a space department in 2023 and is set to launch a center for space technology before the year ends, while preparing for its first satellite launch under the KiboCube programme by August 1, 2026, he said.

DIT experts have visited Russia and China to gather insights and build local capacity for satellite launches, he said, underlining the broader benefits of space technology, like economic gains, improved agricultural monitoring and enhanced border security.

Space technology enhances communication, directly impacting social and business interactions, protecting borders and wildlife, thereby reducing costs associated with national security, he elaborated.

The visiting minister emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in space technology, noting that space science and technology links align with DIT focus, affirming that preliminary agreement had been established with Prof. Adolph Mkenda, his local counterpart, to explore further areas of cooperation.

This is possible due to South Africa's advanced capabilities in the field, he said, underlining that South Africa wants to see more African countries engaged in space science and technology.

Stressing the need to educate African societies about the role of science in everyday life to garner broader public support for scientific initiatives, he said that these countries need to ensure that society understands the significance of science. “Without that understanding, we cannot expect their support,” he remarked.

South Africa expects to support Tanzania’s efforts particularly in capacity building through staff and student exchanges, he added.