Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that the International Astronomical Union has selected South Africa to host their Office for Astronomy Development;
2) congratulates the prestigious South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town on being chosen to host the Office for Astronomy Development;
3) congratulates the Department of Science and Technology for demonstrating its commitment to scientific research development; 4) further notes that the location of the Office for Astronomy Development in Cape Town is a major boost for our bid, to be decided in 2012, to host the Square Kilometre Array, as it positions South Africa as a leader in astronomy development and makes South Africa a natural location for major astronomical investment;
5) believes that this is a significant achievement not only for South Africa but also for all of Africa; and
6) endorses the comment made by Kevin Govender, Chairperson of the SA Astronomical Observatory's "Developing Astronomy Globally" project, when he said, "As one of the few developing countries with an internationally recognised and strong astronomy community, we felt that it was South Africa's responsibility to look at ways of bringing astronomy to less developed parts of the world, with a focus on Africa. Through the invaluable support of the International Astronomical Union we have been able to stimulate astronomy activities across the world, from Gabon to Tajikistan. Hosting this prestigious office will enable South Africa to expand this developmental role and realise the common vision with the International Astronomical Union of astronomy in every part of the world."
Agreed to.