Hon Speaker, at an estimated construction cost of US$2 billion, the Square Kilometre Array telescope is poised to be the largest radio telescope in the world by far, and will consolidate Africa as a major hub for astronomy in the world. The African Union has acknowledged the significance of the Square Kilometre Array project in bringing much- needed development to Africa.
At the 15th ordinary session of the assembly of heads of state and government that ended in July this year, the assembly, attended by President Jacob Zuma, expressed its appreciation of South Africa's efforts to co-ordinate the bid to promote space science and technology in Africa. It also endorsed South Africa's collaboration with other African countries.
If Africa wins the bid against Australia - the decision will be announced in March 2012 - this bid will be a major step towards developing high-level skills and cutting-edge technology infrastructure in Africa and attract expertise and collaborative projects to the continent. The support from Africa for the success of the bid really affirms that South Africa is part of the African continent and that our destiny intertwines with the destiny of the continent. I thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]