Astronomy Geographic Advantage Act, 2007 (Act No. 21 of 2007)

Notice No. 1293

4 December 2020

GG 43967

Department of Science and Innovation

On 3 June 2020, I, Dr. Bonginkosi Emmanuel Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, extended the period of compliance with the Regulations for the Protection of the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Areas, in Government Gazette No. 43387, under Notice No. 629.

Due to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) restrictions, the Department and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory could not conduct workshops and information sessions to assist farm owners and farm workers (within the 50km radius of the SKA core site) with the AMA permit application processes.  I hereby further extend the period of compliance with the Regulations for the Protection of the Karoo Central Astronomy Advantage Areas by twelve (12) months in terms of Regulation 6 of Schedule A of the Regulations, to allow licensees and licence exempt operators more time to comply with the provisions of the said Regulations.  The current due date for compliance with Regulation 3(2) of Schedule A Regulations, which is 15 December 2020, is hereby extended by twelve (12) months and the new date is 15 December 2021.

Any enquiries regarding this notice may be addressed to Mr. Mere Kgampe at telephone number: 0764884776 or E-mail address: [email protected]

Dr. B E Nzimande, MP

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology