In a significant step toward technological self-reliance, South Africa is pushing forward with its National Satellite Communication SATCOM Strategy, a collaborative effort between the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies DCDT and the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation DSTI.
The initiative, developed alongside key stakeholders like Sentech and the South African National Space Agency SANSA, aims to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign satellite systems while expanding connectivity to underserved regions.
This report is based on a high level joint meeting of the Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Communications and Digital Technologies, and on Science, Technology and Innovation, held on April 1, 2025.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ms Khusela Lwandlekazi Sangoni, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, and Ms Tsakani Goodness Shiviti, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation in the National Assembly.
The session was attended by Mr Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and Ms Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, along with senior officials from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies DCDT, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation DSTI, Sentech, and other key institutions.
Source:https://spaceinafrica.com/2025/04/05/south-africa-advances-national-satellite-programme-to-bridge-digital-divide-and-boost-sovereignty/
