The South African Government is actively considering the launch of satellite service to enable its citizen to study remotely.
According to South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Mr Blade Nzimande, the government, in these times of Covid-19, is reviewing possible technologies that could help improve remote-learning capabilities in the country.
A current focus is likely in the use of the “Space Science and Earth Observation technologies and platforms’ because of its stated plan to be able to reach more vulnerable areas of the community.
The Minister said that key intergovernmental agencies and industry partners including the SA Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, SENTECH as well the SA National Space Agency will be coming together to deliver the national educational system via a locally produced communication satellite.
The government plans, which have included a geospatial mapping of locations for effective distribution, will be accessible to most students who will also have the appropriate devices to support their learning.