The Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa, Puleng LenkaBula, is visiting the site of the first Africa Millimetre Telescope (AMT) on Gamsberg Mountain in Namibia this week.

The visit will include the signing of an addendum to an agreement between UNISA and the University of Namibia (UNAM) confirming their partnership on the AMT Project.

The 14-metre telescope will join the global Event Horizon Telescope network, which captured the first image of a black hole in 2019.

The new telescope will help scientists produce clearer images and better observations of black holes.

Unisa has committed $4 million toward supporting the project and will provide technical and research expertise. 

UNAM will continue to play a leading role and support research and outreach activities related to the initiative.

The telescope will be built in Namibia because of the country's high altitude, dry climate and radio-quiet environment. 

The project is expected to boost scientific research and postgraduate training, as well as public interest in astronomy across Africa.

Professor LenkaBula described the AMT (African Millimetre Telescope) as a major milestone for the continent and said UNISA is proud to support a project that will advance science and skills development in Africa.

Professor Kenneth Matengu said the telescope shows Africa's readiness to lead in global research, and he added that the partnership strengthens efforts to build world-class infrastructure, develop local expertise, and promote science engagement.