Shaw-IAU Workshops by the OAE

Astronomy in Africa Ambassador Program

The primary goal of this program is to establish or unite a community of astronomy enthusiasts from all over Africa to conduct activities and popularize astronomy among the public. The program is aligned with the #AfricaLookUp campaign, which seeks to motivate people throughout the continent to pause, gaze at the night skies, and appreciate the magnificence of the African sky while drawing inspiration from the marvels of the universe. Additionally, the program aims to educate the public on astronomy and create awareness of the various career opportunities available in the industry.

#AfricaLookUp

Through the #AfricaLookUp Campaign, the goal is to inspire a mindset of active engagement and appreciation, urging individuals to go beyond casual observation and truly embrace the profound beauty and significance of the African night skies.

As we prepare for the IAU GA2024, a key focus is highlighting Africa's rich culture and diversity, both within the continent and to the world. To achieve this, on the last day of the workshop we will host an evening dedicated to cultural exchange. This event will provide a platform for sharing personal stories, origins, and distinctive aspects of our identities. Through the mediums of storytelling, poetry, and music, we aim to create an immersive experience that embraces the diversity of African cultures. We encourage attendees to don cultural or indigenous attire, allowing us to visually showcase the richness of our heritage. Additionally, as part of the #AfricaLookUp campaign, we warmly welcome stories that explore the connections between astronomy and our respective cultures, revealing how we relate to the stars. We invite you to contribute your unique cultural perspective, helping us bring the essence of your heritage to Cape Town.

Things to know:

Transportation

• How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
  You can get an app-based taxi service such as Uber or Bolt at the Cape Town International Airport. Note that there are designated pickup points for Uber and Bolt. Traditional taxis can also be booked at the airport. You will find taxi kiosks before you exit the terminal. Be cautious if you use any of the unregulated taxis (these are the people who will approach you just as you exit the building).
• How can I reach the conference venue?
  A shuttle will be arranged to take you from the hotel to the conference venue and back. We will inform you of the exact time and pickup/drop points of the shuttle.
• Can I use public transport to get around Cape Town?
  Unless you are familiar with Cape Town, we recommend you use Uber or Bolt which are the most convenient.

Accommodation

• Where will I be staying in Cape Town?
  All delegates will be staying at the City Lodge Hotel in Pinelands. It is roughly 15 minutes from the airport and about 10 minutes from the conference venue.

Food

• Will meals be provided during the conference?
  Breakfast will be provided at the hotel while lunch will be at the conference venue. Delegates will have to make their own arrangements for dinner. On Thursday, Oct 5, dinner will be provided at the conference venue.
• Where can I go for dinner? Other than Thursday, delegates are free to make their own dinner arrangements. There are various restaurants near the conference venue on lower main road, Observatory. While it's within walking distance (10-15min) from the conference venue, we don’t recommend walking alone or at night. You can also explore Cape Town and take a taxi to one of the many restaurants at the V&A waterfront or Kloof Street.

Phone & Internet
You can purchase a SIM card at Cape Town airport. There is free internet at many places such as the airport and popular shopping centres.

Language
English works in Cape Town and is the everyday language of most South Africans.

Currency & Payment
The official currency in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR). Debit or credit cards are accepted in most businesses and are the preferred form of payment.

Electricity
Please ensure that your electrical devices are compatible with the standard in South Africa 230V/50Hz. You may need to buy an adapter for the South African electrical socket which you can find at the airport, supermarkets, and other shops. Ask your hotel front desk for assistance. Frequent power outages, known as load shedding, can occur, lasting approximately 2 hours. Please make sure your devices are fully charged.

Weather
The weather in Cape Town is known to change quickly. October is generally warm (20-25C) but please bring warm clothes as it can dip to 10C or less at night.

Safety & Security
Cape Town has many of the same problems of popular tourist hotspots, namely crime. Please be aware of your surroundings and do not wander alone, especially at night. Many locals prefer to take a taxi at night even for short distances (less than 1km).

Emergency services

• Ambulance: 10177
• Emergency call centre: 107 - Cape Town area
• Emergency call from cell phone: 112
• Police: 10111

Conference venue

• Where will the conference be held?
  The conference will be at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town. https://www.saao.ac.za/
• Will there be WiFi at the conference venue?
  Free WiFi is available on campus, and no password is required to connect.

Sightseeing

• You can reach the top of Table Mountain in a leisurely fashion with its cable car
• On Robben Island amongst others you get to see Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. The tour of the island culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. Booking is essential.
• The Hop On & Off double-decker buses offer a great opportunity to enjoy scenic views of Cape Town while learning interesting facts.
• Various beaches allow you to go for swimming and surfing.
• Simon’s Town is famous for its penguins at Boulders Beach.
• Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is one of the great botanical gardens of the world.

Contact conference organisers
duduzile@saao.ac.za
sally@saao.ac.za
makwela@astro4edu.org

Scientific Organizing Committee:
Sally MacFarlane (University of Cape Town)
Duduzile Kubheka (South African Astronomical Observatory)
Tshiamiso Makwela (University of Cape Town)
Buzani Khumalo (South African Astronomical Observatory)
Ramasamy Venugopal (International Astronomy Union Office of Astronomy for Development)
Sarah Abotsi-Masters (Ghana Planetarium)
Shadrack Mkansi (South African Agency For Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)
Bafedile Kgwadi (South African Agency For Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)

Local Organizing Committee:
Tshiamiso Makwela (University of Cape Town)
Sally MacFarlane (University of Cape Town)
Duduzile Kubheka (South African Astronomical Observatory)
Ramasamy Venugopal (International Astronomy Union Office of Astronomy for Development)
Zodwa Tiki (African Astronomical Society)
Nuhaah Solomon (International Astronomy Union Office of Astronomy for Development)