South Africa has won the bid to host the 2024 general assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), marking its first assembly on African soil in its 105 years of existence.

The next general assembly will be held in South Korea in 2021, followed by Cape Town in 2024.

The decision was announced by newly elected IAU president Professor Ewine van Dishoeck at the association’s current general assembly, in Vienna.

Science and Technology Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has congratulated the bid committee for their work, saying that securing the rights to host the event was proof that Africa is the next big hub for astronomy, with megaprojects including the MeerKAT, the Square Kilometre Array and the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network, as well as the Southern African Large Telescope and the HESS and Hirax telescopes.

This, she said, positioned the continent as a destination for cutting-edge multiwavelength astronomy.

“I am delighted that the international community recognises the investments and concerted efforts that South Africa has been making in growing the discipline of astronomy in Africa. We welcome this positive endorsement by the IAU and we will do our best to support the planning process to ensure that the 2024 IAU general assembly, [which will be hosted] in Cape Town, [is] a resounding success,” she said.

Kubayi-Ngubane added that the award recognised the strides that African astronomy had taken in recent years.

The occasion would give voice to Africa in the global astronomical endeavour and would bring attention to the science and education conducted on the continent, she said.

“The opportunity for many African astronomers to take part in one of the world’s biggest astronomy meetings will contribute to an enduring legacy of astronomy on the continent.”

According to South African Astronomical Observatory and University of Cape Town astrophysicist Dr Shazrene Mohamed, the support for the bid, not only from astronomers but also from industry, academic institutions and government, has been phenomenal, and its success is a testament to what Africa can accomplish through united efforts.

“For astronomers, this is like winning the bid to host a Football World Cup or the Olympics. It’s time for Africa! We are excited and look forward to welcoming our colleagues from around the world to the first of hopefully many IAU general assemblies on African soil,” Mohamed enthused.

In addition to the bid award, the incoming IAU president also bestowed a special inaugural award on Cape Town-based astronomer Dr Carolina Ödman for her work in astronomy outreach and education.