Mary-Ann and Prof Ernest van Dyk of the Department of Physics attended the launch of the Giant Flag project in October. This multidimensional project harnesses several streams of environmental, social and economic activity in the Karoo in a bid to break the cycle of unemployment and poverty. Comprising a conference and tourism precinct as well as a 4 megawatt solar panel field, the project takes its name from its most inspired element – a 66 hectare South African glaf made up of 2.5 million coloured desert plants.

The NMMU has a formal relationship with the Giant Flag Trust to support the project in the area of renewable energy.