The South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town has won a bid to host the International Astronomical Union's (IAU's) Office for Astronomy Development, which will play a key role in taking astronomy to the developing world.

The office will play a central role in coordinating and managing all IAU educational activities, as well as in recruiting and mobilising volunteers.

South Africa was chosen as the winner from a about 20 countries that submitted proposals.

"This award represents a boost to all our current astronomy-related activities, including our bid to host the [Square Kilometre Array]," Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said in a statement this week.

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