THE PROPOSED CAPE TOWN HOSTING INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM (CTHIS) DEVELOPMENT ON ERF 41967, ITHEMBA LABS, MFULENI, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE.

Guillaume Nel Environmental Consultants (GNEC) were appointed by Gass Architecture Studios, on behalf of the applicant, National Research Foundation (NRF), to facilitate the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014 (as amended) for the proposed Cape Town Hosting Infrastructure System (CTHIS) development on Erf 41967 (Ithemba Labs), Cape Town, Western Cape.

The proposal entails the development of a new Cape Town Hosting Infrastructure System (CTHIS) to establish essential supporting infrastructure and facilities required to host, operate, and maintain advanced research and data processing systems linked to South Africa’s scientific innovation strategy, particularly those linked to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The proposal includes Operation Centre Office Buildings (CTOC offices, meeting rooms, warehouses & stores), a Data Centre (High Performance Computing Building-HPCB), a Power Utility Building & Solar PV Installations (roof fixed) on Erf 41967, Ithemba Labs. Development components and associated footprints as per the SDF/Layout are outlined below:

Ground Floor (00) – Total: 18,306 m²
CTHIS – CTOC – Meeting Rooms and Shared Spaces: 1,300 m²
CTHIS – CTOC – Shared Spaces and Labs: 2,016 m²
CTHIS – CTOC – Shared Spaces and Offices: 5,128 m²
CTHIS – HPCB and iSPC: 4,141 m²
CTHIS – Power Utility Building: 2,967 m²
CTHIS – Undercover Courtyard: 2,754 m²

First Floor (01) – Total: 6,612 m²
CTHIS – CTOC – Shared Spaces and Offices: 5,128 m²
CTHIS – Power Utility Building: 1,484 m²

Second Floor (02) – Total: 5,128 m²
CTHIS – CTOC – Shared Spaces and Offices: 5,128 m²

Other components forming part of proposal:
• Landscaping and Elevated Boardwalks
• Service and Delivery Yard
• Diesel Storage Tanks:
o 5 x 60,000L tanks (double-bunded, with 110% bund capacity)
• Future PV Farm Area (indicated for context, not part of current application)
• 20m Wetland Buffer Zone and rehabilitated wetland integration
• PV Panels fixed on Building Roofs
• On Site Parking

Total footprint = 30 045 m²

The proposed site is located within the urban edge in accordance with the City of Cape Town Spatial Development Framework (Khayelitsha / Mitchells Plain / Greater Blue Downs SDF, 2023) and is earmarked for urban development. Erf 41967 is zoned as a Limited Use Zone. Access will be obtained from the existing M49 (Old Faure Road).

It is important to note that although the proposed Cape Town Hosting Infrastructure System (CTHIS) development is to be located in Mfuleni/Eerste River, Western Cape, it forms part of a broader initiative of national strategic importance. The CTHIS development is a key supporting component of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which is being implemented in the Northern Cape and will become one of the world’s largest and most advanced radio telescopes. The SKA project is classified as a Strategic Integrated Project 16 (SIP-16), which falls within the scope of the Infrastructure Development Act (Act No. 23 of 2014). The Cape Town Hosting Infrastructure System (CTHIS) is linked to this Strategic Integrated Project 16 (SIP-16) through its direct support role in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) initiative.

SIP-16 aims to enable the development of advanced scientific infrastructure in South Africa, with a focus on fostering industrial and research localisation, enhancing technical and social infrastructure and promoting skills development. The proposed CTHIS development will serve as the primary data processing and operations hub for the SKA, managing the enormous volumes of data generated by the telescope array.

As such, the CTHIS will play a critical role in facilitating high-performance computing functions, supporting local and international research collaboration, and enabling groundbreaking astronomical discoveries. In addition to its scientific relevance, the project is expected to contribute to local capacity building and the positioning of South Africa as a global leader in radio astronomy and data science.

Bulk Engineering Services & Requirements

Bulk Water Infrastructure – The municipality already has a water supply line in the region. At this point in time, it is not clear whether the existing Bulk Water Infrastructure will be able to cater for the demand of the CTHIS. The available capacity will have to be confirmed with the municipality. If the City can cater for the CTHIS demand, the iThemba Labs and CTHIS are to be separately metered, either at the Bulk connection or after the Bulk connection, depending on the City’s requirements.

Bulk Sewer Infrastructure – Erf 41967 has an onsite Wastewater treatment plant. It is envisioned that the CTHIS effluent will also be accommodated onsite. The capacity of the treatment plant, as well as the pumps, was not available at the time of compilation of this report, but should its capacity be exceeded by the addition of the CTHIS effluent, then it will have to be increased / upgraded.

Bulk Stormwater Infrastructure – New Bulk infrastructure will be installed to convey stormwater from the CTHIS to the Kulis River. This infrastructure will mainly include attenuation ponds, drainage swales, and culverts, as detailed in the SMP. Designed to integrate with the Southern seasonal wetland flat, supporting its rehabilitation and ecosystem functionality.

Electricity – Electricality will be routed from the existing Eskom substation located on the adjacent property (East). The options are 132kV and 11kV cable routes. PV panels fixed on building roofs will supplement electricity requirements.

Roads and Access – The development is adjacent to the Old Faure Road/M49 and as such, it is envisioned that access will be gained from the Old Faure Road/M49. The Erf has two access points from the Old Faure Road/M49, with the Primary Access being utilised for the iThemba Labs development. The CTHIS development will be accessed via the Secondary Access.