📅 9 May 1994
The newly elected democratic parliament chose Mandela as president, with Thabo Mbeki and F. W. de Klerk as deputy presidents.
📅 10 May 1994
The inauguration at the Union Buildings marked the formal end of white minority government and the creation of a Government of National Unity.
📅 10 November 2005
President Thabo Mbeki formally inaugurated SALT at Sutherland.
📅 10 November 2005
The new facility strengthened observing capacity in the southern hemisphere.
📅 10 November 2005
South Africa led the observatory with partners from several countries.
📅 10 November 2005
The inauguration reflected public investment in astronomy and scientific infrastructure.
