The opening ceremony commenced with background lectures presented by Prof Nico Smit, Dr Frances Siebert and Mr Lieb Venter. Background lectures included information about the history of the facility, the vision, project funding, current and future projects, METSI Research Committee, and data archiving. Furthermore, information was shared regarding the location and infrastructure, and a video was shared showing drone footage of the facility.

All interested persons were then taken to METSI, where an informal tour of the facility was given. Thereafter, all attendees enjoyed a good-ol’ South African boerewors roll (or two) and some beverages.