MeerKAT and SKA phase 1

This paper provides an overview of MeerKAT, the South African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) precursor array that will form an integral part of phase 1 of the SKA. The telescope is located in the central Karoo in South Africa and the site is briefly described. The dish and feed, correlator and overall array design are discussed, as is calibration, imaging and RFI mitigation. MeerKAT as an example of mission driven innovation is considered. Planned MeerKAT science is briefly outlined. The paper concludes with a summary of plans for SKA phases 1 and 2.