  In this short paper we outline the case for a small radio telescope array in
the southern hemisphere with operations dedicated to rapid follow-up and
monitoring of astrophysical transients. We argue that the science harvest from
such a facility would be very large, using AMI-LA as an outstanding example of
how such a programme is already being operated in the north with an enormous
track record of success. A southern radio transients facility would in turn
take pressure off the Square Kilometre Array and the other world class larger
arrays with 10-100 times more collecting area, which will never have the
programme time available to comprehensively pursue this science. We discuss
comparisons with the development of transient surveys and follow up in optical
astronomy, and also how single millimetre dishes can contribute to radio
transients science in the south. This paper is not a funding proposal aimed at
any particular body, but rather a concept and discussion piece, and the authors
welcome comments and feedback.
