Developing astronomy at historically disadvantaged institutions: NRF-SAAO engages Limpopo universities and communities

Astronomy has the power to spark curiosity and open new possibilities. Yet for many learners and students in South Africa, a career in the field remains out of reach. The barrier is rarely a lack of interest or ability; more often, it is limited access, information and exposure.

From 14 to 17 September 2026, the National Research Foundation-South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO), together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and other stakeholders, visited the University of Venda (UniVen) and the University of Limpopo (UL). The aim was to explore ways to strengthen astronomy at Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) and use the universities as a conduit to reach the surrounding communities.

The visit forms part of a broader DSTI-led effort to develop astronomy at HDIs and widen participation in the field. Ms Audrey Dikgale-Mahlakoana represented the DSTI’s Astronomy Department, contributing to discussions on institutional capacity while sharing lessons from other universities.

Managing Director Professor Ros Skelton led the NRF-SAAO team, accompanied by Dr Itumeleng Monageng, Astronomer; Dr Ramotholo Sefako, Head of Telescopes Operations; and Ms Duduzile Kubheka, Project Coordinator. Over the four days, they met university management, departmental representatives, students and local science centres to identify opportunities, understand challenges and explore sustainable ways forward.

Strengthening universities and student pathways

At both universities, the discussions centred on four priorities: strengthening astronomy research and teaching, expanding opportunities for students, developing skills, and building lasting institutional partnerships.

Presentations covered the South African astronomy landscape, research opportunities, career pathways and science communication. The team also introduced the BRICS Intelligent Telescope Data Network (BITDN), the flagship project of the BRICS Astronomy Working Group, which offers HDI researchers and students a route into international collaboration. Professor James Chibueze of the University of South Africa (UNISA) presented a case study on how the institution has significantly grown its astronomy department in just three years, offering practical lessons for universities looking to do the same.

The workshops gave university representatives and students space to share their experiences, discuss current research and identify practical areas for collaboration. Throughout, one question guided the conversation: how can partnerships deliver meaningful, long-term impact rather than a series of isolated activities?

Taking astronomy beyond the campus

A key part of the programme took the team into schools in Thohoyandou and Polokwane, in partnership with the Vuwani Resource Science Centre and the Limpopo Science Centre. These visits were among the most memorable moments of the week. They were a stark reminder of the inequalities that persist across our communities, but also of the curiosity, energy and potential of learners who deserve access to science. Their questions and enthusiasm underlined a simple truth: people cannot pursue opportunities they do not know exist.

Making astronomy accessible therefore takes more than introducing the science. Learners need opportunities to meet astronomers, ask questions and discover pathways they may never have considered. They also need these occasions repeatedly so that they can begin to see themselves as future scientists and researchers.

The school visits drew on the Cascade Outreach Model, which links different levels of the astronomy community. In Polokwane, astronomy ambassadors, UCT/SAAO PhD student, Reshoketswe Thobejane and UL’s PGDip Science Communication student, Gordon Ramano showed the value of relatable role models. In Venda, Masters students Xolile Mkhatshwa and Nthangeni Rhofiwa, who work on astronomy projects through a partnership with UCT’s Professor Patrick Woudt, connected university research with the classroom. Together, learners, students, researchers and outreach practitioners made astronomy feel tangible and within reach.

Building partnerships for lasting impact

The engagements also considered the role of astronomy in supporting wider education and community development. Ideas for further discussion include improving access to telescopes and learning resources, strengthening partnerships with science centres, and creating ongoing opportunities for school and community engagement.

Realising these ideas will require universities, government, research institutions, schools and science centres to work together. It will also require local leadership and co-creation, so that initiatives respond to community needs and can be sustained over time.

The participation of university departments and science centres in the school visits was especially valuable. They helped with coordination and grounded the work in local context, reinforcing the importance of involving the whole value chain, from learners and communities to science centres, academic departments, students and researchers, rather than letting each effort develop in isolation.

Looking ahead

The visit to the University of Venda and the University of Limpopo was a first step in a longer journey. In four days, university leaders, departments, students and partners began to map out what it will take to grow astronomy at these institutions: stronger research and teaching capacity, clearer pathways for students, access to national and international opportunities, and partnerships that endure beyond a single visit.

The school and science-centre visits showed that this work cannot stop at the university gate. Strong astronomy programmes at HDIs can anchor long-term engagement with their communities, connecting learners with the students, researchers and role models who make the field feel possible and more tangible.

Working with the DSTI, the universities and local partners, NRF-SAAO will now focus on turning these conversations into practical actions that build lasting capacity. The ambition is for these universities to become regional hubs of astronomy, producing the next generation of South African scientists and opening the field to the communities around them. The talent is there; the task now is to ensure the opportunities are too.