NRF Board Visit Strengthens Commitment to Ocean and Coastal Research

On 27 March 2026 the Board of the National Research Foundation (NRF) undertook a strategic visit to one of the organisation’s national facilities,—the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) Elwandle Node in Gqeberha—reaffirming the NRF’s commitment to the advancement of marine and coastal research in support of national development priorities.

The Board delegation was led by Chairperson, Prof Ari Sitas, and included Mr Mark Brits, Mr Mavuso Shabalala, and Dr Ntombi Mutshekwane. They were joined by the Acting CEO, Dr Angus Paterson; Chief Strategist Dr Ndivhu Luruli; and Ms Charlene Sheraton, Interim People and Culture Oversight.

The delegation was afforded a comprehensive, immersive experience of the facility’s scientific capabilities and impact. The visit formed part of the NRF’s broader governance and oversight role, which enabled leadership to engage directly with researchers, infrastructure, and the communities of practice driving South Africa’s environmental observation agenda.

A key highlight of the visit was a sea excursion, where the delegation witnessed firsthand the operational aspects of marine research. This experience offered valuable insight into the complexities and rigours of oceanographic data collection, as well as the critical role such work plays in understanding sustainable ocean management.

Back on land, the delegation toured the Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure (SMCRI), a flagship NRF-supported platform based at Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus. The tour showcased a range of advanced state of the art equipment and ongoing projects.

The programme also included a series of presentations from researchers affiliated with the Elwandle Node. These presentations, led by Prof Tommy Bornman, NRF-SAEON’s acting managing director, highlighted the broader societal impact of their work—from informing policy and environmental management to contributing to global scientific knowledge. Engagements of this nature provide a critical platform for researchers to share insights directly with NRF leadership and to foster alignment between strategic priorities and scientific endeavour.

Reflecting on the visit, a shared sentiment by the Board members, was that they were impressed with the depth of capability within NRF-SAEON and SMCRI. They said what they witnessed was a powerful demonstration of how sustained investment in research infrastructure enables South Africa to generate knowledge that is both globally relevant and locally responsive. Said Prof Sitas “This visit underscores the strategic importance of environmental observation in shaping policy and informing sustainable development. The work being done here has direct implications for how we respond to environmental challenges as a country.”

The Board members also commended the NRF-SAEON team for their alignment with national priorities around transformation and knowledge production, as well as building a pipeline of skilled researchers who will carry this work into the future.

Dr Paterson reflected on the strategic value of the visit, “Engagements such as this are critical in ensuring that our leadership remains closely connected to the work on the ground. Seeing the

impact of our investments first hand strengthens our resolve to continue supporting research that addresses South Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

The visit underscores the Board’s commitment to strengthen oversight, deepen organisational understanding, and support the continued growth and visibility of South Africa’s national research infrastructure. It also reflects the organisation’s dedication to promote excellence in research that addresses pressing environmental challenges while contributing to sustainable development.