NRF Briefs Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on South African Astronomy

On 11 February 2025, the National Research Foundation (NRF) provided a comprehensive briefing to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation, focusing on the progress of astronomy in South Africa and its contribution to the National System of Innovation (NSI).

The meeting was held at the NRF’s South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRF-SARAO) offices in Cape Town.

To set the tone for the engagements, the Acting Committee Chairperson, Ms. Sthembile Hlongo, emphasised that the briefing formed part of their oversight programme, as mandated by parliament. While acknowledging the significant strides made in astronomical research and the broader astronomy, Hlongo said the Committee was also keen on understanding the challenges faced in transforming the sector. Noting budget cuts in recent years, she added that the committee can only advocate for additional resource allocation if fully briefed.

Her sentiments were echoed by the NRF Board Chair, Prof. Mosa Moshabela’s opening remarks, who welcomed the PCC and expressed appreciation for their continued support of the NRF’s initiatives.

Briefing presentations to the PPC, delivered by Dr. Rosalind Skelton, Managing Director of NRF-SAAO, and Ms. Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of NRF-SARAO, outlined the transformative journeys of both facilities and showcased ongoing projects, key achievements, and challenges encountered along the way. In addition, the presentations reflected largely on how astronomy shapes a sustainable future while also empowering local communities and supporting transformation and skills development.

In her presentation, Dr Skelton emphasised that large science projects, such as the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), have the power to transform society through education, inspiration and capacity-building. Of specific mention was the SALT Collateral Benefits Programme (SCBP) which uses knowledge, technology, and other resources produced by SALT to improve quality of life through education, science engagement, and socio-economic development.

Ms Maruping, on the other hand, shared insights on how leveraging indigenous knowledge and cutting-edge astronomy can transform communities and boost economic growth. She took the PPC members through what she referred to as the intersection of astronomy and indigenous knowledge in astro-tourism and youth development.

Some of the community outreach initiatives which triggered interest from the PPC members included the NRF-SARAO Robotics Programme, coordinated by the NRF-SARAO Human Capital Development Schools Programme, and the Sutherland Community Development Centre (SCDC) which aims to translate NRF-SAAO’s scientific and technological work into benefits for communities in the Sutherland region.

The Acting Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), Ms. Gugulethu Zwane, said “The integration of astro-tourism with flagship astronomy projects such as MeerKAT, SALT, and the recently launched PRIME Telescope underscores the Department’s commitment to leveraging scientific investments for broader societal impact. This will be a key contributor to inclusive growth and other benefits such as job creation, skills development and tourism linked to astronomy infrastructure.”

After each presentation, committee members were afforded the opportunity to ask questions and were later taken on a tour of both facilities. This oversight programme is expected to continue from 24 to 28 February, when the same collective visits the NRF-SAAO facility in Sutherland and later NRF-SARAO’s facility in Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.