NRF-SAASTA and SANSA Drive Space Science Outreach in North West

Recently, the National Research Foundation-South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA), in collaboration with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), hosted an outreach engagement in Mahikeng, North West, aimed at inspiring young people to explore careers within South Africa’s growing space science and technology sector. The engagement formed part of the Space Infrastructure Hub (SIH) initiative’s drive to showcase the range of careers and training opportunities available in the sector.

This engagement pertains to the NRF’s broader strategic response to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) appointment of the NRF as the implementing agency for the Space Skills Development Fund, under the SIH. Through this mandate, the NRF is rolling out initiatives aimed at raising awareness and building the skills and capacity needed to support South Africa’s space programmes.

The event brought together students from Taletso TVET Campus with stakeholders from the science, technology and innovation ecosystem, providing an opportunity to explore space science, career pathways and the skills required to become future space scientists, including opportunities in South Africa’s growing space and technology sectors.

The discussions centred on careers that extend far beyond astronauts and scientists. The space sector requires a diverse range of skills, including engineering, electronics, information and communication technology, data and digital skills, technical trades, research and entrepreneurship. This highlighted the important role that TVET students and graduates can play in South Africa’s space sector.

The engagement also emphasised the importance of developing Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) skills to build a strong pipeline of future space scientists, engineers, technicians and entrepreneurs.  Moreover, hosting the session during National Science Month in July reinforced the broader national effort to promote science awareness and participation.

Another key takeaway was the importance of science communication and outreach in creating awareness of opportunities. By bringing space science and technology directly to young people, the engagement afforded them time to connect with professionals, institutions and potential career pathways.

Ms Keitumetse Nane, Liaison Officer at NRF’s Business Advancement Unit, emphasised the importance of bringing such awareness to young people.

“Through the SIH’s focus on diversifying and transforming the space sector, this engagement was designed to broaden participation and inspire young people from diverse backgrounds to see themselves as the next generation of space scientists and space engineers,” she said.

Ultimately, the engagement demonstrated that building South Africa’s space sector begins with investing in people. Through collaboration, outreach, and skills development, the DSTI, NRF-SAASTA and SANSA are contributing to the development of the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of the country’s space sector and strengthen the knowledge economy. This aligns with the Decadal Plan’s priority of increasing investment in capacity-building programmes and developing young entrepreneurs, emerging researchers and scientists. These efforts are essential not only to support economic growth, but also to position South Africa as a regional hub for space science and technology.