New DSTI Director General visits SANSA to strengthen collaboration on Space Science and Innovation

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) has welcomed Dr. Mlungisi Cele, the newly appointed Director General of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), on his first official visit to the agency. The engagement, held at SANSA’s Space Operations facility in Hartebeesthoek, provided an opportunity for Dr. Cele to familiarize himself with the agency’s critical work and explore ways to align its efforts with national policies, including the Decadal Plan, the White Paper on Science and Technology, the National Development Plan, and the broader STI framework. 

During the visit, SANSA leadership presented an overview of the agency’s core programmes in Earth Observation, Space Operations, Space Engineering, and Space Science, highlighting their contributions to South Africa’s socio-economic development and policy objectives. Discussions also touched on pressing national challenges, such as the need to attract more young researchers into STEM fields amid an aging cohort of senior scientists, as well as the impact of global geopolitics on scientific collaboration. 

SANSA expressed its dedication to fostering a stronger partnership with the DSTI to enhance agility in delivering on shared mandates. The engagement marks a significant step in reinforcing South Africa’s position as a leader in space science and technological advancement. 

By:  Kanto Kai Okanta