15 Jul DSTI Launches Remote Operations and Visitors Centres at NRF-SAAO

DSTI Launches Remote Operations and Visitors Centres at NRF-SAAO

As part of ongoing efforts to bring science and research closer to communities, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) launched the Remote Operations Centre and the Visitors Centre at the South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO), a facility of the National Research Foundation in Cape Town. The two flagship infrastructure developments were unveiled on 09 July 2025 by Minister Prof Blade Nzimande, joined by his Deputy, Dr Nomalungelo Gina; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille; and NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo.

The launch of these facilities forms part of the outreach programme of the Department’s 2025/26 Budget Vote Debate, which was tabled earlier that day in Parliament. Among the key stakeholders who attended the event were members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation PPC led by the Chair, Ms Tsakani Shiviti; CEOs and chairpersons of the boards of a number of DSTI entities; senior government officials and representatives from the research community. Notably, the event hosted a group of more than 100 learners—mostly from previously disadvantaged schools—who were treated to interactive demonstrations and a guided tour of the new centres.

As South Africa continues to position itself as a global hub for astronomy, investments such as these further deepen the country’s scientific infrastructure while fostering greater public interest and participation in science. The NRF-SAAO Remote Operations Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that allows scientists to control and monitor telescopes and instruments at remote sites, such as the Sutherland Observatory, from Cape Town. This leap in operational capability improves efficiency, reduces logistical costs, and enhances South Africa’s competitiveness in the global field of optical astronomy.

In addition, the launch of the NRF-SAAO Visitors Centre reflects a growing priority for public outreach and science communication. Designed as an accessible, engaging space for learners, tourists, and the public, the centre will offer guided tours, exhibitions, and educational programmes that demystify astronomy and inspire a new generation of scientists.

In his welcoming remarks, NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo said, “The NRF’s statutory duty is to invest in, and steward national research infrastructure for maximum knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Therefore, launching the Remote Operations Centre and the Cape Town Visitor Centre converts world-class astronomy assets into wider public benefit—this includes education benefits, an addition to tourist attractions, and the provision of high-skill jobs. This is exactly the impact envisioned in the NRF Vision 2030, which strives for Research for a Better Society.”

“I am encouraged by the number of learners who are attending the event,” he added. “Their curiosity is South Africa’s future competitive edge. May your participation in today’s event convince you that the universe—and a career in science—is open to you.”

To set the scene, Managing Director of the NRF-SAAO, Dr Rosalind Skelton, gave an overview of the Observatory and the new facilities. She outlined the transformative journey of NRF-SAAO and showcased ongoing projects and key achievements, as well as how astronomy shapes a sustainable future while also empowering local communities and supporting transformation and skills development.

PPC Chairperson, Ms Shiviti, also delivered a message of support and commended the DSTI and NRF’s commitment to positioning South Africa as a leader in global astronomy.

Dr Shamilla Chettiar, Deputy Director-General: Destination Development at the Department of Tourism, who delivered a message of support on behalf of Minister De Lille, said, “The launch of the Visitor Centre marks a major milestone in the implementation of the National Astro-Tourism Strategy and Implementation Plan, which was approved by Cabinet in May this year. The facility stands as a testament to how science and tourism can collaborate to unlock new frontiers in experiential and educational travel.” The Department of Tourism contributed R737 000 towards this Centre

Minister Nzimande, in his keynote address, commended the NRF-SAAO for its commitment to expanding the frontiers of astronomy and public science engagement. “Astronomy is one of the government’s strategic priorities and over the past three decades, there have been significant investments in building and upgrading the country’s astronomy infrastructure. It is these investments that have made it possible for our country to earn the privilege of co-hosting one of the biggest scientific projects of our time—the Square Kilometre Array.”

“The two facilities are an important addition to the country’s astronomy infrastructure,” said Minister Nzimande. “They also serve to advance the objectives of our country’s Astro-Tourism Strategy. Most importantly, they are an implementation of the Department’s mantra of placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society.”

He added, “We wish to achieve a number of things, one of them being increased awareness of the work that is being done by our public science institutions and scientists and inculcating a deeper appreciation for the value of science among communities. Therefore, by involving the learners and schools in today’s event, we are actually addressing the aspects of ‘education’ and ‘society’ in our department’s mantra.”