11 May Chinese Consul General visits NRF-SAAO to strengthen science and technology ties

Chinese Consul General visits NRF-SAAO to strengthen science and technology ties

The South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) was pleased to welcome Mr Ren Faqiang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Cape Town, and his wife, Ms Ma, for an evening visit to the SAAO Cape Town campus on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen engagement between the NRF-SAAO and the Chinese Consulate-General in Cape Town, with discussions focused on deepening science, technology and people-to-people relations between South Africa and China.

Consul General Ren and Ms Ma were welcomed by NRF-SAAO Managing Director, Prof. Rosalind Skelton, together with members of the SAAO team. The programme included a meeting in the historic Main Building, followed by a tour of key facilities on the Cape Town site, including the Remote Operations Centre, Mechanical Workshop, Visitor Centre, McClean Telescope and museum.

The visit concluded with an opportunity for stargazing — highlighting both the scientific and public engagement role of the Observatory.

The engagement forms part of NRF-SAAO’s ongoing commitment to building and strengthening international partnerships in astronomy, science diplomacy and public engagement. As South Africa’s national optical and infrared astronomy facility, the NRF-SAAO continues to support collaborations that advance research, innovation, education and global scientific exchange.