Image: Learners, educators and delegates in attendance of the World Space Week Launch at the King Bhekuzulu Hall

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), officially launched World Space Week 2025 at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) on 4 October 2025.

The event brought together a diverse group of delegates, including traditional leaders, SANSA executives, representatives from DSTI and UNIZULU, as well as leading space science exhibitors. Exhibitors included SANSA Space Science, the UKZN Aerospace Systems Research Institute, SpaceTech Foundation, the UNIZULU Science Centre, Space Commercial Services, Gemini GIS and Environmental Consultancy, and Cars4Mars all showcasing cutting-edge innovations in the field of space science and technology.

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA) coordinated the exhibition and SEIMS registration for the event, working in partnership with SANSA.

Celebrating a Strategic Partnership

The launch was officially opened by Prof Nokuthula Kunene, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNIZULU, who welcomed delegates and expressed the university’s gratitude for being selected to kick-start this year’s celebrations.

Prof Khoboso Lehloenya, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering at UNIZULU, highlighted the significance of the growing collaboration between the university and SANSA. She noted that the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would pave the way for enhanced research opportunities, particularly in satellite and earth observation sciences, benefiting researchers within the faculty.

Space Science for Public Engagement and Skills Development

Delivering the keynote address, Ms Fikiswa Majola, Deputy Director of Space Science at DSTI, highlighted the importance of supporting World Space Week. She emphasised three key goals of the observance:

• Building public engagement through exhibitions and science activities taking place throughout the week.
• Developing new skills in space science and earth observation by providing access to training, development, and career opportunities.
• Fostering partnerships, exemplified by the signing of the MoU on the day.

Majola concluded by aligning the celebration with DSTI’s new strategic direction, as articulated by Minister Prof Blade Nzimande, which places Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at the centre of government, industry, and society.