South African Environmental Observation Network
South African Environmental Observation Network
On 9 July 2025, NRF-SAEON had the opportunity to exhibit at the DSTI Budget Vote Outreach Programme and the launch of the NRF-SAAO Visitor Centre and Remote Operations Centre.
The launch featured a range of engaging activities, including learner-focused sessions, astronomy-themed celebrations, storytelling, and even stargazing. Each SAEON node was given the opportunity to showcase its work and projects to school learners, aiming to educate, inspire, and spark curiosity. The event also welcomed honourable ministers and their ministerial entourage, providing a valuable platform to highlight NRF-SAEON’s contributions to science and education.
The Egagasini Node was proudly represented by two key initiatives: the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) and Ocean20. Both were supported by the dynamic Science Engagement team, who displayed interactive materials such as LEGO Ocean Vessels and the educational e-learning platform.
The display of LEGO Ocean Vessels provided learners with an exciting and easy way to explore marine science observations. These tools and methods sparked some interest amongst the learners and created an engaging space to interact with the exhibitor to understand the science behind our oceans. Another highlight, which many were fond of, was the Magic Planet, a digital globe that focused on Earth dynamics and ocean events around the world. These visualizations helped learners to gain a deeper understanding of important gifts the ocean provides us with, such as food, climate regulation, oxygen and biodiversity, as well as the increasing challenges the ocean faces, including pollution, overfishing and climate change.
As the day progressed, it was clear that the learners were interested. A number of learners showed a keen interest in pursuing marine science as a career and asked a number of questions about the subjects they need to study and if there were any universities in South Africa that offer marine or ocean science courses. The team provided the learners with relevant information, which I believe will help the development of future marine scientists. The event was further elevated by the attendance of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation , Dr. Blade Nzimande, who explored the exhibition and engaged with exhibitors. His visit highlighted the importance of science engagement in influencing the young generation.
SAPRI captivated learners and dignitaries alike with an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, showcasing life on the sub-Antarctic Marion Island, including elephant seals, penguins, and remote fieldwork scenes. The Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation personally engaged with the exhibit, trying out the VR headset and interacting with SAPRI team members. Learners were excited to discover that all three SAPRI representatives including Kelebogile Mogotsi – Kelly, Tlhonolofatso Steve Tebele, and Yinhla Shihlomule, had overwintered on Marion Island, with Tlhonolofatso also having spent time in Antarctica, a story brought to life with the heavy “pumpkin boots” that were on display and brought much attention. SAPRI’s Engagement Officer, Kelebogile – Kelly, also represented the infrastructure in a national interview on Radio 2000, highlighting the importance of South Africa’s polar research, youth involvement, and the country’s unique position as the only African nation working in Antarctica.
Ocean20 (O20), the ocean-focused engagement group under the G20 South Africa presidency, lead by NRF-SAEON also had the opportunity to engage with the minister providing a word of thanks for the support the engagement group has received from the minister thus far, especially at the O20 launch and inception meeting held in Mbombela in May.
EFTEON infrastructure exhibited its Eddy Covariance instruments, which measure the carbon dioxide and water vapour exchange between the atmosphere and the earth’s surface. The instrument relies on sonic anemometers and gas analysers to determine turbulent air flows and measure gas concentrations. The instrument is important for understanding greenhouse gas fluxes, effects of land management techniques and also how the different ecosystems and biomes in South Africa respond to climate change.
uLwazi shared how the Node supports the full environmental data lifecycle – from curation and metadata management to open access platforms like the ODP, SARVA, and NCCIS. The Node highlighted its role in enabling evidence-based decision-making, climate reporting, and public access to reliable, long-term environmental data. The Node also included a video walkthrough of the SAEON Open Data Platform for the participants to explore the process of how to view, search, and download scientific datasets step by step.
The event provided a vibrant and interactive platform for science institutions to connect with learners, educators, and decision-makers. NRF-SAEON’s participation across its various nodes highlighted its diverse and impactful contributions to long-term environmental research, science communication, and international collaboration.
