The Space Science and Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) Research Centre in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation at the Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Steve Biko campus on Friday, 16 February 2024.
Representing DUT in the signing ceremony was Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Build Environment and the South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation was represented by its Chairman, Mr Thabani Mazibuko, who is also a DUT alumnus.
Facilitating the MoU signing ceremony was Prof Evans Ojo, an Electrical Power Engineering lecturer and the head and coordinator of the DUT Space Centre and CNS Research Centre. He believes this MoU will commit both parties to work together towards their common goal, which is the pursuit of collaboration in space science.
According to Prof Ojo some of the programmes that will come out from this MoU include:
1. Establishing a partnership for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
2. Expanding the space science and innovation platform.
3. Stimulating interest to STEM subjects and careers.
4. Promoting the innovative use of space products and services by youth.
Sharing his excitement on the collaboration, Mr Thabani Mazibuko, Chairman: South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation said this partnership was made possible by Prof Ojo in agreement with a number of internal role-players like the DUT Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Director, Professor Keolebogile Motaung who felt that the SA Space Technology Foundation could be a good partner to forge a collaboration with.
“This was pushed by one main mutual desired outcome to make these two organisations a hub for skills development, projects that are innovative in nature, bring solutions and align ourselves with national continental and international organisations and legislations for the betterment of our students and the society we live in. The South African space administration falls into four programme areas, namely: Earth Observation, Space Engineering, Space Operations, and Space Science,” said Mazibuko.
He believes the four programme areas of space science show the potential of space exploration and the wide range of opportunities that are still untapped. Mazibuko indicated that these opportunities are indefinite and cannot be achieved when organisations are working in silos. He feels the exploration of more sectors in the space science will benefit future generations as it will expose them to sectors that can absorb them into the workforce and entrepreneurship sector.
Sharing the message of support, Professor Katleho Moloi, Head of Department: Electrical Power and Engineering commended DUT alumnus, Mr Thabani Mazibuko for coming back to partner with DUT in exploring the field of space science. He referred to the Israel-Gaza conflict where it is said that drones are used to transport food and medicine to the people, saying the space science has more to offer the world. Prof Moloi thanked Prof Ojo for his dedication in making this collaboration a reality and urged both parties to spread the news about the importance of understanding space science.
A master of engineering student and DUT Space Science and CNS Research Centre beneficiary, Ms Nompumelelo Chili expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the DUT Space Science and CNS Research Centre for the incredible support it provided to her and numerous other students.
“The dedication to advancing space science education has profoundly impacted my academic journey. Thanks to the resources, programmes, and opportunities the DUT Space Science offers, I’ve deepened my understanding of space exploration and connected with passionate experts in the field. Space science support has not only enriched my education but has also inspired me to pursue my dreams and aspirations in the realm of space science,” shared Chili.
She feels both organisations’ dedication to this MoU will help fuel the dreams of aspiring astronauts, scientists, and space enthusiasts worldwide.
Sharing the same sentiments was Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT. He said this collaboration was a great initiative that will see DUT using its education to capacitate the people of South Africa to understand that they live in a world of space science. Through collaborating, Prof Rathilal believes they will be able to reach a larger scale of people, which will lead to great things for the university and the society.
Pictured: Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT with Mr Thabani Mazibuko, Chairman: South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation at MoU signinig ceremony.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma
