Executive Management

Ms Pontsho Maruping – Managing Director

SARAO Managing Director Ms Pontsho Maruping was appointed SARAO Managing Director effective from 01 October 2022. She directs and manages SARAO in all its dimensions, including MeerKAT and Hartebeesthoek operations, and leads fulfilment of South Africa’s obligations as a host country for the SKA, and upholds SARAO integration as a business unit of the NRF. […]

Dr Adrian Tiplady – Deputy Managing Director: Strategy and Partnerships

Deputy Managing Director: Strategy and Partnerships Dr Adrian Tiplady is responsible for developing, driving and directing SARAO strategy and partnership programmes through key outwardly focused Divisions. These include Strategy, Communications, Construction Planning, Human Capital Development and the Africa Programme.

Mr Shawn Basson – Head: Finance and Business Support

Head: Finance and Business Support Mr Shawn Basson joined SKA SA in August 2012. He holds a B.com and Honours degree as well as an MBA and Masters degree in Capital Development Finance. Shawn’s role is to ensure that all policies of the National Research Foundation (NRF) as well as that of the Department of […]

Ms Keitumetse Molamu – Head: Engineering & Technology Development

Head: Engineering & Technology Development Ms Keitumetse Molamu joined SARAO in September 2022. Ms Molamu holds a BEng, BSc IT and an MBA in Information Technology. She was employed as a Senior Manager at the Royal Bank of Canada. She has held different engineering positions in different technology and research industries such as the Airports […]

Dr Fernando Camilo – Chief Scientist

Chief Scientist Dr Fernando Camilo is the Chief Scientist  at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. He is a former Senior Research Scientist at Columbia University in New York, Director of Astronomy at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, and Senior Research Scientist at Columbia University. He holds a B.S. degree in Physics and Mathematics from Stony […]

Professor Justin Jonas – Chief Technologist

Chief Technologist Professor Justin Jonas provides technical direction and oversight for all activities undertaken by SKA South Africa through constant interaction with scientists, engineers, technicians and programme managers within the SKA SA project office and at partner organizations. His broad areas of influence are radio telescopes and associated instruments built and/or supported by SKA SA, […]

Mr Barney Msiza – Head: Human Resources

Head: Human Resources Barney Msiza completed a National Diploma in HR; a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Africa and Postgraduate studies in Labour Law including an LLM from University of Cape Town. His previous work experience includes HR generalist roles and Transformation Management from private and public sectors

Dr Anton Binneman – (Acting) Head: Communications & Stakeholder Relations

By profession, Anton is the Acting Head of Communication at the NRF SARAO, he is the Manager of Communication and Science Engagement before that he was also the Stakeholder Manager for the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRF|SARAO) and the Square Kilometre Array. Currently, Anton specialises in strategic communication and stakeholder engagement in science and […]