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. […]

Read more

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.

Read more

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 […]

Read more

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 […]

Read more

Dr Fernando Camilo – 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 Brook University […]

Read more

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

Read more

Dr Anton Binneman – Manager: Communication and Science Engagement

By profession, Anton 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 science infrastructure projects, however, he has more than 10 years’ experience […]

Read more

Sibusiso Clifford Gumede – Head: Operations, SARAO

Sibusiso Clifford Gumede serves as the Head of Operations at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). In this capacity, he oversees the operational aspects of SARAO’s facilities and projects, ensuring their efficient and effective functioning. His role is pivotal in the management and maintenance of South Africa’s radio astronomy infrastructure, contributing to the country’s […]

Read more