SARAO inspires next generation of scientists at NextGen Career Expo

SARAO participated in the NextGen Career Expo – Mpumalanga Edition, engaging with learners, educators, event organisers, local leaders and community members to introduce them to the field of radio astronomy and the work done by SARAO.

The event, held on Thursday, 30 January 2026 under the theme “Explore Your Potential. Shape the Future”, was hosted by the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) in partnership with the Ndzundza Fene Traditional Authority, Kgosi Mabe-O-Molopyane Foundation (KMMF).

The SARAO exhibition space, manned by Simphiwe Madlanga, SARAO Science Engagement Coordinator and Cassandra Mzola, Science Engagement intern, provided learners and educators with information about radio astronomy, SARAO’s work, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The visitors showed great interest, with some of the learners even highlighting their keenness to pursue careers in astronomy and space sciences.

The high school learners were keen on knowing which marks they should aim for to qualify for the relevant programmes at university level, as well the scholarships that are offered by SARAO and the broader National Research Foundation (NRF).

More than 500 young people were engaged as well 19 educators or guardians.

It was a worthwhile event, especially since it took place in a region of the country that tends to be under-resourced and has limited exposure to information. The event took place in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

To enhance future engagement, SARAO needs concerted efforts toward more robust interactive models relevant for radio astronomy demonstrations.

Overall, this event served as an opportunity to expand SARAO’s outreach efforts, introduce radio astronomy to a broader audience, and establish connections for future collaborations in STEM career development.

“Support of such initiatives is always important and encouraged, especially those held in the provinces that do not host any SARAO research sites,” says Madlanga.