SARAO showcases science engagement in radio astronomy to learners in the Eastern Cape

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SARAO’s Science Engagement team participated in the 13th Umzimvubu Local Municipality Career Expo from 14 to 16 April 2026, joining other stakeholders and exhibitors, including science councils, government departments, academic institutions and NGOs.

The three-day event took place in KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) in the Eastern Cape, targeting over 1,900 Grade 12 learners, providing them and their educators with opportunities to interact directly with higher education institutions and funding bodies. During the event, learners participated in a variety of interactive exhibitions and demonstrations that highlighted topics such as astronomy, environmental sustainability, physics, and broader higher education opportunities.

The SARAO exhibition focused on introducing learners to radio astronomy, including how large telescopes detect invisible signals from space. Learners were introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum, the concept of radio waves, and how data from the Universe is collected, processed, and interpreted.

The presentations also highlighted the astronomy facilities on a national and global scale, as well as career opportunities in astronomy. Other activities included informal discussions, and real-life experiences and analogies were used to make complex concepts accessible and exciting for the targeted age group.

The event successfully provided a large-scale, inclusive platform for science communication and youth engagement, reinforcing the importance of collaborative outreach in underserved districts.

“The event targets a rural district and provides a valuable platform for engaging high school learners and introducing them to careers in radio astronomy. The event has a proven track record of having a positive impact on learner uptake and performance in the STEM subjects,” says Simphiwe Madlanga, SARAO Science Engagement Coordinator.