SAEON eNews
#06 2025

SAPRI deploys first Slocum ocean gliders on Agulhas Bank

The deployment marks a significant milestone in local marine research technology and SAPRI’s ability to support South African university researchers.

Science, technology, data

Formal handover of the G20 Social Summit Declaration to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ocean20: Giving civil society, industry and business a voice on the issue of a global sustainable ocean

NRF-SAEON’s Dr Tamaryn Morris represented Ocean20 in the handover of the G20 Social Summit Declaration to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Declaration reflects the collective recommendations of civil society and engagement groups.

China–South Africa roundtable discussion, with Chinese scientists on the left and South African scientists on the right.

Exploring the role of science diplomacy in advancing shared development goals

Dr Zanele Ntshidi, manager of SAEON’s Arid Lands Node, represented South Africa in a roundtable dialogue at the China–South Africa science, technology and people-to-people exchange in China.

Dr Retang Mokua conducting stable isotope analysis using the CVRD.

Uncovering ecohydrology pathways in the Mariepskop Mountains

Dr Retang Mokua is collaborating with the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources in Germany on a project that involves the use of isotopic analysis of water to determine how land management affects freshwater supplies.

Breathing life into biodiversity data at Living Data 2025

Daniëlle Seymour, NRF-SAEON’s curation specialist: biological data, presented work underway at the uLwazi Node on integrating the ecological metadata language into the SAEON Open Data Platform.

During a field trip on the first day of the workshop, various field sampling techniques were discussed.

From plots to patterns

SAEON staff, together with experts from universities, research institutions and conservation organisations, gathered in the savanna for an intensive workshop focused on refining and standardising long-term vegetation monitoring and savanna restoration practices.

Accounting for every drop

SAEON is helping build South Africa’s first operational water resources accounting system. The uLwazi Node will co-develop an online spatial interface that allows users to explore water resource accounts at multiple scales.

Message from the MD

SAEON’s commitment to the science that sustains our planet

As we approach the end of 2025, SAEON managing director Dr Mary-Jane Bopape looks back on the depth and reach of SAEON’s contributions across land and ocean.

People and networks

Dr Nolusindiso Ndara presenting at the 26th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP–SA Symposium

Sharing insights on the impacts of pollution sources on water resources

At the WaterNet Symposium held in Zambia, EFTEON landscape scientist, Dr Nolusindiso Ndara, presented preliminary findings from a case study on water quality assessment of a non-perennial river in Wolwekraal Nature Reserve.

Dr Anthony Swemmer explaining the isotope sampler

EFTEON Lowveld stakeholder workshop for in-field research support

The workshop brought together all stakeholders who endorsed the development of the EFTEON Lowveld landscape for an update on progress and to examine opportunities for collaboration within the landscape.

Makgethwa Masemola (left) and Sinethemba Nhlenyama (right) with Professor Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs

Towards shaping EFTEON’s social-ecological systems

EFTEON’s social-ecological systems team participated in the Garden Route Interface and Networking Conference to connect with and learn from other organisations that observe and research major terrestrial ecosystems.

Working together for a smarter ocean: SOMISANA’s growing modelling team

Philile Mvula is responsible for developing ocean products from the operational ocean model to support the stakeholder needs of the National Oceans and Coastal Information Management System.

TRIBUTE: Professor William Bond

SAEON team members honour the life and legacy of Professor William Bond, whose intellect, vision and dedication shaped both the upwards trajectory of SAEON and the global understanding of fire-prone ecosystems.

Building vital capacity

NRF-SAEON presents Enterprise and Supplier Development Day

SAEON’s Supply Chain Management department set out to equip SMMEs and other suppliers with the tools and knowledge to engage successfully in procurement processes while promoting compliance and fair participation.

Egagasini Node staff at the WIOMSA conference

Enhancing the technical skills of the next generation of ocean scientists

A hands-on data and ocean modelling workshop was developed by Egagasini Node staff to empower young scientists, technicians and professionals through capacity development initiatives that support the growth of the Blue Economy.

Science engagement

The ocean is for everyone, including the inland communities

SAEON’s Marine Month community workshop at Addo in the Eastern Cape province sparked rich and meaningful discussions about the ocean, marine life and the community’s personal and cultural ties to the sea.

Learners exploring the Elwandle Node laboratories.

Young ocean ambassadors take the lead at Blue Schools Conference

The Blue Schools programme empowers young South Africans to delve into the fascinating world of marine science, aquatic health, environmental literacy and sustainability through hands-on projects.

Learners working on data analysis and presentation.

Grade 9 learners explore biodiversity at Bonamanzi Game Reserve

By combining classroom-style sessions with outdoor fieldwork, the three-day camp created an interactive learning experience that made science tangible and exciting for the learners.

NRF-SAEON in the media

SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in national print, online and social media.

Big data is at the foundation of all the megatrends that are happening today.

~ Chris Lynch

SAEON eNews