The Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) celebrated an important milestone early this year when the Mobile Science Lab from the Sasol Inzalo Foundation (SaIF) was officially handed over at the Observatory in Gauteng.

The Sasol Inzalo Foundation Mobile Lab will greatly increase HartRAO’s capacity to reach more learners, by taking observatory demonstrations out to schools. The mobile lab will impact many lives by exposing learners to HartRAO’s engaging programmes which focus on radio astronomy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Foundation (NRF), Dr Molapo Qhobela, traced the history of HartRAO, initially as a NASA Deep Space Station and later as the first Radio Astronomy Observatory in Africa, and introduced the crucial role its geodetic (the accurate measurement of the size of the Earth) installations currently play in ensuring that our local GPS navigation systems remain accurate. He also highlighted the benefit of collaborations between the NRF and foundations such as the SaIF.

Dr Mapitso Molefe, Director of the SaIF provided background information on the work of the SaIF, its Mobile Science Lab initiative and other ways in which the foundation reaches out to learners in order to enhance their comprehension and grasp of subjects in the fields of STEM.

“We currently have other Mobile Science Labs serving schools in the Libode, Lusikisiki, Mount Frere and Cofimvaba Districts (Eastern Cape), Fezile Dabi District (Free State) and Northern Cape,” said Dr Molefe.

“We are rolling out these mobile science labs in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, HartRAO and the NRF. This is part of our mandate and commitment towards building the capacity to teach and learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects in our schools,” she continued.

Dr Rufus Wesi of the SaIF added character and a wonderful atmosphere of partnership and camaraderie with an enthralling science show, using the equipment from the Mobile Lab. He eloquently demonstrated various aspects of science with enthusiasm and humour.

HartRAO’s Outreach Programme started out as a very small programme in the early to mid-1990s and expanded over the years to currently include two permanent full-time outreach staff.

More than 2 000 learners visit the Observatory each year while further outreach, by going out to schools and by participating in science camps, is also undertaken. The programme reaches about 20 000 learners a year through the science festivals held around the country.

Other guests included Dr Meshack Khoza, board member of the SaIF, Dr Beverley Damonse, Group Executive: Science Engagement and Corporate Relations at the NRF and HartRAO staff members.