On Monday, 4 November 2024, the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), host of the OAD, organised the first Employee Recognition Awards. The event celebrated outstanding achievements and long-standing service among NRF-SAAO staff, with awardees recognised for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Two members of the OAD team received awards Nuhaah Solomon – Administrative ExcellenceHonoured […]
Category Archives: News
10
Oct
Oct
Recently, the Office of Astronomy for Development was featured twice on the Night Sky Tourist podcast, run by Vicky Derksen, a Dark Sky advocate dedicated to helping everyone discover the night sky in a whole new way. Joyful Mdhluli was interviewed for Episode 107- Mental Health & Stargazing where she shared the work being done […]
30
Sep
Sep
Dr Charles Takalana and Dr Joyful Mdhluli from the OAD attended World Tourism Day 2024 celebrations in the town of Carnarvon, South Africa on 26-27 September 2024. World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27 throughout the world as declared by the United Nations. The two day celebration consisted of four events: two events […]
20
Jun
Jun
The OAD is delighted to officially welcome Dr. Charles Takalana in his role as our new Deputy Director, effective May 1, 2024. Prior to joining the OAD, Dr. Takalana served as the Head of Secretariat for the African Astronomical Society (AfAS). In this role, he supported the Executive Committee, as well as various committees and […]
14
Feb
Feb
On 13th February, a 1-hour virtual link-up based on astronomy took place between primary schools in Armenia, Ethiopia, Ireland, the Netherlands and Nigeria. The contact was a “try-out” organized by the International Astronomical Union European Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (E-ROAD) at Leiden University. The eventual goal of the programme is to bring together […]