Fezile F. Khoza

South African Astronomical Observatory

Fezile Fortune Khoza is an Advanced Diploma student in Mathematical Sciences at CPUT and an intern in the Science Engagement Department at the South African Astronomical Observatory. She is passionate about mathematics, programming, and astronomy, with a strong commitment to making science fun and accessible. Beyond academic research, Fezile is an aspiring data analyst/scientist who enjoys stargazing and inspiring young learners through community outreach.

Simphiwe Madlanga

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Simphiwe Madlanga is a passionate Development Practitioner, currently working as the Coordinator: Science Engagement at SARAO, with over 13 years in the South African National System of Innovation (NSI). He has extensive experience in science communication, outreach, and human capital development, and has been recognized in the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans (2018) and awarded the Chevening Scholarship (2021).

Moloko Makwetja

African Astronomical Society

Moloko Makwetja is the Education, Outreach, and Membership Officer at the African Astronomical Society (AfAS). With a background in physics and mathematics, he drives initiatives promoting astronomy across Africa, focusing on community engagement, outreach, and member communications. He enjoys playing pool and relaxing with Netflix.

Dimakatso Maheso

North West University

Dimakatso "DJ" Maheso is a PhD candidate in Physics and lecturer at NWU, specialising in high-energy astrophysics. She is a Software Carpentry instructor with NITheCS, a Burst Advocate with NASA Fermi-LAT, and has numerous teaching, mentorship, and outreach contributions. She actively promotes STEM careers as an IAU–GA Legacy Ambassador and is an Eskom Expo judge.

Chantel Mathison

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Chantel Mathison serves as a Professional Officer for the Schools Programme within SARAO’s HCD division. She manages initiatives supporting STEM education in the Northern Cape, oversees robotics competitions, teacher training, and bursary programmes, significantly impacting learner performance and engagement.

Khanyisa Prenitia Maswanganyi

Letaba TVET College

Khanyisa studied Electrical Engineering N1-N6 at Letaba TVET College and has worked as Teacher Assistant, Fieldworker Supervisor, and School Assistant. She became an Ambassador to develop new skills, connect with people, and advance her career in Electrical Engineering industries.

Gordon Ramano

Tshwane University of Technology

Gordon is a passionate science communicator focused on making STEM accessible to learners from underserved communities through outreach in schools and science centres across South Africa.

Sandile Rikhotso

University of Limpopo Science Centre

Sandile Rikhotso is a Lab Technician and Programmes Coordinator at University of Limpopo Science Centre with 15 years in science engagement. He manages funded projects, teacher development, science centre administration, and serves as a science communication lecturer at University of Limpopo.

Odwa Magabuko

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Odwa Magabuko is Programme Coordinator for SARAO’s HCD Schools Programme. He oversees robotics programmes, bursaries, STEM competitions, provincial events, training, and international robotics success, earning recognition for advancing STEM education in the Northern Cape.

Keorapetse Matsheliso

Matsheliso Science Institute

Keorapetse is Executive Director of Matsheliso Science Institute, Eskom Expo District Coordinator, and Astronomy 2024 Legacy Ambassador. He leads STEM initiatives in Free State schools, participates in NASA Space Apps Challenge, and pursues a Diploma in Engineering Technology: Electrical Engineering at CUT.

Theophilus Matsepane

University of Pretoria

Theophilus Matsepane is an Astrophysics researcher pursuing his PhD at UP, specialising in VLBI. His research focuses on faint radio emissions and the life cycle of radio galaxies. He is passionate about teaching, science outreach, ML, AI, and enjoys football, chess, hiking, and farming.

Thabiso Sibiya

University of Pretoria, Sci-Enza

Thabiso Sibiya was born in Zululand KwaZulu-Natal. He holds two BSc degrees from the University of Mpumalanga, works with Sci-Enza, and has served as a judge at the Eskom Explore Science Fair.

Koketso Vincent Mophahlane

Rhodes University

Koketso Vincent Mophahlane is a PhD candidate in Physics at Rhodes University. His research studies galaxy evolution using multiwavelength data. He engages learners in Hammanskraal through astronomy outreach, inspired by his primary school science teacher.

Tabitha Alango

University of South Africa

Tabitha Penina Alango is pursuing a PhD in Physics at UNISA and serves as Project Manager for EMEJA and National Astronomy Education Coordinator for IAU OAE in Kenya. She is passionate about STEM outreach and mentorship, especially for girls in rural communities.

Beatrice P. Mkhize

University of Limpopo

Post graduate Diploma in science Communication and Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Life sciences. Beatrice Personage Mkhize is a passionate Science communicator with over 4 years experience in science engagement and outreach.

Mbali Khanyisile Mayisela

Walter Sisulu University

Mbali Mayisela is doing her final year in BSc in physics and mathematics with computer science. She was part of the DARA 2025 cohort and we travelled to Kenya for training in astrophysics and astronomy. She also volunteered at a school in the Eastern Cape, St John’s to assist the learners with coding and robotics. She's planning on furthering my studies in physics next year..

Dorothy Mlambo

University of South Africa

Dorothy Mlambo is a STEM education leader and Centre Manager at a community-based Science and Mathematics Centre in South Africa. With a strong background in teaching science, mathematics, and geography, she leads innovative outreach programmes that expand STEM access in underserved communities. Her work includes astronomy education, coordinating science expos, robotics and coding programs, and initiatives that integrate Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into science communication.

Sipho Molefe

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory

Sipho Molefe is an electrical technologist and a master’s student in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. He works as a telescope operator at SARAO. Sipho is passionate about STEM outreach, renewable energy, climate change, and exploring the role of astronomy in shaping society. I actively participate in STEM outreach programmes, inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering and contributing to community development through science engagement.

Reshoketswe Thobejane

University of Cape Town

Reshoketswe Thobejane is a PhD candidate jointly with SAAO and UCT. Her work focuses on galaxy evolution. She's passionate about unravelling the world beyond ours, which is the universe - like where do galaxies come from, and what exactly is the fate of our galaxy and what that means for us who are on earth and essentially in this very galaxy. This is one of her main drives and motivations in outreach programmes, to bring about awareness about astronomy and potentially find young minds who are also interested in embarking on this journey of discovery.

Lebogang Seabelo

North-West University Science Centre

Lebogang Seabelo is a passionate science communicator and projects coordinator at the North-West University Science Centre. With a background in Chemical and Biological Sciences blended with Applied Radiation Sciences. Lebo designs hands-on and digital science engagement activities that make science exciting and accessible for all participants. Whether performing intriguing science shows on stage, doing plugged and unplugged coding with kids or conducting workshops for educators, the goal is simple: spark curiosity and make science accessible.

Mogomotsi Moeng

North-West University

Mogomotsi Moeng is a Senior Administrative Officer at the North-West University Science Centre, with an academic background in Computer Science and Geography. He supports the Centre’s science engagement initiatives and oversees various administrative functions. Passionate about Computer Science, Mogomotsi facilitates coding and robotics workshops for learners, educators, and the general public, helping to promote digital literacy and innovation in the community.

Obakeng Molwele

North-West University Science Centre

Obakeng Molwele with academic background in Microbiology and Biochemistry, and serves as the Projects Coordinator for North-West University Science Centre, driving the creation of new exhibits and programs that directly support the Centre's mission of “to educate, support, and promote STEM by engaging the youth.” Obakeng thrives at the intersection of communication and innovation, translating the complex vision of scientists and designers into engaging public content.