The National Research Foundation (NRF) has appointed Pontsho Maruping as the new MD of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), with effect from October 1.

Maruping, who is currently SARAO deputy MD responsible for operations and business processes, will take over from Dr Rob Adam, who has served in the position for seven years.

NRF CEO Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo says Maruping brings to this portfolio a wealth of leadership skills, strategic thinking, extensive stakeholder management experience and a passion for complex technology sectors, having worked for organisations such as the Technology Innovation Agency, the Mine Health and Safety Council, the then Department of Science and Technology (DST), De Beers Consolidated Mines and currently as a board member of Mintek.

Until recently, she also chaired the South African Council for Space Affairs, and the Scientific & Technical Committee of the United Nations' Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

“We congratulate Pontsho on this appointment and are confident that her experience and expertise will stand her in good stead to make a significant contribution to the NRF and its strategic objectives,” says Nelwamondo.

“I worked with Pontsho on and off for many years, first in the DST (now the Department of Science and Innovation) when I was director-general, and she has always impressed me with her dedication and professional attitude to work. I am very optimistic and look forward to ensuring as smooth a handover as possible, in whatever way I can,” comments Adam, who will remain on at SARAO in an advisory capacity for a further year.

SARAO is a facility of the NRF responsible for managing all radio astronomy initiatives and facilities in South Africa, including the MeerKAT radio telescope in the Karoo and the Geodesy and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) activities at the HartRAO facility in Hartebeeshoek, Gauteng.

SARAO also coordinates the African VLBI Network for the eight Square Kilometre Array (SKA) partner countries in Africa, as well as South Africa’s contribution to the infrastructure and engineering planning for the SKA radio telescope.