eNews

#04 2025

National Science Week: Inspiring the next generation of ocean scientists

By Nkululeko Memela, Inathi Dabula and Zintle Ngweze, with contributions by Melissa Philander and Makgethwa Masemola

From 4 to 6 August, a team from NRF-SAEON undertook a National Science Week outreach tour to two schools on the West Coast, in the towns of Saldanha Bay and Vredenburg. The purpose of the visit was to ignite curiosity and a passion for science, particularly ocean science, among high school learners, and to show them how ocean science drives much of the economy in their region.

A team of diverse expertise

The tour was coordinated and led by Thomas Mtontsi, science engagement officer at SAEON’s Egagasini Node. Thomas brought together a diverse, youthful and highly skilled team consisting of Nkululeko Memela (ocean modeller), Melissa Philander (research assistant – Ocean20), Rendani Malwela (science engagement intern), Tlhonolofasto Tebele (SAPRI technician), Zinhle Ngwenze and Inathi Dabula (Cape Peninsula University of Technology students completing their Work Integrated Learning Programme with SAEON) and Makgethwa Masemola (social ecological technician, EFTEON).

This blend of expertise – from ocean modelling and research to technical operations and atmospheric science – meant the learners would get exposure to a wide spectrum of scientific careers and experiences.

From left: Zinhle, Tlhonolofasto, Thomas, Rendani and Inathi with the Argo float adopted by learners of the New Vredenberg High School.

Nkululeko Memela presenting a beginner-friendly Python coding session using ocean data at the Diazville High School.

Days 1–2: Diazville High School, Saldanha Bay

The programme began with a visit to Diazville High School, where the principal extended a warm welcome and provided a dedicated classroom for our sessions. Classes rotated throughout the day so all learners could participate in the interactive programme.

One of the most engaging groups we met were the Grade 9 learners. Their passion and willingness to participate stood out. They asked sharp questions, took notes and engaged with enthusiasm, a clear sign of their eagerness to learn.

Nkululeko shared a personal and locally relevant story. As a former resident of Saldanha Bay and a former marine data analyst at Sea Harvest, he highlighted the real and tangible career opportunities available in their own community. He pointed out that Saldanha Bay is not just a coastal town but a marine industry powerhouse – home to SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority), a growing aquaculture industry, Sea Harvest’s main base specialising in deep-sea fishing, and Transnet Port, which supports shipping, export operations and maritime logistics.

Diverse sessions to cater for different interests

The team’s presentations were designed to appeal to a variety of interests:

  • Overview of SAEON & biomes – Thomas introduced the organisation’s work across South Africa’s different biomes, encouraging even those less drawn to the ocean to consider opportunities in environmental science.
  • Introduction to Python – Nkululeko presented a beginner-friendly coding session using ocean science examples. Some learners were a little intimidated, while others lit up at the challenge of solving scientific problems through programming.
  • Insight into EFTEON – Makgethwa gave an overview of the Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Observation Network (EFTEON), its function within SAEON and its goal of creating a long-term environmental data monitoring system for the country’s diverse landscapes. Makgethwa explained how data is used in real-world situations/society. With reference to the Enhanced weather station, the importance of continuous time-series data for meteorological parameters was also explained.
  • Insight into Ocean20 – Melissa introduced the Ocean20 initiative as the ocean-focused engagement group under the G20 nations, a hot topic given that South Africa is hosting this year’s G20 summit. Her talk centered around creating a voice for the ocean from the young stars – the general message of the Ocean20 initiative is to give the ocean a voice, especially at the big global discussions.
  • Marine biodiversity – Rendani presented a run through marine biodiversity and marine organisms to highlight the marine biology aspect of the ocean for learners. This is typically the aspect most people get to know about the oceans as it is marketed on shows like National Geographic. Rendani kept it to that standard and created a strong engagement.

During Makgethwa’s hands-on session, learners were given an opportunity to try out an anemometer and touch the scientific instruments for the first time.

Melissa Philander inspiring the youth to be the voice of the ocean and drive Ocean20 initiatives into their communities.

Peer-to-peer inspiration

The Work Integrated Learning students, Zinhle and Inathi, delivered motivational talks that resonated strongly with the learners. They walked the Grade 9 learners through their journeys – from the subjects they prioritised in high school to navigating the shift to university life and adapting to independence. Even though the learners are still a year away from making their own subject choices, they recognised the value of hearing from role models just a few years ahead of them.

Hands-on excitement

SAPRI technician Tlhonolofatso stole the show with his presentation on an Argo float that he brought along to the school. The float will be deployed during the next Algoa Bay ACEP (African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme) survey, and the learners were invited to sign their names and the name of their school on it, turning the scientific instrument into a personal connection to ocean research. Tlhonolofatso explained in detail how the float works, the type of data it collects and even revealed its cost, which amazed the learners.

Makgethwa, a social ecological technician from EFTEON, demonstrated the use of an autonomous sonic anemometer, HygroVue (air temperature and RH sensor) and an Excel-linked digital reader to show the learners how sensitive meteorological instruments are. Learners could visualise data in real-time as they played around with the sensors by simulating their own wind speeds/directions and air temperature/RH.

Day 3: New Vredenburg High School

On 6 August, the team visited New Vredenburg High School, delivering the same programme to ensure equal exposure and opportunities for learners in both towns.

The reception here was just as warm, and the learners brought their own unique energy. They were highly disciplined, attentive and deeply curious, engaging in discussions and showing a real hunger for knowledge. Their enthusiasm left a strong impression on the team, and it was clear that the school’s teachers and principal had fostered a culture of academic excellence and respect.

Days 4–5: Uxolo High School and Harry Gwala High School

On 7 August, Grade 8 learners from Uxolo High School gathered at Kuyasa Public Library for an engaging science outreach session, followed by Grade 9 learners from Harry Gwala High School on 8 August. The programme began with an overview of SAEON’s work in marine and environmental research, followed by a lively discussion on South Africa’s coastline and the vital role of ocean currents surrounding the country. Learners were encouraged to become active stewards of their environment through initiatives such as local beach clean-ups, reinforcing the importance of healthy oceans for both people and marine life.

In line with the National Science Week theme, “Technology for All”, the team showcased the remarkable applications of technology in ocean science. The Virtual Reality (VR) experience was the highlight, allowing both learners and educators to immerse themselves underwater and interact with a simulated marine environment. The session motivated learners to consider choosing the science stream from Grade 10 onwards, opening doors to future careers in ocean and environmental sciences. Their enthusiasm and thoughtful questions reflected a growing passion for science within their community.

This visit marked yet another meaningful step towards inspiring the next generation of environmental custodians and scientists.

The Virtual Reality experience was a definite highlight, allowing learners and educators to interact with a simulated marine environment and immerse themselves underwater.

Impact and reflections

Across both schools, the outreach programme achieved exactly what it set out to do:

  • Expose learners to real-world career opportunities in science.
  • Show them relatable role models who have walked the path they might choose.
  • Make science hands-on, interactive and personal.

By the end of the week, the NRF-SAEON team had connected with hundreds of learners who may one day become marine scientists, environmental engineers, coders or technicians, perhaps even returning to their communities to inspire the next generation in turn.

This National Science Week programme consisted of more than just presentations and demonstrations; it was an investment in the future of South Africa’s ocean and environmental sciences.

Voices from the week

  • “I didn’t know coding could be used for ocean science. Now I want to learn more about it.” – Grade 9 learner, Diazville High School
  • “It was inspiring to see people from our town making a career in science.” – Learner, New Vredenburg High School
  • “I enjoyed sharing my story because I could see myself in them – and maybe they could see themselves in me.” – Inathi Dabula, WIL student
  • “When the learners signed the float, it felt like they were signing their own commitment to the ocean.” – Tlhonolofatso, SAPRI technician