eNews
#03 2026
NRF-SAEON in the media
By Mamere Molepo SAEON Science Engagement Intern
The appointment of Dr Ashley Naidoo as Managing Director
In the 28 August 2026, the NRF announced the appointment of Dr Ashley Naidoo as Managing Director of the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), effective 01 October 2026. The announcement was also made on the National Research Foundation Facebook Page.
The Engineering News published an article on 28 August 2026 titled Dr Ashley Naidoo appointed MD of the NRF-SAEON. Dr Ashley Naidoo brings to SAEON nearly three decades of leadership across CapeNature and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Mass Sardine death along the Western Cape
NRF-SAEON was mentioned in articles about the mass sardines in the western cape. The articles mentions the Oceanographic information from the South African Environmental Observation Network as well as CSIR that indicated enhanced upwelling, unusually cold nearshore water, and low oxygen levels in St Helena Bay before the event.
- Cape Times (17 August 2026): Pilchard herpesvirus detected in mass sardine deaths along the Western Cape
- SON (19 August 2026): Massa-dood van sardyne: algebloei, koue water en virus moontlik skuldig
