eNews

#04 2026

NRF-SAEON in the media

By Mamere Molepo, SAEON Science Engagement Intern

Five international irrigation awards in France

The South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) congratulated its Arid Land Node Manager, Dr Zanele Ntshidi, on winning five awards at the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage conference in Marseille, France. Dr Zanele Ntshidi serves as an executive member of SANCID and attended the conference as part of the South African delegation. On 14 October 2026, the South African National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (SANCID) and researchers from several institutions were presented with the awards recognising their contributions to the sector.

Nairobi Convention (NC CoP12) in Tanzania

The South African Environmental Observation Network(NRF-SAEON) was among the delegates that attended the side event “Empowering Women and Youth as Ocean Leaders: Untangling the Environmental Investment Challenges in Small-Scale Fisheries and Aquaculture during the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention (NC CoP12) in Tanzania from 6 to 9 October 2026. During the event, Salome Mathobela, who runs Mathotshe Business Enterprise at Doornkop discussed challenges and opportunities facing small-scale fisheries and aquaculture.

Prof Juliet Hermes on SABC

Prof Juliet Hermes was interviewed by SABC  on Monday 26th October 2026 at the International Conference on Coastal, Marine and Maritime Research In Durban.

2026 Blue Schools Conference

On the 29th October 2026, the Tabloid Newspapers published an article titled “Young scientists make waves at Blue Schools Conference“. The article covers the 2026 Blue Schools conference that took place at Aha Gateway Hotel in Umhlanga on the 14th October 2026. It highlights the  Blue Schools programme, funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and part of UNESCO’s global network, in which learners collected real data in their own communities from February to July. Keynote speaker Dr Gilbert Siko praised the high standard of the work, and while three presentations received awards, the central message is that young people, whether coastal or inland, can turn a simple question about their environment into meaningful science that builds ocean literacy and environmental awareness.