The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa has opened a call for expressions of interest from universities, Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs), TVET colleges, and Universities of Technology to support the implementation of South Africa’s space initiatives through a structured stakeholder coordination framework.
Funding Overview
The South Africa Space Programme offers funding of up to ZAR 3 million (USD 182,718) over three years to eligible institutions that can demonstrate strong coordination capabilities and stakeholder engagement expertise. The programme is designed to enhance South Africa’s regional leadership in space sciences whilst building inclusive, skills-driven development with a particular focus on HDIs, TVET colleges, and Universities of Technology.
Strategic Context and Rationale
This framework outlines a collaborative strategy by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in partnership with the South African National Space Agency and other strategic partners, implemented by the National Research Foundation. South Africa’s advancement in space science and technology is recognised as a strategic imperative for national development, economic growth, disaster preparedness, climate monitoring, and innovation.
The initiative addresses a critical gap in the availability of technical and scientific human capital, particularly from HDIs, TVET colleges, and Universities of Technology. The framework aligns with the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan, the National Development Plan 2030, the National Space Strategy, and NRF Vision 2030.
Programme Objectives
The DSTI-NRF Space Science Partnership Programme seeks to develop critical expertise in space science and technology across TVET colleges, Universities of Technology, and HDIs. The success of this programme hinges on robust coordination among key stakeholders, including government, academia, and industry.
The appointed institution will be responsible for:
- Establishing a structured coordination body for all stakeholders (including DSTI, NRF, SANSA, TVETs, Universities of Technology, HDIs, and industry partners)
- Facilitating regular stakeholder engagement through meetings, workshops, and progress reviews
- Ensuring alignment with national policies and international standards
- Identifying and resolving bottlenecks in collaboration, resource-sharing, and programme implementation
Scope of Work
The successful institution will:
- Create a knowledge-sharing platform, a digital hub for resources, best practices, and research/innovation findings, including the development of a short programme to support capacity building and uptake
- Monitor partnership effectiveness and track collaboration outcomes whilst recommending improvements
- Ensure inclusivity by promoting participation of HDIs
- Develop a stakeholder engagement roadmap defining roles, communication channels, and collaboration protocols
- Establish a coordination committee comprising DSTI, NRF, Universities of Technology, TVETs, and industry representatives
- Organise quarterly stakeholder forums to review progress, share updates, and address challenges
Eligible Institutions and Priorities
Traditional universities, Universities of Technology, and comprehensive universities are eligible to apply, either as single lead institutions or as part of a consortium. Consortia that include HDIs as co-lead institutions will take priority and have an added advantage during the evaluation process.
Institutions must have demonstrated capacity to manage complex stakeholder coordination and reporting processes.
Application Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- The profile and capacity of the host institution, including alignment with space science activities or programmes
- Stakeholder coordination expertise and relevant networks, including teaching and research programmes related to space science
- Capability to collaborate with other partners and institutions across South Africa, with examples of past collaborations
- Robust institutional governance and operational arrangements for managing the coordination structure
Applications must include a completed application form, a detailed budget breakdown, CVs of key personnel, and evidence of past experience managing similar stakeholder coordination projects. All documents must be submitted in PDF format.
Programme Deliverables
Selected institutions will be responsible for delivering:
- Implementation plan for the space science programme
- Stakeholder engagement roadmap
- Coordination committee framework and meeting reports
- Knowledge-sharing platform
- Annual collaboration assessment reports
Application Details
Closing Date: 15 February 2026
Budget: Maximum of ZAR 3 million over three years
Submission: Applications must be sent to N.Makhanya@nrf.ac.za in PDF format
Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered. No applications will be accepted beyond the closing date. Applications must include a supporting letter from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC). For consortium applications, participating institutions should provide support letters as well.
Contact Information
For content-related queries:
Name: Nokubonga Makhanya
Designation: Policy Fellow
Email: N.Makhanya@nrf.ac.za
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