Royal Bafokeng Nation partners with IAU to harness astronomy for community growth

The Royal Bafokeng Nation (RBN) has taken a monumental step towards socio-economic transformation, formalising a partnership with the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU–OAD). This collaboration, encapsulated in a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to leverage the potential of astronomy to drive community development and educational initiatives within the Royal Bafokeng Nation.

Signed by Kgosana Dr Koketso Rakhudu, the Group CEO of the Office and Kgosana of the Tsitsing community, alongside Kevin Govender, Director of the IAU–OAD, the agreement offers a robust framework to align the nation’s VisionPlan 2035 with the IAU’s global mandate to use astronomy as a transformative tool for development.

Kgosana Dr Rakhudu underscored the significance of the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development marks a meaningful step forward for the Royal Bafokeng Nation. The OAD brings international expertise and a proven track record of using science to empower communities. By working together, we will create new opportunities for education, innovation, and socio-economic growth for our people.” He further stressed the importance of ensuring that the next generation benefits from both their cultural heritage and the possibilities offered by modern science.

Govender echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential of working with a community steeped in visionary leadership: “The Tsitsing community has shown a commitment to development rooted in tradition and innovation. This aligns powerfully with our mission at the OAD. We are honoured to support the Royal Bafokeng Nation as they integrate astronomy into their development plans, creating pathways for skills development, innovation, and well-being.”

At the heart of the MoU is a commitment to creating initiatives that will advance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, expand youth opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote cultural identity through innovative approaches to astronomy. A dedicated Astronomy-for-Development Fund will be established to support community-led initiatives, spanning capacity-building programmes in fields like coding and scientific literacy, small-business development through astrotourism, as well as mental health wellness initiatives that use astronomy.

Additionally, the partnership aims to mobilise national and international resources while co-designing projects that reflect community needs and aspirations. The Office of Kgosana, under Dr Rakhudu’s leadership, will engage with the community to ensure cultural alignment and integration of outcomes across governance structures. Meanwhile, the IAU–OAD will provide technical expertise, implementation support, and access to international networks, fostering a stronger bridge between traditional leadership and scientific innovation.

Over the next five years, stakeholders expect this partnership to yield tangible outcomes, including a fully operational development fund, annual calls for proposals, published research outputs, and a strategic hub dedicated to astronomy and science for development within the Royal Bafokeng Nation. This initiative positions the RBN as a beacon of how science and culture can work together to drive sustainable development.

The signing of the MoU highlights a growing recognition, both locally and globally, of the pivotal role science — and astronomy in particular — can play in enhancing education, fostering innovation, and strengthening community resilience. This partnership is the first of its kind between a traditional leadership office and the IAU–OAD, signalling a bold new approach to community-centred development inspired by the cosmos.

IOS