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SA IORAG provides a platform for South African researchers, academics, government representatives and early-career professionals to engage with IORA priorities and strengthen research and knowledge exchange across the Indian Ocean region.
The annual meeting in hybrid format on the University’s Ocean Sciences Campus reflected on the Chapter’s 2025/26 activities, showcased current research and explored opportunities for collaboration.
From left, Dr Denise Schael Director of Mandela University's Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR) and Head of the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences, Prof Heather Nel, Senior Director for Institutional Strategy and interim head of Ocean Sciences and Prof Rose Boswell, DSI-NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Ocean Cultures and Heritage at Mandela University
SA IORAG Chair KGame Molope, Senior Director for Institutional Strategy and interim head of Ocean Sciences at Mandela University Professor Heather Nel, Selby Modiba from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and Royce Kuzwayo from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) delivered the opening remarks.
Melissa Philander, representing the Secretariat, provided an overview of the year’s activities, including the SA IORAG University Roadshow, which reached seven locations across South Africa; IORA Day engagements; support for the IORA Working Group on Science, Technology and Innovation; and the growth of the IORAG Early Career Professionals Network.
The stakeholder programme highlighted research contributing to ocean and maritime priorities.
The role of marine journalism in strengthening public understanding of ocean issues and supporting Blue Economy development was examined by UNISA Professor of Communication Aaron Tshidzumba.
Dr Lombuso Shabalala from UNISA’s Department of Applied Management explored the relationship between inland water bodies, tourism and coastal ecosystems, highlighting the importance of sustainable management.
Research on occupational health and safety challenges in Blue Economy sectors, with a focus on women and other vulnerable groups was presented by UNISA Mthatha Service Centre Manager Dr Vuyokazi Sigaqa.
Professor Godwell Nhamo, Chief Researcher and UNISA’s Exxaro Chair in Climate and Sustainability Transitions, discussed the development of UNISA’s proposed Bachelor of Commerce in Maritime Management.
Yanga Malotana presented progress from the IORAG Early-Career Professionals Network, which has grown to more than 100 members and published 16 opinion pieces in its first year. Ms Malotana is Project Manager of the Emerging Scholars Initiative at the University of Pretoria and South Africa’s network coordinator for the IORA Academic Group.
Mandela University also showcased its Transdisciplinary Ocean Sciences Strategy. Professor Nel outlined the University’s vision of building partnerships across academia, government, industry and civil society, noting that “the ocean sciences strategy promotes an ecosystem of convergence by leveraging equalising partnerships between academia, government, industry, and civil society.”
The meeting concluded with the introduction of the 2026 Group Leads and discussions on the way forward.
The collaboration between NRF-SAEON and Mandela University strengthened opportunities for knowledge exchange and highlighted the role of SA IORAG in connecting South African research and expertise with wider Indian Ocean regional priorities.