The picturesque northern Drakensberg area formed the backdrop to the launch of the Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Observation Network (EFTEON) on 21 November 2024.
Funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and implemented by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), EFTEON represents a transformative step in how the country collects, analyses and applies environmental data.
Addressing the launch, the Acting Director-General of the DSTI, Ms Gugulethu Zwane, said EFTEON is a commitment to understanding and preserving ecosystems for future generations.
"This initiative demonstrates South Africa’s dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing biodiversity, climate resilience, and water management. It also reflects our national strategy to blend scientific innovation with societal needs," said Ms Zwane.
The platform is specifically designed to monitor critical ecosystems, integrating sophisticated tools such as remote sensing, automated sensors and artificial intelligence-powered data analytics. By providing real-time, high-quality data, EFTEON will contribute to addressing societal grand challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land use change and pollution.
EFTEON is one of 13 research infrastructures established under the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR), a strategic initiative launched in 2016 by the DSTI. SARIR aims to strengthen the public research system by building infrastructure that supports cutting-edge scientific inquiry.
EFTEON focuses on terrestrial environments and complements other SARIR infrastructures, such as the Shallow Marine and Coastal Research Infrastructure, launched in 2017, and the South African Polar Research Infrastructure. Together, these initiatives, hosted at the National Research Foundation (NRF) through SAEON, provide a comprehensive framework for environmental research across land, coastlines, and polar regions.
The EFTEON research platform is a collaborative initiative with universities and research organisations that will facilitate studies, data sharing and student training. One of its core roles is to support both national and international researchers by providing accessible, networked infrastructure that will foster interdisciplinary research and innovation in understanding connected ecological and social systems.
"The platform is designed not only to provide data but also to cultivate a generation of researchers who can tackle complex environmental challenges," said the Acting Director-General.
Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the NRF, highlighted that the northern Drakensberg was specifically chosen for the launch because the region is a confluence of ecological, hydrological and cultural significance.
"This unique landscape represents the intersection of nature, technology and human activity. It bridges grassland and savannah ecosystems while serving as a vital water source for KwaZulu-Natal."
The CEO said he is confident that EFTEON will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainable management of these resources.
Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
For more information, please contact Mr Pontsho Mantlhakga at 072 346 5219 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
