Minister Nzimande saddened by the passing of Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell's
Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is saddened by the untimely death of Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell, the Managing Director of the Space Science Programme at the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
Dr McKinnell passed away on 19 August 2023 after a short illness.
She served as SANSA Space Science Managing Director for 12 years and, during this period, made a tremendous contribution to the space science, skills development, and science engagement fields.
The Minister described Dr McKinnell’s death as a huge loss for the country. "She left behind a remarkable legacy," said Minister Nzimande.
"I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the McKinnell family and Dr McKinnell's friends and colleagues. Dr Mckinnell was a giant in her field, who selflessly served the Department of Science and Innovation and the post school education and training sector," said the Minister.
She was appointed to the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO) in 2004 as a researcher and was then appointed as the Acting Managing Director in 2010, after which she moved to Hermanus part-time. Her husband, John McKinnell, joined her in Hermanus in 2012 when the HMO was incorporated into the newly established SANSA and they relocated permanently.
Dr McKinnell played a crucial role in establishing SANSA, as both a board and executive member. Many of the students she supervised are now full-time researchers at SANSA and around the world.
Counted as one of her most significant achievements is the Space Weather Project, which produced a space weather capability for the country in three years – on time, and on budget.
"The 24/7 Space Weather Centre was launched last November. It was a highlight for the South African government, and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation is proud of her and the SANSA team," Minister Nzimande said.
Dr McKinnell was a space weather advocate and custodian of the unique SANSA Hermanus facility, which she loved and is now a national key point, thanks to her continued efforts to protect the site.
She served on numerous international committees and working groups, including as the Space Weather Co-chair for the World Meteorological Organization, ensuring that Africa's interests were maintained in the field of space science and related technology. She also received a long list of awards for her contribution to the space science field.
Dr McKinnell will also be remembered as being the first female learner to complete a technical matric at the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation. She was born in Vereeniging in 1970 and grew up in Witpoortjie, close to Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
She enrolled in a BSc in physics and electronics courses, then went on to obtain a PhD in physics as well as an MBA with distinction from the Business School Netherlands in 2015. She also accepted position as a postdoctoral fellow at Graz University of Technology in Austria and fondly remembered the time she spent there.
Prior to joining SANSA, Dr McKinnell was a junior lecturer at Rhodes University. She rose through the academic ranks quickly and was appointed honorary research professor in 2011. She was well known for managing the South African Ionosode Network.
Dr McKinnell is survived by her husband John, her parents, and siblings.
Issued by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
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