Minister Appoints New South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA)
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has appointed the new fifteen-member South African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA) for the term 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2029, marking a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s space governance framework. The members are as follows; Adv. Luthando Simphiwe Mkumatela as Chairperson, Dr Maria Ria Nonyana-Mokabane as Vice-Chairperson and the dtic representative, Adv. Icho Kealotswe-Matlou, Mr Shafique Amid Dean Allie, Mr Kebeditswe Medupe, Mr Sydney Linden Petzer, Mr Vincent Molawa Ngoetjana, Mr Nhlanhla Michael Mabaso, Mr Itumeleng Makoloi, the DSTI representative, Dr Sarisha Harrylal, Ms Yolanda Nxumalo, Mr Flenk Mnisi (DCDT, Colonel Tamara Thomas-Herwels (DOD) and Mr Levers Mabaso (DOT)
SACSA, established in terms of Section 4 of the Space Affairs Act, 1993 (as amended), serves as the country’s statutory regulatory authority for space affairs. The newly appointed Council brings together leading experts from both the public and private sectors, reflecting a diverse range of expertise aligned with the Council’s regulatory and strategic mandate.
The reconstitution of SACSA restores full regulatory functionality at a critical time for South Africa’s expanding space sector. As satellite activities, space technologies, and commercial ventures continue to grow, the demand for regulatory certainty, oversight, and alignment with international best practice has intensified.
The Council is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s space legislative reform agenda, including supporting the repeal of the current Act and the development of a modern South African Space Industry Regulatory Bill. This reform is driven by evolving global developments and South Africa’s ambition to cultivate a competitive and thriving space industry that contributes to economic growth, innovation, and socio-economic transformation.
The Department has emphasised that the operationalisation of SACSA remains a priority to ensure continuity, regulatory stability, and industry confidence.
t****he dtic has expressed its appreciation to the newly appointed members for accepting this important national responsibility and looks forward to working closely with the Council in advancing South Africa’s leadership in the space arena.
Further information on the programme of the Council will be shared in due course.
Head of the Secretariat, SACSA at dtic
Chief Director: Space Affairs
Nomfuneko Majaja
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