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Inland Communities Explore Their Connection to the Ocean at Nirox Sculpture Park

South African Environmental Observation NetworkRef: https://www.saeon.ac.za/2026/07/17/inland-communities-explore-their-connection-to-the-ocean-at-nirox-sculpture-park/

Official source

Source domain: saeon.ac.za

Collected on 17 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 25 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a news-style page from the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) describing a National Science Month public engagement event. On 16 July 2026, SAEON hosted an interactive programme titled “Why do Oceans Matter to Inland Communities” at Nirox Sculpture Park with the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSTI) and the University of the Witwatersrand. The event included a river walk, keynote by Dr Gilbert Siko, multiple science presentations and hands-on activities, and an Ocean Art Competition with winners announced. It concluded with a vote of thanks by Kogie Govender highlighting collaboration to strengthen public understanding of ocean science.

Facts

Reference

https://www.saeon.ac.za/2026/07/17/inland-communities-explore-their-connection-to-the-ocean-at-nirox-sculpture-park/

Key Takeaways

  • Event title: “Why do Oceans Matter to Inland Communities”
  • Host: South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON)
  • Date: 16 July 2026
  • Venue: Nirox Sculpture Park
  • Partners: Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSTI) and University of the Witwatersrand
  • Keynote speaker: Dr Gilbert Siko (Director of Marine and Polar Research, DSTI)
  • Activities included: river walk; water purification activity (Professor Craig Sheridan and Wits Water students); art-based activity on connections to rivers and ocean; “From Kromdraai to the Indian Ocean” activity; soundscapes (Dr Toka Moskidi, Dr Renzo Fillinch); climate/rainfall and temperature talk (Dr Ramontsheng Rapolaki, South African Weather Service); Blue Economy participation (Mr Odwa Mtati, SAIMI)
  • Ocean Art Competition winners: Samuel Mbada (1st), Christina Khunju (2nd), Gladys Tswagodimo (3rd)
  • Vote of thanks: Kogie Govender
  • South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON)
  • Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSTI)
  • University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
  • Nirox Sculpture Park
  • Dr Gilbert Siko
  • Professor Craig Sheridan
  • Dr Aaniyah Martin
  • Caitlin Ransom
  • Mamere Molepo
  • Dipuo Masebe
  • Dr Toka Moskidi
  • Dr Renzo Fillinch
  • Dr Ramontsheng Rapolaki
  • South African Weather Service
  • Mr Odwa Mtati
  • South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI)
  • EFTEON at SAEON
  • Kogie Govender
  • Ms Fhumulani Ramukhwatho
  • Samuel Mbada
  • Christina Khunju

Dates

Closing Date

16 July 2026