The International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU–OAD) and the Royal Bafokeng Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate using astronomy as a catalyst for socio-economic development and community upliftment.

The agreement, signed by IAU0OAD director Kevin Govender and Dr Koketso Rakhudu, Office of the Kgosana and the chief of the Tsitsing community within the Royal Bafokeng Nation, establishes a formal framework to align traditional leadership with scientific innovation.

The partnership supports  the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s Vision Plan 2035 with the IAU’s global strategy to use astronomy as a tool for development.

The agreement outlines a shared commitment to create and scale initiatives that advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, expand opportunities for youth, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote wellness and cultural identity through innovative uses of astronomy.

Central to the MoU is the establishment of a dedicated Astronomy-for-Development Fund, which will support community-led initiatives across the Royal Bafokeng Nation.

These may include capacity-building programmes in areas such as coding, technical skills, scientific literacy, small-business development through astrotourism, and wellness initiatives that draw on astronomy to support mental health.

Beyond funding, the partnership will enable the joint mobilisation of national and international resources, as well as the co-design of community-driven projects.

 The Office of Kgosana, led by Rakhudu, will oversee community engagement, ensure cultural alignment, and integrate outcomes across the Royal Bafokeng Nation’s governance structures.

Meanwhile, the IAU–OAD will provide technical expertise, training, international networks, implementation support, and a platform for global knowledge exchange.

Together, the institutions aim to foster stronger connections between traditional leadership and scientific knowledge, thereby expanding the global conversation on inclusive development.

Over the next five years, the partnership is expected to deliver a comprehensive set of outcomes, including a fully operational development fund, yearly calls for proposals, published research outputs, and a long-term strategy to establish a hub dedicated to astronomy and science for development within the Royal Bafokeng Nation.

Rakhudu emphasised the significance of this collaboration.

“The partnership with the IAU-0AD marks a meaningful step forward for the Royal Bafokeng Nation. The OAD brings international expertise and a proven track record of using science to empower communities. By working together, we will create new opportunities for education, innovation, and socio-economic growth for our people.

“This collaboration strengthens our commitment to ensuring that the next generation benefits from both our cultural heritage and the transformative possibilities offered by astronomy and modern science,” he comments.

Echoing this sentiment, Govender emphasised the strategic importance of working with a community that showcased leadership in development.

“The Tsitsing community within the Royal Bafokeng Nation, under the leadership of Kgosana Dr Rakhudu, has shown a commitment to community development rooted in both tradition and forward-thinking strategy. This aligns powerfully with our mission at the OAD.

“We are honoured to support the Royal Bafokeng Nation as they integrate astronomy into their development plans, creating pathways for skills development, innovation, and well-being. Together, we hope to establish a model that demonstrates how astronomy can meaningfully enhance the lives of communities around the world,” he says.