TRAILBLAZER BY KOKETSO JESSIE TAYLOR MAMABOLO
Above and beyond
Dr. Valanathan Munsami shapes South Africa’s space policy and research
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hen you look up at the stars, you may not realise that a complex network of satellites is gathering data that informs government policy and decision making. Those satellites, and various other technologies, form part of South Africa’s space science and research programmes managed by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). The man at the helm of this mission to learn more about the skies above us is Dr. Valanathan Munsami. LOOKING TO SPACE Dr. Munsami oversaw the establishment of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and today holds the position of its CEO in 2017.
28 | Public Sector Leaders | March 2022
He holds a PhD in Physics and a Masters of Business Leadership, and a Space Studies Program Diploma. He also possesses a Certificate in International Air, Space, and Telecommunications Law. The Academy’s International Board of Trustees is a dedicated governing body of distinguished members from various fields. These include diplomacy, business, science, education, philanthropy and the arts. Trustees believe in the power of international understanding to promote peace across the world. The IASL is a unique platform responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
