South Africa has never had a formal symbol for its national space programme. That is about to change.
The South African National Space Agency (Sansa) today launched a competition inviting grades 8 to 11 learners from registered public, independent, and home schools to design the country’s first official space mascot.
Read more: Safe spaces help boys and men heal through arts and dialogue
Entries, consisting of an original design and a short, written explanation, must be submitted through the online portal by midnight on September 14. No prior design experience is required.
The winning design will be professionally developed into Sansa’s official mascot for use at schools, youth outreach events and public engagements. The initiative aims to build excitement about the space sector among young people and encourage careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Sansa chief executive officer Humbulani Mudau said a mascot gives people something to hold onto.
“At home, it puts a face to our space programme and helps ordinary South Africans, especially young people, connect with an industry that can feel distant and highly technical. Abroad, it becomes a symbol that our country can rally behind.”
Also read: VIB Foundation launches creative hub support programme to bridge talent and opportunity gap
South Africa’s space involvement dates back more than 70 years, including the Hartebeesthoek ground station, established in 1961.
Designs must be original, clearly linked to space, and reflect something distinctly South African. A panel of scientists, engineers, designers, and education specialists will judge the entries.
The winning learner will receive R3 000, a merchandise hamper, and a certificate, and will be credited as the original designer. Runners-up will receive R2 000 and R1 500 respectively.
The top three schools will share R100 000 in cash or educational vouchers.
Learners can enter at https://mascot.sansa.org.za or email mascot@sansa.org.za.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
