SA IORAG
South African Chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group
SA IORAG
The South African Chapter of Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group
South Africa is a founding member of IORA.
SA's role in Academic, Science & Technology Cooperation within IORA
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), of which SA is a founding member, was formally launched by a Ministerial Meeting in Mauritius in March 1997. The Association’s broad objective is to promote the sustained growth and balanced development of the Region and of the Member States, and to create common ground for Regional Economic Co-operation.
South Africa took over chairship of IORA at the 17th Council of Ministers Meeting held in Durban, South Africa in 2017 and passed the chairship to the United Arab Emirates in November 2019. During South Africa’s chair period South African representatives chaired various IORA structures, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association Academic Group (IORAG).
South Africa was again chair of the IORAG for 2022-2023.
Academic Group
The Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group (IORAG) was established in recognition of the important role of the academia in regional organizations. The role set out for the Academic Group is both advisory and catalytic.
The Secretariat
The SA IORAG Secretariat is hosted by the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node based in Cape Town
NOde Manager
Node Manager, Egagasini Node for Marine Offshore Systems.
PhD Physical Oceanography, UCT
Juliet leads a team focusing on observations, modeling, and research in the marine environment around southern Africa, as part of the National Research Foundation’s South African Environmental Observation Network. Juliet also manages the South African Polar Research Infrastructure and is a professor at the University of Cape Town and the Nelson Mandela University. She has significant experience with developing and managing multidisciplinary ocean observations. Her passion is in fostering regional and international collaborations as well as capacity development. Juliet focuses attention on leading, teaching and growing a diverse network of marine scientists.
Prof Hermes was the IORAG Regional Chair 2022-2023.
Science Officer
Nicole du Plessis is a Science Officer at the National Research Foundation-South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) Egagasini Node, where she coordinates and leads strategic ocean science initiatives at both national and international levels. With over a decade of experience in environmental research, policy support, and stakeholder engagement, she plays a pivotal role in shaping collaborative programmes that bridge scientific knowledge and societal benefit. Nicole has contributed to the advancement of blue economy dialogues, and inclusive science networks in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Her background in marine science and passion for strategic impact have allowed her to build a unique portfolio that blends research coordination, science-policy interface work, and inclusive capacity development. She represents SAEON in multilateral science platforms and has been instrumental in integrating diverse voices into ocean knowledge systems. Her career reflects an ongoing dedication to scientific integrity, inclusivity, and the belief that science must ultimately serve both people and the planet. Her primary responsibilities are coordinating the activities for the South African Marine Research and Exploration Forum (SAMREF) and the SA IORAG.
SA IORAG Chair
Mr KGame Molope is the Chair of the South Africa Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group ( 2022 – 2023). He is a lecturer and Programme Leader (Head of Department) in the School of Government Studies at the Mafikeng Campus of the North-West University. As a developing scholar in international relations, his area of interest and research is regional trade and investment facilitation. He served as Assistant Director: Regional Organisations at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation where his primary focus was the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Funding Opportunities
The SA IORAG provides opportunity for small funding grants to undertake research in the IORA Priority Areas.
