The Science Centre will offer its services and programs in collaboration with Faculties, support departments, and designated project leaders. Stakeholders will contribute through annual scheduled programs, which will be categorized according to the service offerings outlined in the table below. This approach ensures a dynamic calendar of activities for visitors, particularly the public, to plan their visits effectively.

Key Implementation Highlights

a. Scheduled Activities:

• Annual programs provided by Faculties will be categorized and displayed for targeted audiences.
• Activities will be clearly scheduled to enable visitors, especially the public, to plan their visits in advance.

b. Exhibition Sourcing and Support:

• The sourcing of programs and exhibitions will occur between January and March 2025, with direct interaction and collaboration with Faculties.
• Faculties will provide temporary exhibitions, semi-permanent exhibitions, and digital content exhibitions on a six-month rotational basis.
• Storage for these exhibitions will be arranged in collaboration with Faculties to facilitate smooth rotations.

c. Permanent Exhibitions:

• Funding applications will be submitted once designs for permanent exhibitions are finalized.
• This presents an opportunity for the university to create and produce its own unique exhibitions, enhancing the centre's distinct identity.

By establishing a structured timeline and fostering collaboration with Faculties, this strategy ensures that the Science Centre remains a vibrant, innovative hub for education, research, and public engagement while showcasing the university’s unique strengths and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Strategic Plan for Dome Showcasing

The Nelson Mandela University Science Centre’s Dome will showcase curated free movies sourced from the ESO (European Southern Observatory) platform and Fiske Planetarium productions, including two South African-produced films. This initiative supports public engagement, education, and cultural appreciation.

Key Strategy Components

a. Film Selection:

• A range of astronomy, science, and educational movies has been identified, catering to audiences of all ages, including family-friendly options.

The selected movies include:

b. IT and Career Development:

• An IT intern will be identified as part of the career development program, supported by the university's ICT department.
• This role ensures stability, consistency, and adherence to safety operating procedures for the Dome system.

c. System Monitoring and Safety:

• To maintain the integrity of operations, a single-point accountability system will be implemented, avoiding multiple users accessing the Dome system.
• This approach ensures smooth operation, protects equipment, and enhances audience experience.

d. Funding Strategy:

• These movie screenings will be utilized to accumulate funds for purchasing additional films.
• The Science Centre will also actively seek funding to expand the Dome’s offerings, specifically acquiring movies that are curriculum-aligned to support educational goals.

This strategy integrates technical oversight, educational impact, financial sustainability, and operational excellence, positioning the Dome as a cornerstone of the Science Centre’s offerings.