The collaboration between Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd and the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a forward-looking initiative aimed at advancing aviation heritage, scholarship, and technical innovation in South Africa. This partnership originated from an Engaged Scholarship Project in 2024 and was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 15 July 2025. It embodies a strong model of cooperation between academia and industry, in line with UNISA’s Catalytic Niche Area in Aviation and Aeronautical Studies.
A key component of this partnership is the ATNS/UNISA Museum Technical Specifications Workshop held today at the ATNS Head Office in Johannesburg. This strategic engagement aims to define the conceptual and technical framework for a groundbreaking aviation heritage institution. The planned ATNS Museum will be the first dedicated repository for the nation’s air traffic management legacy, preserving artefacts while providing a comprehensive narrative of the evolution of air navigation services and South Africa’s contributions to global aviation.
In addition to preservation, the museum will serve as an academic and research platform, functioning as a living laboratory that supports experiential learning, specialised skills development, and industry-relevant research. This aligns with UNISA’s commitment to engaged scholarship and ensures meaningful integration between academic inquiry and operational practice.
The initiative aims to enhance collaboration between academia and industry, boost research outputs, and stimulate innovation in the aviation sector while preserving heritage for future generations.
UNISA Professor Zethu Nkosi states that this collective effort will “close existing gaps and strengthen the project’s sustainability.” ATNS Chief Business Services Officer Mr Mbongeni Maqashelana adds that the partnership shows a commitment to innovation, heritage preservation, and capacity development.
Ultimately, the ATNS-UNISA Museum initiative merges heritage preservation with modern aviation advancements, positioning South Africa as a leader in aviation knowledge and collaboration.