Open to learners in Grades 8 to 11 at registered public, independent and home schools across South Africa, the competition invites entrants to submit an original mascot design, together with a short written explanation, through the official online entry portal by midnight on Monday, 14 September 2026. No prior design experience or training is required.
The winning design will be professionally developed into Sansa's official mascot for use at schools, youth outreach events and public engagements across the country.
The initiative aims to build excitement about South Africa's space sector among young people, encouraging them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem), while creating a recognisable public symbol for the country's growing space programme.
"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 - helping position us as a serious, creative and capable player in international space affairs. We want a mascot that says both," says Humbulani Mudau, CEO of Sansa.
Sansa is looking for designs that are entirely original, clearly connected to space, and reflect something distinctly South African – whether through language, landscape, wildlife, history or culture.
Entries will be judged by a panel of scientists, engineers, designers and education specialists. The winning learner will be credited as the mascot's original designer and receive exciting prizes, with the top three schools to receive a share of R100,000 in cash/vouchers for equipment or books.
Entries must be submitted online through Sansa's official competition portal.
For more information about the competition, including the terms and conditions, or to enter, learners and schools can visit mascot.sansa.org.za
