Dr Lee-Anne McKinnell is currently the Managing Director responsible for the Space Science Programme and Hermanus Facility of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). She holds a PhD in Space Physics from Rhodes University in South Africa, and a MBA from the Business School Netherlands. In her current role Dr McKinnell represents South Africa on a number of international committees and working groups ensuring Africa’s interests are maintained in the field of space science and related technology. She is a champion for space weather applications and is leading the SANSA project to develop 24/7 operational space weather capability for Africa.