Odman, C2022-12-052022-12-052021https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743921321000867http://hdl.handle.net/10566/8214In this article we describe the recent history of astronomy in South Africa from the perspective of development. We describe how all major astronomy initiatives have carried a component of development with them, be it capacity building or socio-economic development. We highlight some activities and conclude that South Africa’s coherent and ambitious strategy has led to substantial changes in the astronomy research community in South Africa and that the young astronomers now starting their careers are taking possession of a bright future.endevelopmentSouth AfricaastronomySDGsEIDMArticle