“Science is ayoba,” said the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor at the launch of National Science Week (NSW) at the University of Fort Hare in Alice last week.
“Science is ayoba,” said the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor at the launch of National Science Week (NSW) at the University of Fort Hare in Alice last week.
The launch was attended by over 4 500 people including dignitaries of the departments of Education and Science and Technology, learners, educators, parents, university staff and students and science exhibitors from across the country.
The theme for NSW is The role of science in Economic Development and a number of companies, institutes and universities discussed the ways in which science makes a contribution to economic development.
The Makana district was well represented with six exhibitions including the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON); the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB); SAIAB’s education outreach programme, Bright Sparks; Grahamstown’s official youth newspaper Upstart; Rhodes University Pharmacy Department and the Albany Museum.
SAIAB’s flagship programme, the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) and its model of the coelacanth never fail to amaze and spark interest.
Pandor and the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom visited the SAIAB exhibition stand and expressed a particular interest in the coelacanth research in which SAIAB is engaged.
Pandor was also pleased to know that groups of learners such as the Bright Sparks are showing an interest in science and sharing that interest with others at the exhibition.
“It is learners like you that are my favourites and one day you all must be Dr Something,” said Pandor while visiting the Bright Sparks exhibition.
In addressing the learners in her keynote speech she said: “The message that we must continue to spread is that science, engineering and technology are an essential and inescapable part of almost every aspect of modern life.If you find me on Facebook, let’s chat. If you find me on Twitter, let’s engage on the topic of science and if you find me on Mxit… let’s Mxit about science.”
In 2005, NSW took place in 30 sites across the country, this year science week takes place in 88 sites. The Makana district’s NSW runs from 2 to 6 August.
Events include the launch of science clubs at five schools and a Science World Café on Friday, 6 August where the public is invited to join learners, educators, researchers and lecturers in an entertaining discussion , café-style, on the role of science in economic development.
The World Café will take place at the Graemian Centre at Graeme College from 2pm to 5.30pm. Tickets cost R20 for adults and R10 for scholars, and cover the cost of your entrance as well as tea, coffee and eats.
Pre-bookings are preferable but tickets will be on sale at the door. Contact Tina Moss at 046 603 1106 or email: tina@scifest.org.za to make a booking.
