Scifest Africa 2011 will be held later than usual this year, due to ongoing discussions with potential anchor sponsors.
Scifest Africa 2011 will be held later than usual this year, due to ongoing discussions with potential anchor sponsors.
Scifest director Anja Fourie said that May 4-10 is the provisional period under consideration. "While we remain positive about the outcome of these discussions [with sponsors], further details can be announced only once sponsorship is confirmed," said Fourie.
She said the decision to reschedule Scifest Africa follows discussions with the this year's sponsors, namely, the Department of Science and Technology, Eastern Cape Department of Education, Makana Municipality, Rhodes University, the Scifest Advisory Committee, individuals contributors, educators, the Grahamstown Foundation, and local and national media.
According to Fourie, the change of dates also affords Scifest Africa the opportunity to put in place a more secure sponsorship model and to review the role of the festival in the public awareness and engagement of science in the country.
Despite the delay in confirming dates, she said contributor numbers had increased and that the new dates had been met with "resounding support".
"Contributor numbers have increased, and at this stage, the programme has already secured more exhibitions and workshop titles than in previous years, in addition to a fast-developing lecture series and fringe programmes."
"There are also exciting new events, such as the Science Cafe Series, iRhini Festival, and Speed-Date-a-Scientist, to name just some," she said.
Established in 1997 as a project of the Grahamstown Foundation, Scifest Africa, South Africa's National Science Festival, has become successful in changing misconceptions and attitudes of the general public towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Lectures, workshops, talk shows, exhibitions, are part of a range of interactive activities that show visitors how these four disciplines underpin their daily lives. Both educators and learners are given the opportunity to experience science outside the classroom in a fun and informative way and can interact with scientist who share their work and provide career guidance.
Fourie expressed her gratitude to those who had rallied behind Scifest Africa. "Scifest Africa is extraordinarily fortunate to be supported by quality people and institutions that believe in its value to the public awareness of science.
This makes it possible to inspire established and emerging scientists in all walks of life," Fourie said. "We wish to thank everyone who has rallied behind Scifest Africa with telephone calls or letters of support, their precious time and advice, sponsorships-in-cash and sponsorships-in-kind, and exciting contributions to the programme."
Local contributors who still wish to register for Scifest Africa 2011 are welcome to contact the office at 046 603 1106, or email info@scifest.org.za.
