SciFest Africa’s “make-science-fun organisation” won the non-profit category in the Mail and Guardian’s Investing in the Future Award.
“This award recognises the incredibly important role that SciFest Africa is playing in changing attitudes and misconceptions,” said new SciFest director, Vera Adams.
SciFest Africa’s “make-science-fun organisation” won the non-profit category in the Mail and Guardian’s Investing in the Future Award.
“This award recognises the incredibly important role that SciFest Africa is playing in changing attitudes and misconceptions,” said new SciFest director, Vera Adams.
“SciFest Africa is one of the pioneers in the field of communicating science to all South Africans and investing in the future of our society through the development of future science leaders,” said Adams.
According to the Mail & Guardian, the winning projects had to demonstrate long term viability, promote the social and economic development of South Africa and build links between communities, the corporate world and government.
“If you look at the list of winners and finalists, practical science has played a significant role in enabling people to contribute to a better South Africa,” said Adams, noting that Sasol, which is an anchor sponsor of SciFest Africa, was a finalist in the corporate category for a project assisting the visually impaired in the Northern Cape.
Science super stars
“We are very excited to get this award and recognition,” said SciFest manager, Margaret Wolff. “The award encourages us to keep working hard and inspire even more people to think of new solutions, using science, to the problems that surround us,” she said.
Adams and Wolff attended the black tie awards ceremony held at Summer Place in Johannesburg. Adams headed off to the United Kingdom to attend her first meeting with directors of science festivals around the globe shortly after winning the award.
“The award has given me courage," said Adams. “South Africa is well-known in international circles for our ability to put on a good show and in some ways science is no different from rugby, soccer or cricket.”
“We couldn’t do it without our sponsors Sasol Ltd, Old Mutual South Africa, the Department of Science and Technology and SAASTA, our long-standing contributors from near and far, and current and past SciFest team members,” added Wolff.
Judges of the awards included Zeona Motsabi of Cell C, Judi Nwokedi from Motorola and chairperson, Reg Rumney.
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