Scientists often struggle to cross the rickety bridge that spans the chasm between themselves and the media. There are several reasons for this; one is the abyss between the two which appears to be infested with the monsters of sensationalism, ignorance and their offspring: inaccuracies and false expectations. The gap between science and the media was the focus of a panel discussion entitled “Misunderstandings and Misuses: Science Journalism” held at Rhodes University on Thursday. The discussion was part of the Academy of Science of South Africa’s (ASSAf) Embassy Lecture series. Dr Hester du Plessis, of the Human Sciences Research Council…
Author: Steven Lang
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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has taken significant steps to encourage scientists to engage with the general public. Cabinet approved a DST White Paper containing these steps and other science related policies last week. According to the White Paper, government will appoint a National Coordinator of Science Engagement to improve collaboration between the DST, all its entities, higher education and the private sector. It will also require government departments that have substantial Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) components to spend a certain percentage of their budgets on raising science awareness. These moves are largely aimed at reducing the…
Scifest Africa, with its theme of ‘Discover your element’, started a chemical romance at the opening ceremony of its 23rd edition on Wednesday 6 March. Dr Stephen Ashworth, who has a PhD in chemistry, delivered his lecture entitled: ‘Elementary’: A celebration of the 150th anniversary of Mendeleev’s Periodic Table to set the tone for this year’s Scifest Africa. Ashworth is a Scifest Africa veteran who has provoked reactions of delighted surprise for many years as he enthralled audiences with his chemical experiments that did not always quite turn out the way people expected. His usual persona – that of a…
Dr Daniel Adams, Deputy Director General in the Department of Science and Technology, formally opened Scifest Africa representing Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane who would normally do the honours. Adams explained that the Minister could not open the event because she was with Director General, Dr Phil Mjwara presenting a draft of the new White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation to Parliament. He said this was an important coincidence because the White Paper will set the science and technology agenda for the national system of innovation, “including science awareness and engagement for many years to come”. This is relevant because one…
By STEVEN LANG Hydrologist Dr Jane Tanner believes that the Gift of the Givers has done a great job bringing in Dr Gideon Groenewald to drill for drinking water in and around Makhanda (Grahamstown). Within a few days of Groenewald’s arrival in the municipality, he had drilled three wells that were supplying potable water to areas that, for extended periods, had been cut off from any water supplies. Tanner, Head of Hydrology at Rhodes University’s Institute for Water Research (IWR), has just returned from Montpellier in France. While she was overseas she exchanged numerous text messages with Groenewald, guiding him…
“You will be inundated with objections” warned a woman at a municipal public participation meeting held at the City Hall on Monday 18 February evening. She was one of more than a hundred angry ratepayers sharing their opinions on the latest property valuation roll with Makana’s new Chief Financial Officer, Gerard Goliath and professional valuer, Salwen Butler [subs: correct]. The meeting was held in terms of the Municipal Properties Act of 2004 which requires the municipality to hold public meetings to explain the Certified General Valuation Roll. Goliath chaired the meeting and Butler represented Sizanane Consulting, the company entrusted with valuating…
By STEVEN LANG The new mayor of Makana municipality, Mzukisi Mpahlwa, made it clear that local officials and municipal unions are among the most serious obstacles he faces in trying to address service delivery problems in the area. While he stopped short of accusing municipal employees and councillors of sabotage, his new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gerard Goliath, said that this possibility was being investigated. Makana residents congratulated Mpahlwa for having the courage to address them at a Grahamstown Residents’ Association (GRA) meeting on Monday evening. He guessed correctly that the hundred-plus people who waited for him at Prime, on…
The current drought and water crisis has opened the door for a new kind of entrepreneur in Makhanda (Grahamstown). Frans van der Merwe is currently in town offering free advice on how to make better use of the water resources we have and at the same time, scouting for a person who might be interested in opening a Green Overall franchise locally. He gave a presentation that was entertaining and full of useful advice at a special edition of the U3A meetings at the Grahamstown Bowling Club on Thursday. More than 70 people attended Van der Merwe’s presentation that was…
Journalist and family man Steven Lang shares his experience of using hearing aids for the first time – and some insights about making the decision to make the leap. In the audiologist’s consulting room everything was quiet. She taught me how to clean and care for my hearing aids. She carefully explained how to fit the devices into my ears – not too deep, not too shallow. Her voice was clear, but mine had a slight echo and sounded too loud. In search of equilibrium, I found myself speaking softer, then louder, then softer again. As I left her rooms…
Early risers wishing to enter the Addo Elephant Park as soon as the gates opened at 7am were disappointed over the recent festive season. If they arrived at 6.50am they were confronted by a long line of people who had similar plans. Usually during the year, seven o’ clock arrivals have to contend with two or three groups of regulars who swiftly make it through the paperwork. Before November 2018, it used to be possible to fill in the forms online, print them out and then hand them in at reception together with your Wild Card. Now, for some…