The annual Scifest Africa festival kicked off in Grahamstown this morning with learners from all over the Eastern Cape pouring into the university town.
Scifest is Africa's biggest annual science festival. It is aimed at engaging the public in interactive events that teach about science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation in an informal way, encouraging young people to study in these fields.
This year's Scifest Africa runs until March 24 under the theme "Science alight!", in line with the United Nation's declaration of 2015 being the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies.
One of the highlights of this year's festival is the presence of a top delegation from NASA – the USA's space agency – who will be giving talks on space missions, among other things. The festival will also offer visitors over 600 interactive exhibits that will demonstrate all facets of light, including lasers, optics, the spectrum, photonics, space science and the universe.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, will address the official opening of Scifest Africa 2015 in Grahamstown on Friday, 20 March.
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Friday, 20 March
Venue: Rhodes University
Time: 18h00
For media confirmations, please contact Veronica Mohapeloa at 082 882 3818 or David Mandaha at 072 126 8910.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 566 0446
Tel: 012 843 6799
Fax: 086 683 7242
E-mail: Lunga.Ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
