official opening of the Sasol Techno X Exhibition, Sasolburg
22 August 2006
�Science in action�
Programme Director
Mr Trevor Munday, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Sasol
Mr Max Sisulu, Group General Manager, Sasol
Visitors and other children
Last year�s exhibition attracted children from 44 primary school and 306
secondary schools. This year the event is larger and more children will come to
see the wonders of science in action.
Sasol is renowned for providing South Africans with energy from coal mining
on the one side of the production chain all the way to commercialising various
kinds of fuel for consumption in homes and businesses across the land. It is
also a very successful company and plays a leading role in scientific
development in the chemicals industry. There is no better company to introduce
our children to the importance of science and technology in our modern world
than Sasol, as it clearly understands the challenges posed by a shortage of
science and technology skills.
I would also like to applaud the organisers for selecting a theme that is so
relevant. Many young people do not regard science as a viable and attractive
career field. We are working hard to change perception and performance.
A society�s most valuable resource is its people and education is the
process by which society invests in the development of its people. The
Department of Education has strengthened its interventions in the areas of
science and maths. Much more is being invested in ensuring that South Africa
has a larger pool of learners competent in maths and science.
In particular, the number of African candidates who participate and succeed
in maths and science is disturbingly low. We have expanded our programme which
is directed at increasing success in science and maths. Events like these make
that task a little easier. We also face the challenge of increasing the number
of teachers who are qualified to teach these key subjects. However, those who
have obtained a good pass often find it less attractive to choose teaching as a
career and therefore opt to study in science-related fields. As a result, few
enter teacher-training programmes in mathematics and science.
The majority of schools that offer mathematics and science have poorly
equipped laboratories and facilities for promoting effective teaching and
learning. The teaching of science in too many of the poorest schools remains
theoretical without any experiments to enhance the understanding and
application of knowledge.
Basic numeracy, mathematical, scientific and technological skills are
critical for further learning and the world of work. Learners who are competent
in these skills are able to engage in effective post-school learning across a
wide range of learning fields. Therefore, we need to encourage all learners to
excel at maths and science.
We have re-focussed our Dinaledi strategy to increase the enrolment and
performance of learners in selected high schools. This shows our intention to
accelerate the pace of learning and achievement in maths and science
education.
Furthermore, we have also given attention to curriculum transformation
across the education system. This year we introduced a new curriculum in our
high schools. I am convinced that this curriculum will equip our children for
the greater demands of a modern society. All learners at Grade 10 must be
offered either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. We have set ourselves a
target of 50 000 learners passing mathematics in 2008.
Events such as the Sasol Techno X present opportunities for the Dinaledi
schools and other schools offering Maths and Science to excel. The Sasol Tencho
X is an example of how companies can open their doors to our young people, to
enable them to see the relationship between education and the world of
work.
In 2007, we launch new programmes at our public Further Education and
Training (FET) colleges. Many of the programmes will contribute to developing
the skills we need in the advancement of science and technology. The curriculum
design of these programmes requires learners to have hands-on experience.
I ask all exhibitors to study these programmes and to link with our colleges
to help fast track skills development in science, engineering and technology.
In fact, the advancement of our society relies on the extent to which we can
encourage indigenous innovation in science and technology. Our aim is to
encourage our learners to see that their future lies in learning how to
innovate. I believe that events like Sasol Techno X are scientific
kaleidoscopes that challenge the imagination and stretch the mind.
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Education
22 August 2006
