7 May 2007
Packed with exciting activities that celebrate the importance of science,
engineering and technology in our daily lives, this year's National Science
Week (NSW) is guaranteed edutainment for young and old! Science and Technology
Minister Mosibudi Mangena officially launched the 2007 NSW at the Tshiya
Education Resource Centre, in Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State earlier
today.
The NSW will run from 12 until 19 May 2007.
Themed "Tomorrow's Science and Technology are in our youth's hands", this is
an annual week-long event aimed at persuading the youth to pursue careers in
science, engineering and technology while highlighting the important role that
science plays in everyday life. NSW is part of the Department of Science and
Technology's integrated strategy to establish a successful National System of
Innovation (NSI) through which social and economic progress can be achieved in
our country. This is why education and training, and research and development
are among the central elements of the NSI.
Reinforcing the focus on youth in 2007, Minister Mangena in his opening
address emphasised that "we need to take science awareness to greater heights",
and that NSW was more than just a week dedicated to science awareness, "but
also an intense period of awakening and mobilisation".
The week also highlights South African's Indigenous Knowledge by showcasing
provinces in terms of their unique geographic and knowledge advantages. Ongoing
collaboration between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and
traditional healers is just one example of a benefit - sharing agreement in the
area of Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
This partnership has led to the development of a novel, natural method to
repel mosquitoes as well as the establishment of a factory that employs a local
community, who are the custodians of the knowledge used to develop this
product.
In Africa, where malaria is a life-threatening disease, such developments show
how science is relevant to solving socially important problems faced by
millions of people in the world.
South Africa's 3000 km long coastline, which is ideal for research in marine
sciences, is an example of the country's unique scientific and geographic
advantage.
In this respect a high-tech storage facility which houses the largest
collection of African fishes on the continent has been opened at the South
African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity at Rhodes University, Grahamstown,
earlier this year.
The facility serves primarily as a reference for scientists to study the
identification and conservation of the fish biodiversity. Minister Mangena
encouraged the young and old to take part in the activities on offer at more
than 43 sites throughout the country.
"Encourage your friends, family members and neighbours to join you in this
exciting journey," added Minister Mangena.
This as the week will be filled with exciting opportunities for learners,
teachers, students, academics, parents and the public who will get an
opportunity to do science based activities like teacher and learner workshops,
science competitions, fun runs, career exhibitions and learner outreach
programmes to name a few.
Enquiries:
Celeste Tema
Cell: 083 399 0765
E-mail: celeste.tema@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
7 May 2007
