The Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with Northern Cape Department of Education will host over 600 learners from around Kimberly, Northern Cape in an open day to celebrate World Space Week.
Themed “Exploring Mars, Discovering Earth”, World Space Week takes place annually from 4 – 10 October to celebrate the contribution of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.
Implemented by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), the open day will expose learners and the general public to the country's achievements in space science, considering that one of the major projects in space science, the building of the Square Kilometre Array, is taking shape in the province in Carnarvon.
The event will be filledwith exciting activities such as exhibitions, lectures, workshops and science shows, demonstrating what space science is all about.
Speakers will include the DST Director-General, Phil Mjwara as well as a guest from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States government, Dr Woodrow Whitlow.
Dr Whitlow is the Associate Administrator for Mission Support at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC where he is responsible for management operations, including human capital, budget and systems support. In a career that began in 1979, Dr Whitlow has been involved in processing, launch, and recovery of launch vehicles, processing of spacecraft and acquisition of launch services.
The event is arranged as follows:
Date: 5 October 2013
Time: 08h30 for 09h00
Venue: Diamantveld High School, Kimberley
The World Space Week takes place annually from 4 - 10 October.
Media is invited to attend the event and interview requests must be communicated Kholeka Tyuthuza on 079 187 736.
Kindly find attached programme of all proceedings at the event.
For media enquiries:
Veronica Mohapeloa, Deputy Director: Media Liaison and Communication
Department of Science and Technology
Cell: +2782 882 3818
Tel: +2712 843 6788
E-mail: Veronica.Mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
