Excitement will reach high levels mid-week as over 56 000 learners from all over the country head to Grahamstown for the annual National Science Festival, which will run from 13 to 19 March 2013.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, will deliver an opening address on Thursday, 14 March 2013, at 18h00.
Scifest's 2013 theme is "Science on the move!", and it will feature transport infrastructure, different modes of transport, engine, vehicle and tyre design, exploration, the SKA radio telescope, space sciences, the human body and any other kind of movement you can think of. It supports the attempt by the UK's Bloodhound Project to break the world land speed record in the Northern Cape.
Visitors to Scifest Africa will be spoilt for choice. The programme offers hundreds of events, including interactive exhibits, high-profile lectures, a satellite-building competition and the Speed-Date-a-Scientist series.
The festival is supported by the DST and managed in association with the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement and the National Research Foundation. It is seen as a leader in cutting-edge science communication and engagement.
All media are welcome to attend.
About Scifest Africa
Scifest Africa, South Africa’s National Science Festival, was established in 1996 to promote the public awareness, understanding and appreciation of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation.
The project consists of two components; the National Science Festival held in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape in March every year, as well as regional and national outreach programmes implemented throughout the year.
Sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), and the National Research Foundation (NRF), Scifest Africa is the largest science festival in sub-Saharan Africa. This year will mark 17 years of an event that has truly become a leader in the development of cutting - edge science communication and engagement.
Scifest Africa identifies and designs unique interactive events and educational resources with scientific integrity to advance science, facilitate learning in an informal and non-threatening way, and provide learners with a great opportunity to discover science outside the classroom.
The festival also allows South Africa and the world’s leading scientists the opportunity to share their work, make science accessible within the reach of ordinary people, network with one another, provide career guidance and act as role models for our youth, in order to encourage the youth to embark on careers and become leaders in these fields.
It is a project of the Grahamstown Foundation a not-for-profit public benefit organisation established in 1969 and based in Grahamstown. The mission of the Grahamstown Foundation is “that all might have life and have it more abundantly”, and it realises this mission through quality awareness and education and training projects such as Scifest Africa.
- Scifest 2013 Official Opening Programme, 14 March 2013 [pdf].
- Scifest Africa 2013 lecture and talkshops programme [pdf].
Contact:
Nthabi Maoela
Cell: 082 944 0015
