Thousands of learners from across the Eastern Cape descended on the 1820 Settlers' National Monument in Grahamstown as Scifest Africa 2015 entered its second day.
The annual science festival kicked off yesterday with science and technology exhibitions, workshops and lectures. The aim is to engage the public on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation, and to encourage young people to study in these fields
This year's Scifest Africa is taking place under the theme "Science alight!", in line with the United Nation's International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies.
For many learners in the Eastern Cape, Scifest Africa is the only opportunity they get to engage with scientific experiments, as schools in the province are often under-resourced.
Andisiwe Ngqula, a grade 12 learner at Nathaniel Pamla High School in Peddie, was happy to see science in action and to learn more about career opportunities in this field.
"I'm planning to study civil engineering at Stellenbosch University next year, and Scifest Africa has opened my eyes to career possibilities out there," said the 19-year-old pupil, who is working to improve her current maths and science marks.
Sphamandla Blom, from Umtiza High School in East London, concurred. He said that if it had it not been for Scifest, he would not have broadened his knowledge base. "For example, I wouldn't have known how the universe began, how waves transfer from one object to another, or why light is faster than sound."
The learners also have the opportunity to interact with a top-level NASA delegation visiting the festival this year, including the American space agency’s chief technologists and an astronaut who has logged more than 4 000 hours in space.
A highlight will be the annual Brian Wilmot lecture, which this year will be delivered by the NASA Chief Scientist, Dr Ellen Stofan. The subject of the lecture is "Looking outward, inward and homeward: NASA science and you".
Issued by the Department of Science and Technology
For enquiries contact: Veronica Mohapeloa at 082 882 3818 or David Mandaha at 072 126 8910.
