Today, 15 November community members and learners in Ulundi had an opportunity to view and interact with science and technology exhibits at the Department of Science and Technology (DST) imbizo in the Zululand District Municipality.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, and Deputy Minister Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi led an imbizo in Ulundi to raise awareness about science and technology.
Izimbizo are a popular and trusted platform for unmediated communication between government and the public.
“The government seeks to reinforce its accountability to citizens through continuous public participation events throughout the year. This means that you will be seeing us regularly in your communities,” said Minister Pandor.
Alongside the imbizo, the DST organised an exhibition to expose young people and the community to careers in science, as well as practical demonstrations of what science means in daily life. The UniZulu Science Centre, the ArcelorMittal Newcastle Science Centre, the National Zoological Gardens, and the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory were among the entities that showcased their work.
Minister Pandor told community members attending the imbizo that South Africa was increasingly becoming a global centre of scientific and technological excellence, playing an important role in major international projects and making groundbreaking progress in research and development initiatives. “Here I need only mention the iconic global project, the Square Kilometre Array, which South Africa will be co-hosting with Australia,” the Minister said.
As the country celebrates 20 years of freedom, it can be proud of the significant progress it has made in science, technology and innovation. Minister Pandor said that this was important, as science and technology had a vital role to play in creating a prosperous future for all South Africans.
Deputy Minister kaMagwaza-Msibi also spoke to the community members at the event, which was held at the Old Legislature Building. She said that agricultural development was an essential part of unlocking the area’s economic potential. The Zululand District Municipality is looking to stimulate economic growth in the area.
“It is important that the high agricultural potential of the land – which is key to the future development of the region – needs to be protected for long-term sustainability. One area with economic potential is the beneficiation of traditional medicines, and partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology should be explored to ensure optimal exploitation,” said the Deputy Minister.
She urged all the young people at the imbizo to consider careers in science, technology and innovation, as this would benefit the entire country.
Also supporting today’s initiative were the Departments of Basic Education, Higher Education and Training, Social Development, and Home Affairs, which assisted the community with services such as the processing of applications for identity documents and social grants.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana, the Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Prof. Hlengiwe Mkhize, and the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Peggy Nkonyeni, also attended.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele, Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 566 0446
David Mandaha
Cell: 076 520 5647
Tel: 012 843 6806
E-mail: david.mandaha@dst.gov.za
