There is a world of science to be explored at the Rand Show this year, as the Department of Science and Technology (DST) brings you an exhibition certain to broaden your knowledge.
From 22 April to 2 May, at the Joburg Expo Centre at Nasrec, the department will present a walk through the amazing world of science, technology and innovation.
Stop by the Bateleur conference room and enjoy a host of interactive exhibits, a science information hub with touch screens, a display of famous local fossils, and a children's activity area with a portable planetarium. Get comfortable in the cinema area for some thought-provoking videos and presentations.
Increase your knowledge through a variety of exhibits and presentations on science topics ranging from technology innovation, space science and technology, pottery and agriculture, to science and sustainable livelihoods, indigenous knowledge systems and youth into science.
Teenagers on a Mission (TOMz): a DST-sponsored television programme
Through the course of the Rand Show, the Teenagers on a Mission (TOMz) crew will be looking for a fresh, talented young presenter for the second season of TOMz, which is scheduled to start in June on SABC 1. TOMz will also be hosting a house music production workshop and a professional DJ workshop in association with Soul Candi Institute of Music.This will show how technology is used by the modern professional DJ.
Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS)
Topics will include the role of IKS in food security, traditional medicine, the science of crafting ceramics and pest control.
South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)
SAASTA will host a variety of presentations on astronomy to teach enthusiasts to identify stars and planets, as well as a little about the science of the universe.
Colourful chemistry and interesting experiments will leave the audience “wowed" and show that science is fun.
Space science and technology
Presentations will focus on space science, careers in space science and applications, and what satellites do. The profiles of the speakers are attached.
So for a great learning and playing experience this Easter, head on over to the DST exhibition at the Rand Show, where family education and entertainment are a top priority.
For more information and media enquiries contact:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Cell: 083 400 5750
Zama Mthethwa
Cell: 082 808 3956
Short profile of the speakers
1. Khalid Manjoo - Chief Engineer of Assembly Integration and Testing, SunSpace
Khalid is Chief Engineer and the team leader for Assembly Integration and Testing (AIT) at SunSpace, South Africa's only satellite manufacturing company. He is the youngest of the engineers in his company, and was the AIT lead engineer during the launch in Baikonur of South Africa's second satellite, SumbandilaSat.
He is one of a select few chosen to be part of a skills acquisition programme between South Africa and France later this year. He has also been awarded a scholarship for a space studies programme hosted by the International Space University in Austria in July this year.
2. Brad Inggs - Founder and Managing Director of the African Space Institute and its African Space Surveillance Operations centre
Brad oversees the day-to-day and strategic operations of the African Space Institute. He has background and knowledge in various technical and business fields, ranging from space communications to marketing.
His interests include development, outreach and seeking opportunities to make Africa an international leader in space.He is also the CEO of Orbital Horizon, Africa's first and only space tourism agency.
3. Kaizer Moroka - Deputy Director: Space Science and Technology at the Department of Science and Technology
Kaizer is leading space awareness and outreach from the Department of Science and Technology. His job is to help make the public aware of space science and technology capabilities and benefits through exhibitions, symposiums and conferences.
He is also responsible for ensuring that existing space-related projects communicate and interact with each other to improve services in the field of satellite engineering and applications. Kaizer is working to elevate human capital development in space technology and space applications, and to see research and development incorporated and shared, both nationally and globally, through public-private partnerships.
4. Bafedile Kgwadi - Project Coordinator at the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA)
Bafedile is responsible for, among other things, presenting science and technology awareness programmes at Johannesburg Observatory's visitor centre. The centre has a 26-inch telescope which is more than 100 years old, and which is still operational today.
She was a full-time science teacher for six years and a part-time one for about five years. Teaching is her passion.
5. Wisani Siweya - DST/ National Research Foundation intern with SAASTA
Wisani is working for SAASTA at the Science Awareness Platform at Johannesburg Observatory. She has a BSc in Applied Biotechnology from the University of the Western Cape.
6. Thandi Mdluli - Project coordinator at the SAASTA Science Awareness Platform
Thandi is passionate about science awareness programmes and has a teaching background. She has an HED majoring in Physics and Chemistry, and a BEd (Hon) in Education Management.
7. Nare Herminah Selolo - SAASTA volunteer
Nare has a diploma in chemical engineering and worked at Mintek for a year as a trainee technician, doing research for various mining industries by upgrading the percentage grade of different ores using different machines (gravitational and magnetic separators).
She is currently working for SAASTA doing school outreach programmes.
8. Hubert Mathebula - Project coordinator for SAASTA
Hubert is a self-taught amateur astronomer. He has a science background and was a high school teacher for 15 years.
Hubert conducts astronomy presentations for school children and members of the public at the SAASTA mobile planetarium, as part of SAASTA's outreach and as a hobby.He also drives the 26-inch refractor Innes telescope at the Johannesburg Observatory during public sky viewing evenings.
Source: Department of Science and Technology
Science, technology under microscope at Rand Show 2011
