National Science Week is one of the many ways the Department of Science and Technology (DST) seeks to reach out to the South African public to raise awareness of science and technology.
This as South Africa has undertaken to make the transition to a knowledge-based economy – to a knowledge-based society, the Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom said this today, at the launch of National Science Week at the historic University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus today.
The Minister said a precondition of doing so was to attract more young people towards studies and careers in the challenging but vital areas of science, engineering, and mathematics.
“It would please me no end if half of all the learners in this hall could strive to excel in maths and science and pursue science related careers,” the Minister told the close to 3 000 learners at the launch.
The Minister said it was alarming that between 2008 and 2012, the share of learners who wrote grade 12 final exams in physical science declined by 18%, while the share of those who wrote mathematics dropped by 25%.
“This is alarming. Of course, we are not alone – this pattern is shared especially among developed countries – but that is cold comfort,’ he said.
“Yes, I am aware that some people find it tiresome to return again and again to our history in search of an understanding of why things are the way they are. But the truth is that we still have some way to go before we can say we really know our past and are on a clear and well defined journey towards a journey towards an inclusive and better future for all.”
The department said that this year’s National Science Week is set to spark young minds across the country with a line-up of edutainment events.
Stars gazing, fun science shows and expos, science exhibitions, maths and science quiz workshops, talks by young scientists, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge lectures, mobile planetariums, dice throwing marathons and SKA exhibitions are just a few of the more than 150 activities that will be taking place nationally from Monday, 29 July – Friday, 2 August.
Minister Hanekom, the new Premier of Limpopo Stanley Chupu Mathabatha and the MEC for Education Ms Dikeledi Magadzi including guests and media were all welcomed by Vice Chancellor Prof Mahlo Mokgalong of the University of Limpopo.
Minister Hanekom was very excited about the events that his department has lined up saying that National Science Week has been one of their annual highlights since its inception in 2000.
“This year we have really put in a lot of effort in ensuring that as many people experience NSW. We have gone to places such as Ganyesa which is about 170 km away from Mafikeng to do Role Modeling Campaigns in schools.
“We’ve also arranged presentations on current farming methodologies in Malamulela 243 kilometres from Polokwane. We’ve stretched as far as the West Coast to do lectures on how to use information technology in mathematics and science and on the East Coast in Umzinto to promote science, engineering and technology careers to learners and the general public. These are just a few of the many activities lined up.”
The Minister was very clear in his message in encouraging the private sector to participate in public-private partnerships with government in contributing to the learning and teaching of mathematics and science in South Africa. The minister made a special mention of how DST and BMW’s partnership has been successful in uplifting the quality of learning and teaching.
“BMW’s donation of their crash test dummy educational cars is helping our young learners in applying the theory of mechanical engineering which they learn in class by using it on the cars.
“Government alone does not have resources like this so when the likes of BMW comes to the party this goes a far way in ensuring that our smart young minds can clearly understand what they learn in class when they see it in reality,” said Minister Hanekom.
The Vice Chancellor Prof Mahlo Mokgalong spoke about the importance of bridging the gap for learners between high school and tertiary education.
“Platforms like National Science Week (NSW) go a long way in reaching out to our learners, especially those based in remote areas where there is no access to science centres and councils, to expose them to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).
“When a learner has already decided that they want to follow a career in STEMI, initiative such as NSW makes it easier for them to choose exactly what they can do and in so doing the transition from high school to university is made easier because the learner now knows what he or she wants and comes to campus everyday motivated to learn more.”
National Science Week will run from Saturday, 29 July until Friday, 2 August.
Contact:
Tumi Lesolang
Cell: 082 456 7657
E-mail: tumi@britespark.co.za
Kudzai Makwembere
Cell: 078 109 8751
Email: kudzai@britespark.co.za
