Programme Director
Chairperson of the NYDA
Honoured Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Yesterday I was at the Ngangolwandle Junior Secondary School, in Elliotdale, where I joined the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in handing over a Science Laboratory. I was inspired by the attitude of the learners at the school who are all truly dedicated to working hard to get the best education possible. It is always a pleasant occasion when we celebrate development in previously disadvantaged areas to show that this government cares.
Today at the Thubalethu High School I sense a similar quest for learning and knowledge. Our country needs young people such as yourselves who want to work hard and who want to make our nation stronger and better.
The science lab that has been provided by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will go a long way towards making your dreams a reality. It will help the school to unearth the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians who will help to move South Africa forward.
As mother of two children I think back to my own schooling career I remember how I marveled at the infinite knowledge and opportunities that science provides. This laboratory will allow the students of Thubalethu High School to move beyond just mere theory. Science is a living thing and this lab will allow you to undertake experiments that showcase science in action.
Believe me when I say maths and science gets you everywhere and every sector of our economy has been transformed by technology and there is no job where maths is not useful.
For you to succeed in the modern world, you need maths and science and this message should resonate with you when choosing subjects of choice. Science is fascinating, it keeps you always looking for solutions to the world’s challenges around you and therefore build a better world.
I have no doubt that the science lab donated by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) will assist learners in understanding science in a practical manner.
This project lives alongside Government’s Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Development Initiative (ASIDI) schools programme. ASIDI was established by the Department of Basic Education with the aim of eradicating backlogs in school infrastructure from previously disadvantaged communities. It further aims to upgrade the standard of schools to meet the optimum functionality levels prescribed by the Norms and Standards for Schools Infrastructure. The final leg is to eradicate inadequate, unsafe and poor physical infrastructure in certain schools.
ASIDI is a massive public-private partnership programme and one of Government's Strategic Infrastructure Projects. The programme aims to build 527 schools to replace schools constructed of inappropriate materials across the country. To date over 108 schools have been completed and we are hard at work to replace all inappropriate schools in the country.
Learners,
I urge you to make use of the new science lab. Make it your second home and spend us much time here as your teachers allow. The world we live in is rapidly changing and science, maths and technology are at the forefront of this change. Programme such as this one are important because they support our objective of expanding access the world of maths and science.
Right here in our own country in the Northern Cape one of the greatest scientific endeavours in the history of mankind is taking shape.
Our flagship science project, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which we will undertake together with eight other African partner countries and Australia, signifies a new chapter for the country.
The massive radio telescopes that form part of the SKA could one day allow humankind to unlock the secrets of the universe.
That this project is based in Africa says a lot about our continent and our people.
Some may question why we are spending energy on a project focused at finding answers to the creation of the universe while the country is facing numerous socio-economic challenges. The answer is simple; the field of science and technology holds the promise of solving many of the challenges we face. We will gain new knowledge that will lead to innovations that will accelerate economic growth and increase the country’s competitiveness.
Friends,
Science and technology is all around us. We are living in the golden age of science and technology, and what were mere flights of fantasy a few years ago are today’s scientific, technological and medical realities.
I have no doubt that the young learners here today can be part this exciting world. It begins with hard work and dedication. I urge you to make use of these facilities; tap the knowledge of your teachers and make science, maths and technology part of your life.
I can assure you that your hard work will be rewarded. There are various exciting careers that are available in the world of science, maths, engineering and technology. Our country is facing a skills shortage and we need young people such as yourselves with technical skills to fill the skills gaps in our economy. The National Development Plan, our blueprint for a better tomorrow identifies the important role of science, technology and innovation in achieving the country’s longer-term vision.
On our side Government is ready to walk with our learners every step of the way. We have national and provincial targets to increase the number of learners doing Mathematics, and we are committed to ensuring that all schools offer maths. We also have a long-term strategy to improve teacher content knowledge on maths, science and technology.
Helping to make this dream a reality is the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) conditional grant. The MST conditional grant has allocated funding of R347 million in 2015/16, R362 million in 2016/17 and R385 million in 2017/18 respectively.
The grant will provide support and resources to schools, teachers and learners for the improvement of Mathematics, Sciences and Technology teaching and learning at selected public schools. The grant will also provide ICT resources to schools and ensure that teacher training is accelerated.
In closing,
Government is ready for the brave new world of technology, maths and science and we want our learners to join us on this journey. We want to be the best can do maths and science country in Africa and the world. Currently it is through that we are performing far below expected standards in these fields but I believe we can change this situation.
Just think if we get as many learners taking up maths and science. Our country could also be ranked high in terms of productivity and competitiveness. Just like the China, Malaysia, India, Singapore and other Asia countries that are ranked in the top when it comes to uptake in maths and science. These countries have made huge sacrifices to ensure their children have the best education.
Your future begins today and with hard work and dedication you will emerge with the skills and knowledge to make a difference to our communities and the country. I have no doubt that South Africa will in the future call upon your skills in mathematics and science that began right here in this science lab.
Former President Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
I therefore challenge you to make the most of your education. With hard work you can become the pioneers of science and innovation and our leaders of tomorrow.
To build the country of our collective dreams we need young people like you to stand up and make a difference.
I wish all of you the best in your future endeavours and I have no doubt that many of you are the future science and technology leaders who will take South Africa forward.
Urhulumente okhokelwa ngumbutho iANC uyanithanda, nam ndiyanithanda.
Ndiyabulela.
