National Science Week kicks off in Bloemfontein

The 2024 National Science Week (NSW) launched successfully at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein on 28 September.

More than 1 500 learners from surrounding schools attended the launch event which also attracted leading scientists, upcoming scientists from schools in parts of the country, senior Government officials, and various innovation companies.

They were exposed to exhibitions of cutting-edge innovations such as robotics, renewable energy solutions and other technologies. Munei Netsharotha, a Grade 10 learner at Tshivhase Secondary School in Limpopo, stole the show with his homemade hydrogen-fueled vehicle.

Themed Living In A High-Tech World: Should we be concerned?, this year’s NSW runs from 30 September to 05 October 2024. A range of activities intended to expose learners to science and encourage them to take up science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are being held across South Africa. NRF-SAASTA is the main coordinator of this initiative which has been a hallmark of science communication since 2000.

Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Innovation, the NSW is part of the Government’s efforts to contribute to the development of a society that is knowledgeable about science and which engages critically in science, technology and innovation (STI). The events held throughout the week include career and science exhibitions at schools, lectures and science discussions, as well as online science events.

In his opening address at the launch, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande, stressed the significance of deepening a culture of using STI in the country to assist in driving economic growth and sustainable development, as well as ameliorate socio-economic inequality.

In addressing the learners, the Minister said, “Most importantly, we expect you to take up the various careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) so that we are able to produce the critical skills we need to deal with such things as poverty, inequality, pandemics and the impact of climate change.”

Minister Nzimande pointed out that the learners were part of a transforming society that provides fair opportunities. “My message to all the learners here today is that you were born into a democratic order, for which your grandparents fought. Unlike your grandparents, you have many opportunities to develop yourselves.”