The NITheCS team interacts with school learners and teachers from the Vhembe area in Limpopo at the launch of National Science Week 2023.
NITheCS participated in the launch of National Science Week (NSW) at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on 21 and 22 July 2023, growing local learners’ and teachers’ interest in science.
The set-up of the exhibition stands, workshop for exhibitors, attendance registrations and dialogue session took place on 21 July. The following day, the exhibition opened to schools and visitors.
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) had invited numerous schools in the Vhembe area to attend the launch. Student representatives led learners, accompanied by their teachers, to several exhibition station areas. The visitors then took part in engaging sessions for three to five minutes at each station. Activities included interactions with learners and practical demonstrations for groups.
In the launch address, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande said South Africa is currently considered one of the most technologically advanced countries in Africa, and was rated the most innovative region in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2022 Global Innovation Index. “We continue to advance our position among the world’s scientifically and technologically advanced countries, and we are working hard to profile our scientific achievements.”
He also said people in South Africa must swiftly progress science, technology, and innovation to address the challenges facing the country and the rest of the world. In accordance with the National Development Plan, the DSI has committed to leveraging science, technology and innovation as catalysts for quicker and inclusive economic growth in the short and longer term.
National Science Week 2023 took place from 31 July to 5 August 2023 countrywide. The theme, ‘Building a culture of evidence-based practice’, sought to inform the public about applying information that has been gained from research or experience to solve problems and make decisions in response to events.
The theme helped guide the NSW programs across a variety of industries and enable active public participation. It also emphasised that science is ‘a systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the obtained evidence.’
The NITheCS exhibiting team at the launch of National Science Week 2023: (from left) Aluwani Guga, Vhahangwele Makumbane, Neli Mncube and Thuthukile Khumalo.