Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, will officially launch National Science Week (NSW) on 8 May 2008 at North West University in Potchefstroom.

All media are invited to attend.

A high-level delegation from national, provincial and local governments will attend the event.

NSW is an annual initiative led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aimed at highlighting the important role science plays in everyday life and making young South Africans excited about science from an early age.

This year, the NSW will be from 10 to 17 May 2008 and will have many exciting opportunities for learners, teachers, students, academics, parents and the general public to get involved in science-based activities, including teacher and learner workshops, science competitions and exhibitions, public talks, lectures and seminars, career exhibitions and learner outreach activities, as well as tours of the country’s major science facilities.

The week has been themed “Tomorrow’s science and technology is in our youth’s hands” for the past four years, as part of a five-year plan to develop branding for it.

Around 1 800 learners from across the North West are expected to attend the launch. They will be entertained with interactive exhibitions, science shows and workshops.