This year the NSW will be held from 10 to 17 May and will again see a wide range of activities at science centres and higher education facilities across the county.

NSW is an annual awareness initiative led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It is aimed at highlighting the important role that science plays in everyday life and making young South Africans excited about science from an early age. This forms part of the DST’s integrated strategy to establish a successful national system of innovation wherein science and technology play a crucial role in achieving greater social and economic progress in our country.

Whilst placing emphasis on youth, awareness is also created amongst educators and parents as representing those sectors of society that bear a leading influence on the subject and career choices of learners.

“Launching NSW on this campus, has great significance to the work of the DST, particularly when we look at the role played by higher education institutions in identifying and nurturing talented young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics”, said Minister Mangena in his opening address.

Themed “tomorrow’s science and technology are in our youth’s hands”, the week-long celebration of science and technology marks the fourth year of the NSW five-year plan which emphasizes South Africa’s Indigenous Knowledge by showcasing provinces in terms of unique geographic and knowledge advantages.

Highlighted in the week’s activities are many exciting opportunities for learners, teachers, students, academics, parents and the general public to get involved in science-based activities. These include teacher and learner workshops, science competitions and exhibitions, public lectures and seminars, career exhibitions, learner outreach activities, as well as tours of the country’s major science facilities.

Running concurrently with NSW is the French Nanotechnology exhibition. This world premier, travelling nanotechnology exhibition will be hosted at the North West University for the duration of the NSW. Following this, the exhibition will be hosted at science centres in KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology

For media enquiries contact:

Nhlanhla Nyide, General Manager: Communication on 082 871 6767 or email: nhlanhla.nyide@dst.gov.za

Zama Mthethwa, Assistant Director: Communication on 082 808 3956 or email: zama.mthethwa@dst.gov.za

For more information on the Nanotechnology Exhibition, contact:

Nontombi Marule, Deputy Director: Emerging Research Areas, Department of Science and Technology, Tel: +27 12 843-6456, Mobile: +27 83 471 0007

e-mail: nontombi.marule@dst.gov.za