The Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre), is hosting the 5^th

International Workshop with the theme: Enhancing Change through Science Centres.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, will deliver the keynote address during the opening session of the three-day workshop on 25 February 2008.

Science centres provide opportunities for everyone to experience science and understand nature. Visual impression helps in facilitating the process of grasping various facets of scientific knowledge and consequently comprehending the socio-economic growth progress, particularly in emerging economies.

The emphasis of the workshop will be on the exchange of ideas and experiences relevant to present and future developments in science centres and on facilitating partnerships among institutions in developing countries.

Workshop participants will undertake study visits and scientific excursions to several science centres, including the Sci-Enza Science Centre in Pretoria, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, the Origins Centre in Johannesburg and the Cradle of Humankind.

Details of the event

Venue: Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg

Date: 25 – 28 February 2008

Time: 09:00

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About the NAM S&T Centre:

The Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre; www.namstct.org) is an intergovernmental organisation with a membership of 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America.  The Centre was set up in 1989 in New Delhi, India, following recommendations from various NAM summit meetings for the promotion of science and technology in developing countries.

About the Department of Science and Technology (DST), South Africa

The DST (www.dst.gov.za) strives towards introducing measures that put science and technology to work to make an impact on growth and development in a sustainable manner in areas that matter to all the people of South Africa. The DST is currently collaborating with 17 science centres across the country in implementing the Youth into Science Strategy, aimed at nurturing youth and attracting young people into science, engineering and technology-based careers. A national roll-out plan for the establishment of a network of science centres in South Africa is also already in place. The plan intends to broaden access to science centres’ services by establishing at least one science centre per municipal district or area.

To RSVP contact: Zama Mthethwa at 012 843 6781/082 808 3956 or zama.mthethwa@dst.gov.za.

For media enquiries contact:

Kristin Klose, Director: Communication and Media Liaison, Department of Science and Technology at 082 902 9503 or Kristin.klose@dst.gov.za

Celeste Tema, Deputy Director: Communication and Media Liaison, Department of Science and Technology at 083 399 0765 or celeste.tema@dst.gov.za