Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape is a hive of activity with people from all ages attending Southern Africa’s largest science festival.

Sasol Scifest 2007 was officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, today.

This year marks the 11^th anniversary of the week-long Sasol SciFest, one of SA’s premier programmes in promoting public awareness of science, engineering and technology (SET).  

Deputy Minister Hanekom said the festival had over the decade brought to the fore the central role of science, engineering and technology – which is to grow the country’s economy and uplift its people.

SciFest aims to break through popular misconceptions and create a new attitude towards science, engineering and technology, particularly among the youth.

It is through this event that science is made accessible to ordinary people by demonstrating the important role science plays in daily life.

The activities at SciFest are in line with the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) goals to promote science and technology and to encourage more youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Deputy Minister Hanekom said since its inception, the Sasol SciFest had grown significantly in stature and standard.

“This augurs extremely well for us since increased science awareness increases the number of school learners who intend studying further in SET, thus entering these fields in professional and technical ranks,” said Deputy Minister Hanekom.

Every year, the festival attracts about 40 000 visitors from across South Africa and its neighbouring states.

And this year promises to be no different, with something of interest for everyone.

The official programme boasts no less than 680 events ranging from lectures, workshops, and exhibitions to science Olympiads, field trips, quizzes, apprenticeships and a film festival.

 
Dr Donald Thomas, an astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States, is one of 17 renowned scientists from five different countries taking part in the festival.

 
His talk, one of the highlights of the festival, will give fascinating insights into the NASA international space station missions.

Also attending SciFest 2007 is a six-person delegation from the Beijing Association for Science and Technology in China. The purpose of this visit is to advance cooperation with SciFest and the DST.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology

For media enquiries please contact: Ms Celeste Tema: Deputy Director, Communication @ 082 928 5221