Pretoria - National Science Week should stimulate interest in various careers in the world of science, engineering, technology and innovation for young people, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor says.
The Minister was addressing over 4 000 people, including learners, educators and parents, at the launch of National Science Week 2015 at the North West University in Mafikeng on Saturday.
She announced that an information portal, profiling the work of universities and science councils, had been set up. The Mzansi4Science portal can also be found on www.mzansiforscience.co.za, Facebook and Twitter.
“Of course, for the youth of today to become scientists of tomorrow, learners must know about the various careers that are available in the world of science, engineering, technology and innovation,” said the Minister.
She said science had given birth to huge industries like safety and security and energy efficient lighting, among many others, which were strategic for South Africa.
The Mzansi for Science portal was created to raise awareness around the role of science, technology and innovation, celebrate unsung South-African heroes and also encourage South Africans to study, support and invest in it.
The Minister said the department was involved in various public awareness initiatives during the calendar year, but the National Science Week was by far the most significant, which is organised in collaboration with various institutions.
“I believe we can achieve more through partnerships than by working alone. I believe this is what enriches National Science Week and makes it an invaluable public awareness initiative.”
Celebrated from 1 to 8 August, National Science Week is an annual countrywide celebration of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) led by the Department of Science and Technology.
Various stakeholders, role players and interest groups conduct activities that promote awareness of the value of STEMI to people's daily lives.
The 2015 theme for the National Science Week, aligned with the United Nations theme is: "Light and Light based-technologies (IYL 2015)". - SAnews.gov.za
