The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has formally launched the nation’s inaugural National Science Month, marking a brand new chapter in efforts to strengthen public engagement with science, expertise and innovation.
Delivering the keynote tackle on the launch held on the Vaal University of Technology on Saturday, Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina mentioned the initiative expands the previous National Science Week right into a month-long programme geared toward bringing science nearer to all South Africans.
The launch comes simply days after the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation introduced National Science Month because the division’s flagship science engagement programme. The occasion additionally coincided with the college’s sixtieth anniversary celebrations.
Gina mentioned the transition from National Science Week, which has been applied since 2000, displays authorities’s recognition of the more and more necessary position of science, expertise and innovation in addressing complicated international and nationwide challenges.
“However, because science, technology and innovation are increasingly central to addressing the complex challenges facing our world today, we believe South Africa needs a broader and more sustained science engagement programme,” the Deputy Minister mentioned.
She mentioned authorities views science not solely as a driver of discovery but additionally as a catalyst for financial transformation, industrialisation and nationwide competitiveness.
Highlighting the nation’s funding in analysis and growth, Gina famous that South Africa at the moment spends about 0.61% of its Gross Domestic Product on analysis and growth, nicely under the National Development Plan goal of 1.5%.
“It is for that reason that our division adopted a brand new mantra: ‘Placing Science, Technology and Innovation on the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.’
“Our mantra reminds us that fulfilling this responsibility cannot be business as usual. We must significantly raise public awareness of the value of science in everyday life, while elevating science, technology and innovation as key drivers of South Africa’s socio-economic development,” Gina mentioned.
According to the Deputy Minister, National Science Month seeks to display the facility of science in understanding the pure and social world, harness new applied sciences to tackle societal challenges, promote knowledgeable decision-making and enhance public entry to scientific information, whereas fostering larger collaboration between scientists and communities.
Held underneath the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone,” the month-long programme is meant to emphasise that science belongs to all folks no matter ethnicity, class, gender, perception or location.
The launch featured a science exhibition comprising 132 stands and greater than 100 exhibitors from universities, science councils and analysis establishments throughout the nation.
Participating establishments embrace the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Cape Town, North-West University, University of Limpopo, Stellenbosch University, University of Venda, Tshwane University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Sol Plaatje University and Nelson Mandela University.
Science entities collaborating embrace the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, National Research Foundation, Technology Innovation Agency, South African National Space Agency, Academy of Science of South Africa and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
The programme will cowl themes together with expertise and innovation, well being, environmental administration, service supply, training, journalism, human rights, local weather change, house science, decolonising information techniques, science diplomacy and youth engagement.
Gina additionally known as on South Africans to use National Science Month to showcase the nation’s scientific achievements, together with the Square Kilometre Array, the Southern African Large Telescope, iThemba LABS and the SANSA Space Weather Centre.
She additional inspired learners to pursue careers in science by drawing inspiration from South African innovators corresponding to Mashudu Tshifularo and Sandile Ngcobo.
“Drawing from these breathtaking examples of South Africa’s science, technology and innovation capabilities, my message to the learners here today is simple: your dreams are valid, and you must never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot become a scientist,” she mentioned.
During the occasion, the official National Science Month emblem was additionally unveiled, whereas the baton for internet hosting the 2027 version was symbolically handed over to North-West University.
Concluding her tackle, Gina urged all South Africans to champion science of their communities.
“Let us be a part of arms in taking the message of science to each city and village in our nation. Let us inform each group that science, expertise and innovation are for everybody.”
“With these words, it is my honour and privilege to formally declare National Science Month officially launched as South Africa’s premier science engagement initiative,” Gina mentioned. – SAnews.gov.za