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Honeybush research as a career? Sweet! Honeybush research at the Agricultural Research Council piqued the career interest of bus-loads of school children during the official launch of National Science Week (NSW) at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto campus. The NSW is managed by SAASTA on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology.
NSW is a major event on the science community's calendar, intended among other things to inspire young people to choose science as a career-path. Real science in the SA context Honeybush research provided the children with a perfect example of real science applied in the South African context. As a fairly young but growing industry in South Africa, this home-grown tea product made from indigenous fynbos and with many health benefits, illustrated to the learners why agricultural research is important, both scientifically and economically. At the Honeybuns stand, learners wanted to know which school subjects would allow them to study towards a career in agricultural research. They learned of the many economic and scientific opportunities available in this field, as illustrated by current research into indigenous plants such as honeybush. The fragrance of the tea leaves was a rather novel experience for quite a few children and even some of the adults. Samples of the tea proved to be very popular and many questions were asked around the health benefits of this caffeine-free tea, which is rich in anti-oxidants. The former Minister of Science of Technology, Naledi Pandor, opened the NSW event early on the Saturday morning. Learners were shown around various exhibitions at the event organised by the Department of Science and Technology and the University of Johannesburg. By Anina Minnaar |
