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Mozambique exhibition showcases scientific innovations
The venue, Josina Machel Secondary School was well-appointed with immaculate shell schemes for the exhibitors. Mr Joáo Cossa, one of the organisers, warmly welcomed the South African delegation consisting of Hubert Mathebula from SAASTA, and Koena Selati and Helettia Danster, both from the SciEnza Science Centre. The President of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Armando Guebuza, officially opened the exhibition on the first day and took the opportunity to explore the many exhibits. Setsipane Modukwe, a representative from the South African Department of Science and Technology, greeted the President at the SAASTA stand with an impressive science show. Planetarium The week proved to be extremely busy with long hours and over 21 000 visitors walking through the exhibition. Koena and Helettia dazzled the Mozambicans with science shows and other science-related projects. SAASTA's mobile planetarium proved to be as popular in Mozambique as it is locally. Hubert was continuously swamped with astronomy enthusiasts wanting to see his presentation. "What surprised me about the learners is that they kept on coming back day after day," recounted Hubert. "Even though there was music playing in the exhibition hall throughout the day it never seemed to distract them. Very few learners showed interested in the freebies but were focused on the science activities - one could actually see the hunger for knowledge reflected in their faces. Even though language was a bit of a problem, they still tried to engage with the scientists and ask as many questions as possible." Scientific and technological solutions Various science, engineering and technology exhibits were on show, with 93 exhibitors offering hands-on, practical activities for the public to engage in. The exhibition displayed scientific and technological solutions for problems in areas such as agriculture, housing, education and the environment. A large portion of the exhibition was given over to inventors - ordinary people who are coming up with brilliant innovations to address challenges in their communities. They used this platform to showcase their talent and inventions and also to source potential funders for their business initiatives. As South Africans we would like to express our appreciation to the organisers for the well-organised event. It is a mammoth task to put together such a huge exhibition and attract so many exhibitors for a full week, and they succeeded in doing exactly that. |
