Advancing science and technology across Africa

	This year the SAASTA team promoted science advancement throughout the African continent
	Thembi Mdlalose, SAASTA’s project officer, inspires Namibian learners by demonstrating to them that science can be fun
	Learners broadening their scientific horizons with Busi Maqubela from the Arcelor Mittal Science Centre.

In a continent where science, engineering and technology have the potential to leapfrog the many challenges we face, people need to know how science can improve their lives.

SAASTA is committed to this goal. Through our many outreach and awareness programmes, we aim to instil in people an enthusiasm and appreciation for science and its application in our everyday lives.

Zimbabwe

This year the SAASTA team promoted science advancement throughout the African continent, starting off at the Zimbabwean Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) conference and exhibition aimed at raising awareness among the citizens of Zimbabwe of the importance of science and technology as well as research and development.

The theme for this year’s conference was "Science, technology and innovation for sustainable development". The event attracted scientists from more than 35 higher education institutions across Zimbabwe.

The deputy director of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Science and Technology Development, Mr Justin Manyawu said the conference would assist the country to create a science culture ideal for the development of the nation. "We need to show people the importance of science and technology as well as research," he said.

Namibia

SAASTA’s next African stopover was the Namibian National Science, Technology and Innovation Week, a programme of Namibia’s Ministry of Education held in collaboration with the University and Polytechnic of Namibia. The programme is aimed at promoting an appreciation of science among the general public in a fun and entertaining way.

Science demonstrations at this “Share water, share life”-themed event were led by Thembi Mdlalose, SAASTA’s project officer, who inspired learners by demonstrating to them that science can be fun. Thembi encouraged the learners to take science subjects in high school and to pursue a career in science and technology.

Kenya

Hubert Mathebula, SAASTA’s project coordinator, and his colleagues represented SAASTA at Kenya’s National Science, Technology and Innovation Week under the theme of “Science, Technology and Innovation for the realisation of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and beyond”. This vision is aimed at transforming Kenya into a newly industrialised, middle-income country providing a high-quality life to all its citizens in a safe and secure environment by the year 2030.

The Kenyan science festival created awareness around science and technology in the country, accomplishing the overall objective of enhancing public understanding of the benefits and consequences of scientific inventions and innovation.

By Daphney Molewa, Corporate Communicator, SAASTA