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91% of readers strongly agree that social media platforms could play a key role in attracting younger generations of South Africans to SET fields of study. |
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3% say they are not sure (too many learners still don’t have internet access). |
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6% disagree (the time and money could be better spent on outreach projects). |
It’s like a real-life movie ... Scientists plan to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid - so they are prepared for the possibility they will have to stop one hurtling towards Earth. The news came as Nasa moved to calm fears that a comet is on a collision course with our planet. Read more
IN THE NEWS
SA science spreads its wings to Maputo
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Hubert Mathebula of SAASTA conducting a mini science show in the organisation’s cubicle at the DST exhibit in Mozambique. |
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Bafedile Kgwadi wowing her audience with a science show in Mozambique. |
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Some of South Africa's top experiences and activities in science, technology and innovation occupied centre stage at a recent science exhibition in Mozambique.
SAASTA’s science awareness activities featured prominently at the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) stand, following an invitation from the Mozambican Ministry of Science and Technology to participate in the exhibition. This participation is expected to help build a strong foundation for cooperation between the two countries' science and technology institutions.
The event aimed to bring the general public closer to advances made in science, technology and innovation (STI); to foster interaction between researchers, the business sector and the public; to promote an interest in scientific research among students; and to promote an awareness of indigenous knowledge and culture in STI.
Bafedile Kgwadi and Hubert Mathebula of SAASTA’s Science Awareness unit treated visitors to science shows in the exhibit hall and in their cubicle, and displayed exhibits on careers in engineering and space science.
Also featuring in the DST exhibit were the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, the South African National Space Agency, and the African Space Institute.
The event included a series of public lectures and roundtable discussions on various topics related to STI, such as astronomy, satellite navigation, space tourism and the economic impact of space operations.
Strengthening ties
The DST and Mozambique’s Ministry of Science and Technology signed a bilateral scientific and technological co-operation agreement in July 2006. To date this has led to collaborations in the fields of biosciences, space science, indigenous knowledge systems, environment, climate change and energy.
The DST says that the parties have also met to strengthen co-operation on climate adaptation, integrated water resources management, as well as key agenda items ahead of the COP 17 Conference, which is being hosted in Durban in November.
All of these activities strive to strengthen Mozambique's Research and Education Network in conjunction with the South African Research and Education Network. South Africa will also help Mozambique to establish its own academic research chairs programme.