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41% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the most important benefit of hosting the Square Kilometre Array telescope, would be the boost it gives our international reputation as experts in this field. |
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37% opted for “attracting more young people into science and engineering”; and 22% for “foreign investment for local technology projects”. |
Scientists at Stellenbosch University have developed a high-tech "tea bag" filter that fits into the neck of a bottle and turns polluted water into clean water as you drink from it.
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Before becoming CEO of the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg, David Kramer had a long-established track record as a maths, science and technology educator with a passion for making a difference. getS.E.T.go! spoke to David about his background, his work, and his plans for the future. Q: Tell us about your job at Sci-Bono |
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As an agency of the Gauteng Department of Education, Sci-Bono is responsible for all maths, science and technology education in the province’s schools, I spend a lot of time working at the department on a variety of provincial projects aimed at learners and teachers.
Q: What did you do before joining Sci-Bono?
I was the CEO of PROTEC, a non-government organisation involved in promoting maths, science and technology education in disadvantaged communities in South Africa. I was at PROTEC for 20 years.
Q: Where did you grow up?
I’m not sure I’ve grown up yet … But I spent my school years in Welkom in the Free State. I studied economics and worked as an economist for a few years. I later decided to do something more useful and went back to university to become a teacher, inspired by my experiences of teaching in Soweto part-time at university and afterwards. I left the country for a few years and taught around the world. When I returned I decided to stay in education, and for reasons that escape me, found myself getting involved in maths and science. I am now fully converted to science and technology education.
Q: What are your future plans?
I would love to see Sci-Bono fulfil its potential, both as a flagship science centre in southern Africa and as an institution that is making a measureable contribution to the quality of teaching and learning in maths, science and technology in the school system. Sci-Bono is an unusual organisation and I would love to see how far we can stretch ourselves and how much more innovative we can be as educators and science communicators.
Q: What keeps you busy when you’re not at work?
I read and enjoy listening to jazz. And I go to gym a lot. I also love to cook. I enjoy anything spicy and aromatic like Thai, Moroccan or Chinese food. In fact, I like a wide range of dishes and it is hard to think of something I wouldn’t eat.
I have a wonderful wife and two (mostly) wonderful children who are studying at Rhodes University. We have two neurotic Dachshunds at home who are great because they listen to me without any argument and they never complain about my cooking.
Q: What excites you most about life?
I love what I do. I think we live in an exciting place at an exciting time and, despite real challenges and the problems, we have exciting opportunities to influence the future.