Department of Science and Technology National Science Week

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Department of Science and TechnologyNational
Science Week

• Presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio
  Committee for Arts, Culture, Science and
  Technology
• 5 August 2003

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National Science Week

• an instrument to promote public understanding of
  science, engineering and technology
• DST recognizes the potential of science and
  technology in improving the quality of lives in
  modern society
• large sections of the population had little or no
  access to information about science and
  technology
• scientific literacy and awareness limited

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National Science Week

• Objectives
• To raise the profile of science, engineering and
  technology (SET)
• To attract media and generate interest in SET
• To develop a culture of SET in South Africa

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Implementation

• Since 2000
• Theme Taking Science, Engineering and
  Technology to our people
• Tri-provincial model
• 2003 held simultaneously in all provinces

Year Provinces
2000 NW, NC, WC
2001 Limpopo, KZN, EC
2002 Gauteng, Mpuma, FS
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Target Audience

• Learners
• Educators
• Women
• Disabled
• Rural and urban communities
• Media
• Politicians

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Mode of Delivery

• Activities include
• Fixed and mobile interactive SET exhibits
• Seminars and workshops for educators, learners
  and members of the public
• Art and drama are used to communicate SET to the
  target audience

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Funding

• DST major source of funds
• Support from both the public and private sector
  organisations in cash or kind

Year DST funding (million)
2000 R 3.5
2001 R 3.5
2002 R 3.5
2003 R 4.0
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ATTENDANCE
Year Estimated number of visitors
2000 74 382
2001 68 200
2002 86 000
2003 175 411
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Participation By Provincial Governments - 2003
PROVINCE POLITICAL LEADER DESIGNATION ROLE
Eastern Cape Mr Sindisile Maclean Executive Mayor Opening of exhibits
Free State Ms Winkie Direko Mr Webster Mfebe Premier MEC (ACST) Opening of exhibits Attended opening visited
Gauteng Mr I Jacobs Education MEC Launch visit exhibits
KwaZulu-Natal Mr Narend Singh Mr Obed Mlaba Mr Sduduzo Gumede Education MEC Mayor of Ethekweni Mayor of KwaDukuza Participated in launch Participated in launch Visited train at KwaDukuza
Mpumalanga Clr Busi Mdluli Clr Mdibanisi Tsheke Mayor Gert Sibande District Council Mayor Attended closing function Attended closing function
North West Mr Popo Molefe Mr Pitso Tolo Mr Jerry Thibeli Ms Jane Matsomela Premier Education MEC MEC Executive Mayor Launch and closure Toured exhibits Officiated launch Participated in the opening
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Sponsorship by Provincial Governments - 2003
Province Department Value (R) Cash Kind
Eastern Cape Economic Affairs Education 142 500,00 None 300 000,00 None
Free State Arts, Culture, Science Technology 60 000,00 None
Gauteng None None None
Limpopo None None None
KwaZulu-Natal Education 473 000,00 None
Mpumalanga None None None
Northern Cape Education 110 000,00 None
North West Education None 150 000,00
Western Cape None None None
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Private Sector Participation 2003
Province Sponsor Value (R) Cash Kind
Eastern Cape None None None
Free State Sasol 50 000,00 None
Gauteng BMW 50 000,00 None
Limpopo None None None
Kwazulu-Natal Booksmart 200 000,00 None
Mpumalanga Sasol 250 000,00 None
Northern Cape Alpha Cement 10 000,00 None
North West Amplats 100 000,00 None
Western Cape None None None
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Private Sector Participation 2003

• In KZN, Metrorail provided an eleven - coach
  train which carried inter-active science exhibits
  to four (4) different areas throughout the
  Science Week 2003
• The train was officially launched by the Deputy
  Minister Buyelwa Sonjica on 5th May 2003

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National Science Week 2004

• Ten years of democracy
• Special attention to the South African youth
• make science attractive, accessible and relevant
• encourage learners to consider science and
  mathematics as school subjects
• increase number of matriculants with appropriate
  passes in mathematics and science
• encourage more to degree courses in the sciences
  and engineering disciplines and associated
  careers

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THANK YOU