National Science Week’s TIA Workshop

Esokwazi Secondary School Learners going through 3D printed prototypes.

Staff reporter

The Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park (VUTSGSTP), in partnership with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), held a National Science Week Workshop on 11 August. The honoured guests were learners from Esokwazi Secondary School in Zone 8 Sebokeng, who were supported by their two educators.

The Programme Director was Ms Selina Rapulane: Public Relations Officer at VUTSGST while Mr Moeketsi Montshitsi: Public Relations Coordinator, welcomed the learners and introduced the workshop and its relevance during science week.

First on the programme was Ms Cynthia Sithole: Projects Coordinator, who gave a presentation about the TIA and how it has helped people develop their innovative ideas as well as its importance to the business sector. She gave a live example when she called forward Ms Portia Mavhungu to showcase her innovation and how it will help disabled people that are on the wheelchair. Learners were impressed with the world of science and how it is growing.

After the presentations, learners were escorted to the Idea 2 Product Lab/FABLAB for some training on Additive Manufacturing. They were taught how the 3D printers work and how to design using the Autodesk 123Design App. After the training session, learners were taken back to the auditorium where Dr Joseph Molete: Executive Director VUTSGSTP presented an overview of the Science Park.

The McubedH drama crew from Sharpeville then performed a science show that was not only entertaining, but very educational and informative too.

Learners were also taken on a tour of the Science Park, learning a bit more about the different additive manufacturing machines and the material that each machine uses. They were also taken to the shoe department to find out how shoes are made.