“Before hosting South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month launch, VUT, NRF-SAASTA and partners engaged communities through a public awareness campaign at Sebokeng Evaton Mall.”
08 July 2026 | Story by: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
Before thousands of learners, educators, researchers and members of the public gathered at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) for South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month (NSM) launch on 4 July 2026, the University and its partners embarked on a community awareness campaign to ensure local communities were part of the celebration. The outreach activation, held at Sebokeng Evaton Mall on 2 July, reflected VUT’s commitment to taking science beyond the campus and inviting communities to participate in the national event.
Working alongside the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the National Research Foundation’s South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA) and other stakeholders, VUT engaged directly with shoppers and residents, distributing promotional material, answering questions and creating awareness about the significance of NSM and the opportunities it offers to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Rather than waiting for communities to come to the University, the campaign brought the message directly to one of the region’s busiest public spaces. The face-to-face engagement enabled residents to learn more about NSM, interact with representatives from the participating organisations and gain insight into the activities and opportunities that formed part of the national celebration.
The campaign also reinforced the importance of making science accessible to everyone. By engaging directly with the public, VUT and its partners demonstrated that science, technology and innovation should not be confined to classrooms, laboratories or university campuses, but should be part of everyday conversations within communities.
The initiative was warmly received by community members, who welcomed the opportunity to interact with representatives from VUT and its partner organisations.
Mrs Lerato Modimoge from Sebokeng Zone 10 expressed her appreciation for the initiative.
“I am very happy with what VUT did by bringing this information to us,” she said. “Many people would not have known about the National Science Month launch if the University had not visited the mall. This campaign made it easier for the community to understand the importance of the event and be part of it.”
While the activation generated awareness ahead of the NSM launch, it also reflected VUT’s broader commitment to meaningful public engagement. By taking science directly to communities, the University, NRF-SAASTA, DSTI and their partners demonstrated that advancing science, technology and innovation begins with ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with, understand and participate in shaping the future.