VUT NOT LEFT BEHIND AT THE NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK LAUNCH
By: Qhawekazi Memani – 27 July 2023
School learners at the NSW Launch
Dr Kgomotso Mtshatsheni, Ms Tshifhiwa Matamela and Ms Zinhle Marrengane from the Department of Biotechnology & Chemistry within the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) took part at the recent launch of the National Science Week (NSW) – this was a prelude to the main event that will be held in August.
Coordinated by the National Research Foundation’s South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA), the launch was held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo from 20 – 22 July 2023. This year’s theme: “Transforming lives through evidence -based science” has been hailed for being aligned to the Higher Education Department Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande’s call to promote science and technology throughout the country and raise awareness on their role and value in people’s daily lives.
NSW, one of the country’s biggest annual science exhibitions brings together various stakeholders and role player such as universities, science councils and industries alike, to conduct science-based activities to high school learners with the aim of igniting their interest in STEM subjects.
During the event, Mtshatsheni (Lecturer), Marrengane (Lecturer) and Matamela (Technician) showcased VUT’s scientific prowess by conducting experiments for the learners, while also motivating and encouraging them to embrace STEM subjects. Additionally, they shared the countless career opportunities within the science discipline. The trio said, more than anything else, they take pride in giving back to school learners whom in return received their contributions with positivity.
To augment its efforts to heed the Minister’s call, VUT will also host its science week from 31 July – 05 August 2023 at the University campus in Vanderbijlpark for learners from the surrounding high schools.