Back to Basics: Sci-Enza celebrates National Science Week

Posted on September 02, 2022

After a two-year absence, Sci-Enza, the University’s science centre, had the opportunity to host National Science Week from 1 to 6 August 2022. 

National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation implemented by the South Africa Agency for Science and Technology Advancement.

This year’s theme was ‘Celebrating the role of the basic sciences in the modern world’ with objectives to (a) Illustrate the role of science in tackling problems and challenges encountered in creating and sustaining a prosperous society; (b) Demystify the myths surrounding some of the innovations that are important to the advancement of society; (c) Display that South Africa is a home of some discoveries and innovations that influence the world; and (d) Raise Science, Technology, and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career awareness.

“For this year’s National Science Week, Sci-Enza took to the streets and went on a roadshow to visit schools in Tshwane and Ekurhuleni municipalities. Using the concept of edutainment, the Sci-Enza team offered science shows and hands-on workshops to help different learner groups understand the practical application of science in our daily lives,” Ms Puleng Tsie, Manager of Sci-Enza, explained.

“The in-person public engagement took a hit during the pandemic and even ceased for some of the communities we serve. Going out to schools again continues to highlight the need for face-to-face engagement which gives science a face and makes it relatable. This reaffirmed the critical roles played by programmes like National Science Week and centres like Sci-Enza,” she concluded.

- Author Puleng Tsie

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