The earth’s protective magnetic field is always restless, but every now and then something weird happens – it jerks. Although scientists have known about these rapid shifts for about 40 years, the reason why they occur has remained a frustrating mystery, until now. Since geomagnetic jerks were discovered in 1978, scientists have been trying to […]
“Science, technology and innovation is a force for development and critical to ensuring long-term growth for South Africa”, said Minister of Science and Technology, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, at the first summit discussing the draft white paper on science, technology and innovation (STI). The summit was held at the University of Pretoria and is the culmination of […]
High school students from across Africa recently had the opportunity to show off their science projects at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair 2018, held in Boksburg in early October. Industry presented 22 students with Hendrik van der Bijl Awards totalling R111 500 at the special awards evening. Five hundred learners presented their […]
Twenty years after the adoption of the first White Paper on Science and Technology (DST) in 1996, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) began developing a new draft White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), which was approved by Cabinet in September 2018. The new document will ensure a growing role for STI […]
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) plans to invest hundreds of millions of Rands on programmes in the knowledge economy to stimulate economic growth, enhance energy security, and promote the country as a research and development destination. The Minister of Science and Technology, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, delivered her first budget vote as the department finalises a […]
Learners at Fairvale Secondary School in Wentworth, Durban, have a brand new, modern science lab following extensive renovations by Engen. The company invested R650 000 in the project, which includes eight new computers and a fully equipped and furnished science laboratory. The company’s corporate social investmentmManager, Mntu Nduvane, says this improved learning environment will empower […]
The National Research Foundation (NRF) has congratulated the women identified as the 50 most inspiring South African women in technology for 2017 by non-profit organisation Inspiring Fifty. The organisation, which is an initiative of the Dutch Consulate General in Cape Town, together with Inspiring Fifty Netherlands, announced the names of its 50 inspiring women in technology […]
At industry conferences held in recent months, there have been urgent calls for companies to contribute some of their corporate social investment (CSI) activities to projects that encourage science projects at school level. Spokespeople for several industry associations and tertiary institutions agreed that South Africa’s skills shortages are not being addressed timeously in the […]
The minister of science and technology, Nalendi Pandor, presented a lifetime achievement award to Prof. Nicolas Beukes at the recent NSTF-South32 Awards ceremony. Prof. Beukes was recognised for his outstanding contribution to science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation in South Africa over many years. The National Science and Technology Forum (NTSF) held a […]
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently hosted 350 learners, mostly from previously disadvantaged areas, at its career day held at the CSIR International Convention Centre. The aim of the event was to expose the learners to careers within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and encourage them to explore the […]
