The North-West University (NWU) will host various National Science Week (NSW) activities in Potchefstroom from 30 July to 4 August 2018.
National Science Week (NSW), an annual initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is a countrywide celebration of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI).
Each year a different theme is chosen and this year’s theme is “Deepening our Democracy through Science”. The aim of this initiative is to show learners that STEMI subjects address challenges of unemployment and inequality and broadens the public understanding of other challenges that the country is currently facing.
As the appointed implementation agency, The National Research Foundation (NRF) will coordinate and manage activities, science shows and lectures that various schools and the public will be taking part in. The main aims of these initiatives are:
• To create a greater understanding of science among South Africans.
• To serve as a vehicle for showcasing local innovations in science and technology, and the leadership role of the DST and other government departments in enabling research, development and innovation.
• To make STEMI appealing career options for learners.
• To familiarise targeted participants with the science linked to areas in which South Africa has the knowledge and/or geographic advantage to contribute in making them informed and critically engaged citizens.
