In the heart of the Northern Cape, science will step out of the classroom and into the community as the North-West University (NWU) brings its third Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day to Mothibistad on 6 August 2025.
The event, to be held at the Thabo Moorosi Multi-Purpose Hall in Kuruman, is part of a growing outreach initiative by the NWU to strengthen public engagement with science and spark the interest of rural learners in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. It follows successful editions in Mabieskraal (2023) and Taung (2024).
Organised through the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, this year’s event is supported by Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore Limited. It will feature science exhibitions, interactive shows and a competition for learners.
According to NWU vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka, the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to making science accessible. “This is about taking science to where it is needed most, in our communities,” said Prof Tyobeka. “We want learners from all backgrounds to see science not as something distant or abstract, but as a tool that can change lives and build futures.”
He added that the event also aims to build partnerships between schools, higher education institutions, government departments and the private sector. “Science has a critical role to play in addressing challenges faced by our communities. These engagements help us build a future where solutions are home-grown and informed by the realities on the ground.”
The Science Day will also work to challenge misconceptions around science and showcase South Africa’s capacity for innovation, particularly in under-resourced regions. As a trained scientist himself, Prof Tyobeka will join learners and researchers on the day to lead discussions on the role of science in driving sustainable development.
The event marks another step in NWU’s ongoing efforts to position science as a force for inclusive growth and opportunity.
NWU vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka addressing the 2024 Science Day in Taung
