Date: 05/05/2003
Source: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
Title: Sonjica: Launch of SET Week


SPEECH BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MS BUYELWA SONJICA, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY WEEK, KwaZulu-Natal, 5 May 2003

Fellow South Africans, we have gathered here at the Durban Railway Station this morning to mark the start of the 2003 edition of National Science, Engineering and Technology week by launching "The Science Train". This occasion marks another important milestone in our science and technology calendar. It is also part of our multipronged R&D Strategy for creating an innovation culture in our society. For the first time since its inception in Year 2000, the National Science, Engineering and Technology Week is running simultaneously from today until Saturday, 10 May 2003, in all the nine provinces.

Whereas last year's event coincided with Mark Shuttleworth's journey to the international space station, the National Science, Engineering and Technology 2003 comes at a time when the world is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the double helix. Ever since the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Cavendish Laboratory in the spring of 1953, DNA double helix has shaped research in genetics and systems biology, especially in the area of biotechnology.

It gives me great pleasure to realize that South Africa has not been left behind on debates about biotechnology. A joint effort by my department and the national Department of Agriculture which involves an investment of R15 million over a three-year period on the promotion of public understanding of biotechnology will bring the level of our society's awareness on this important aspect to par with other countries around the world. As I am speaking to you, this awareness programme has already started and will be featuring strongly throughout the duration of the National Science, Engineering and Technology Week we are launching this morning.

Today is a very exciting day to all of us. The day on which one of the oldest transport technology is being used to promote the public understanding of Science, Engineering and Technology. The importance of the train technology to the lives of our people and the economy in general cannot be overemphasised. It is worth noting that the use of this train depicts how existing infrastructure can be used to effectively popularise science amongst our people. It is in this context that my department has entered into a partnership with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to popularise science through the existing nine SABC radio stations broadcasting on indigenous languages. This partnership will see five SABC radio journalists undergoing a month-long training on science radio journalism in Washington DC under the DST-AAAS partnership programme in July this year.

Despite some changes on the implementation model of this event, its theme "Taking Science, Engineering and Technology to Our People" has remained unchanged. In showing consistency with this theme, this train, which is carrying various science exhibits, will visit four areas over the duration of the science week.

As a sign of commitment by my department to the promotion of public understanding of science, engineering and technology we have set ourselves a task to review our PUSET programmes and strategies for the past five years. The outcome of this work which will be available by end of October this year will amongst others reveal the effectiveness of our current programmes and strategies of popularising science and also inform the way forward.

The final message I want to leave with you is that no matter how good the department's plan to promote PUSET may look, successful implementation requires partnerships with various stakeholders and role players, including private sector organisations. I would therefore like to extend my word of thanks to all organizations that supported this year's event throughout the country. To them I say our partnership with you is making it happen.

As we look forward to an exciting moment of the National Science, Engineering and Technology Week, I cannot help but mention some of the key challenges facing my department namely:
* Making science engineering and technology palatable to a nation that is thirsty for knowledge and engagement
* Ensuring that science is not removed from the excitement of play and practical realities of everyday experience
* Promoting science literary to empower needy communities, stimulating artistic and cultural diversity to express science
* Bridging the digital divide between the rural and urban communities
* Bridging the gender divide in science and technology and
* Nurturing a finer appreciation of our natural and rich heritage.

Today I want to assure you that the department will enhance this project to ensure that we place this country on course to be a true global leader in science, engineering and technology. However, we are cognisant of the fact that this goal can only be achieved though robust and sustainable public private partnerships. I would also like to acknowledge the sponsorship by Metrorail at this stage. Your unwavering support will continue to act as a catalyst to returning science to society. This will undoubtedly ensure that science and technology excite our children and communities and they become enchanted by its wonders.

The essence of this National Science, Engineering and Technology Week is to illustrate that true science does not reside only in large laboratories, rather it is all-pervasive. It also highlights that science should be at the service of humanity as a whole and contributes directly to the quality of life of present and future generations. I wish you well in your quest for excellence in science and technology in the 21st century.

Thank you.

Issued by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, 5 May 2003