1. National Science Week (NSW) is an annual countrywide celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI). The National Mathematics Week forms part of NSW, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). NSW is managed by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF).
2. During NSW there is a special focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education. The aim is to make these subjects more attractive, engaging and rewarding for learners and the community at large. Schools may highlight the impact of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics on our daily lives and stress the importance of these subjects as a foundation for various careers. NSW is a vehicle to popularise these subjects and to increase public awareness, understanding and appreciation thereof. This year, the theme for NSW is "Deepening Our Democracy through Science" in celebration of the centenary and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
3. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) requests all schools to have special activities based on these subjects during NSW and the ideal would be to involve learners and their parents. The emphasis is on being aware of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in our everyday lives, having fun and taking part in an interactive way.
4. The following non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are grant holders who have received funding from SAASTA to run projects involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics during NSW:

2018 Western Cape SAASTA Grant Holders
Organisation Contact Person
Arcelor Mittal Science Centre Ms Jacque Willems
Cell: 074 719 8904
Ms Lekgabe Dihlabi
Cell: 082 449 4580
Tel.: 022 719 1058
Cape Town Science Centre (CTSC) Mr MJ Schwartz
Cell: 079 839 4638
Tel.: 021 300 3200
iThemba LABS Ms Luchricia Sidukwana
Cell: 072 228 4423
Mr Ambrose Yaga
Cell: 072 988 8893
Mr Hilton Tobias
Cell: 081 771 7367
Tel.: 021 843 1021
South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Mr Pranesthan Govender
Cell: 072 022 6743
Tel. no.: 023 571 2436
Mr Sivuyile Manxoyi
Ms Buzani Khumalo
Cell: 083 476 1131
Tel.: 021 447 0025
South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Space Science, Hermanus Ms Elisa Fraser
Cell: 071 473 3337
Tel.: 028 312 1196
Split Second Science Mr Felix Spies
Cell: 076 732 7155
SAOEN Mr Thomas Mtontsi
Cell: 081 375 5658
Tel.: 021 402 3201
SAIP - South African Institute of Physics Ms Ndanga Mahani
Cell: 079 563 6471
Tel.: 012 841 2655
5. Go to www.wcedcurriculum.westerncape.gov.za for a programme of related activities as well as ideas for teachers and parents to celebrate NSW in the Western Cape.
6. The WCED would like to offer schools the opportunity to share their activities with officials and other schools in the province. Schools are encouraged to involve district officials and to take photographs and video clips for possible publication on the WCED’s website. These may be given to subject advisers to upload on the website. Other social media, such as Facebook and YouTube, may also be considered.
7. The WCED appreciates the extra efforts of our teachers to make learning and teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fun.


SIGNED: PAD BEETS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2018:07:04