‘Children are our future, and our future lies in science and technology.’

Dr Clifford Nxomani, Manager of the Collateral Benefits Plan of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), was speaking at the South African Astronomical Observatory’s Science and Technology Day, held on Friday 20 August as part of the Learning Cape Festival.

Science and Technology is one of the key areas of awareness during the Learning Cape Festival, which runs from 12 August to 10 September. Courses and careers in these subjects are highlighted by events such this.

"We must interest learners in these subjects if South Africa is to become competitive in the global market," notes Dr Nxomani. "We are part of a knowledge economy which is driven by science and technology."

The South African Astronomical Observatory hosted workshops, exhibitions, lectures, assistance with transport and lunch for the more than 900 learners who attended the event.

Astronomer Dr Thebe Medupe, one of the Learning Cape Festival’s Icons of lifelong learning, passed on his love of astronomy by hosting one of the telescope workshops. Dr Medupe alighted upon a career in astronomy after creating a telescope from tubes when he was a child in Mafikeng.

"I enjoy working with young people, as they have so much ahead of them. Events such as this one will help them realise what opportunities are available to them. South Africa needs scientists and technologists and we hope these activities inspire them."

There were two workshops, one identifying the power of electro-magnetic energy through an experiment involving magnets, wires and paper clips. A second workshop taught learners how to build a telescope powerful enough to view the stars, using three tubes, a convex glass, a pair of scissors and glue.

Other exhibitors at the event were the Medical Research Council, CSIR, iThemba Facilities, Sunstep, Eskom, the Provincial Government in the area of Environmental Sciences and the College of Cape Town.

Dr Nxomani will host further workshops at the Learning Cape Fair (2-4 September at the Oliver Tambo Centre in Khayelitsha). The Fair is a learning and networking space for educators, trainers, skills development facilitators and practitioners to share ideas, methods and support to help the Western Cape develop its potential as a growing economy. Events include skills-transfer workshops, cultural events, topical debates and demonstrations of new learning techniques.

For further details about the Learning Fair, please visit www.learningcape.org, or contact African Equations on 021 462 6229 / 021 461 5735.