2004 SAASTEC Annual Conference

The 7th annual conference of SAASTEC was held from 2004 September 8 to 10 October 1, hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Employment Creation in Windhoek, Namibia.

Ninety five people had the pleasure of participating in the conference.

The opening address was provided by the Honourable Nahas Angula, MP, Minister of Higher Education Training and Employment Creation. The first keynote paper was Internet-Based Science Education: Inspiring the Next Generation, presented by Dr. Jakob van Zyl, Deputy Director for Astronomy and Physics, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. The second keynote paper, Developing a network of science centres in South Africa: Policy implications by Lebs Mphahlele, Manager of Science and Youth Unit in the Department Of Science and Technology (South Africa), was presented on his behalf by Dr. Mahapa. The closing address was delivered by The Honorable Buddy Wentworth, MP, Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Sport and Culture of Namibia.

Abstracts of the presentations can be viewed in the main programme on line. For more information on the presentations, contact their authors or Andrew Clegg, who has the presentations available on CD.

The photographs below provide an impression of proceedings, courtesy of Derek Fish and Andrew Clegg.

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Demonstration at a school before the conference.

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The Conference gets under way at the Safari Court Hotel Conference Centre.

Group photograph of the assembled delegates at the Heja Ranch.

Daphne Lekgwathi demonstrated alternative ways of looking at the Earth in space.

How big is the Sun? Mzi Taele showed how we can find out, using a mirror and string. Mike Bruton looks on.

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Contemplation in the evening after another hard day in Africa. Mike Bruton is again found by the camera.

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The hard-working organisers take a break - Crystal Beukes and Immolatrix Geingos.

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Amazing science in action.

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The highlight of the conference.

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Simon Mateane is not sure about this.

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Stuart, the man of steel, now at Sci-bono.

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The SAASTEC Vice-President balances a lamp on his head, with a little help from his friends.

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Back at the conference...

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SAASTEC President Dr. Sekgobokoane Shadrack Mahapa with Dr. Jakob van Zyl, Deputy Director for Astronomy and Physics, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. Dr. van Zyl is originally from Namibia.

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Post-conference relaxation on the pier at Swakopmund. The effect of the chilly Atlantic is evident.

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Post-conference relaxation on the dunes at Swakopmund. Namibia is a stunning tourist destination, the enormous sand dunes of the Namib desert being one of the attractions.