ADDRESS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR. MOSIBUDI MANGENA, AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF UNIZUL SCIENCE CENTRE EXTENSION PROJECT IN RICHARDS BAY ON 25 NOVEMBER 2004
Rector and Vice–Chancellor of the University of Zululand, Professor R Gumbi,
Director in the KZN Provincial Department of Education, Ms D T Dlamini
Director of the UniZul Science Centre, Mr D Fish, and your colleagues,
Staff of the UniZul Science Centre,
President of SAASTEC, Dr S Mahapa,
Members of the SAASTEC Council,
Sponsors and donors,
Educators, Learners,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen
The presence of so many learners at the launch of this UniZul Science Centre extension project this morning is a very encouraging signal. Young people constitute the nucleus of our plan to change and grow South Africa’s science and technology human capital. They are the material from which our future scientists, engineers and technologists are carved. But in order to achieve this goal, we need your cooperation, dedication and preparedness to postpone your enjoyment of the pleasures of youth until you have established solid careers.
To achieve our economic growth targets, we need to continue investing in the renewal and growth of our science and technology human resources, and intensify our efforts to ensure that our skills pool is representative of our country’s demographics. This is the only way in which we could ensure that all our citizens get the opportunity, not only to contribute their skills and talents to enrich of our country, but also to participate meaningfully in deciding the future course for South Africa.
Failure to respond effectively to these challenges will undermine our research and development capability, and lead to stagnation in a time when research is the growing force of healthy economies.
Science Centres play a key role in science education. This is where the interest in scientific inquiry is born and nurtured, and the awareness and appreciation of the role of science in our everyday lives are consolidated.
Adequate knowledge and understanding of science will strengthen the confidence and self-reliance among our people. This is the only way to maximize public participation in science and technology policy making and delivery processes. Without this participation, these processes will remain the preserve of a select few scientists and technologists.
It is against this background that we consider increased participation and performance of our youth in mathematics and science as a priority. The network of science centres, which is currently being established and supported by my department, will serve as an important infrastructure to deliver this strategy. The inauguration of this R1, 5 million extension project demonstrates the department’s commitment to support the development and functioning of science centres in the country.
The feasibility study on the network of science centres has been completed, and after extensive consultation and workshops held with key players, a policy on a set of national norms and standards to which these Centres will conform is being formulated. Overwhelming support has thus far been received for the entire process.
I recently met with the leaders of the Southern African Association of Science and Technology Centres who, in our discussions, also confirmed their commitment towards making the establishment of a network of science centres a reality.
Scientific matters are fast becoming more dependent on government support and policies. This is especially the case in developing countries. It has thus become crucial to subject scientific matters to greater scrutiny, not only because of the public funds invested in them, but also because of the increasing role that science and technology are playing in determining our destiny.
As we celebrate the launch of this project, we need to be realistic and seriously consider some of the major challenges facing our network of science centres. As a developing country, our science centres need to become more relevant to the diverse contexts and needs of the lives of our nation by striving to include, for example, the indigenous scientific knowledge and local innovations.
Relevant and appropriate exhibits need to be developed, which will make science and technology not only relevant to the full spectrum of visitors, but at the same time make it very exciting and inspiring. This aspect has been included in the resolutions adopted by other developing countries in an attempt to broaden their science and technology human resource bases.
Science centres should function as a dynamic part of the science system by broadening their views, and providing opportunities for our youth to see and experience the wonders of science. We expect the Centres to make a valuable contribution towards achieving the country’s innovation goals. For this reason, the Department is also working on the development of appropriate performance indicators in order to measure their contribution, and effectively plan to improve the visibility and effectiveness of the science centres in the communities they serve.
We have been made aware that the construction of this new building has extended the floor area of this facility to 1 800 square metres. We believe that you will take advantage of the improved capacity, not only to broaden the size and reach of your target audiences, but also to improve the quality of delivery of your programmes. I am confident that effective science and technology awareness will flourish in these expanded surroundings.
To the learners and the members of the public present here today, I urge you to fully utilise this important resource as it is meant for you! As Samuel Johnson observes:
Youth enters the world with very happy prejudices in her own favour. She imagines herself not only certain of accomplishing every adventure, but of obtaining those rewards which the accomplishment may deserve.
Follow and keep this dream; that is the way to go if you are to achieve anything in your lives. With these Centres we hope to nurture your minds because you are the trustees of our prosperity.
Ladies and gentlemen, it therefore gives me enormous pleasure to declare this new building officially open.