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Khoroni
Volume 3 No. 8 Aug/Sept 2014
Newsletter incorporating Youth into Science, Science Festivals, Competitions & Olympiads
The African word, Khoroni, refers to a place
within a chief’s kraal (a village of huts) where
Community discussions are held.
In this issue…
Sci-Bono celebrates NSW…………….…….. 1 & 2
JoBurg City Parks celebrates NSW …………. 3
UCT Spacelab and CTSC partnership ……….. 4
NSW @ Sci-Enza .….……….………….…….……….. 5
NWU scoops Astro quizz ….…….…………………. 5
KZNSC on TV .……………….…….…….………………..6
International Planetarium Conference ……… 7
NSW @ Mduku Village ….…….……………………..8
Learning in a garden ………….…….……………….. 9
ArcelorMittal SC reaches Saldanha .… 10 & 11
Passing away of Dr Mike Gaylard .…………… 12
Osizweni supports regional Expo .…………….. 12
UKZN celebrates NSW ….………………………….. 13
Mondi’s 69 minutes for Mandela Day .……… 13
What has ULEC been up to? ………………. 14 & 15
SA inventor with tunnel vision…….…………….. 16
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre was the the centre of science
exploration for thousands of kids and parents who converged on
Newtown for a festival unmatched and unlike any other. The theme
for this year’s Science Week was “Today’s Science, Tomorrow’s
World” and along with Museum Africa and the Workers Museum,
Sci-Bono offered a programme filled with awesome and inspiring
activities catering for both young and old.
Some of the highlights included a free talk by Prof. Tim Noakes about his controversial views
on diet that have received tremendous attention in the media lately. The FIRST Robotics
Tournament on South African soil took place on Saturday where 21 teams competed to build
the ultimate robot that had to perform a number of tests and tasks before being crowned
champion. The huge Sci-Bono Centre was packed to the rafters with exhibitors such as ESKOM,
3M and Casio, to name just a few, along with the 350 permanent exhibitions in the centre
that formed part of guided school tours where children learnt and explored in a different way.
In total 9212 learners and 280 educators attended the science centre activities from the 4��
to 8�� August.
SA wins bronze …………….……………………………. 17
Mondi’s Mostem library .………………….……….. 17
Zambia hosts regional office for astro dev…. 18
Fossils for Africa .…….………….……………………… 18
Simulating a “world without birds”…….……… 19
NAMES 4th General Assembly Meeting …….. 19
EC Community Centre artists to join SKA
delegation in Australia.…….…….…….………… 20
SAASTEC Conference update ……………………. 20
Supported by
Prof Tim Noakes during a book signing session after a Speak2aScientist talk. He was giving a
talk on his controversial “The Real Meal Revolution” which has turned heads and got dieticians
talking.
During the week there were also dozens of daily presentations,
talks and science shows from distinguished scientists and
organisations such as Barry Meyers, the CSIR, the SKA and the
department of Water Affairs and Sanitation among others. A
festival within a festival took place in the form of the Mining
Awareness Expo, where the SA Institute of Mining, EDTP SETA and
SAGDA to name just a few exposed learners to the scientific
aspects of one of the largest contributors of our economy. They
also profiled what careers are available in the sector.
The fun and learning didn’t stop at the borders of Newtown. Street
Science took Beyers Naude Square by storm while Kagiso Mall and
Alberton City were paid a visit by the Science Squads. In addition,
an outreach programme aimed at disadvantaged schools travelled
around the province.
~ by Francois Gerber
Lego technology took centre stage during NSW, educating
learners about the wheel and axle connected systems.
Mathematics also profiled during NSW,
learners using the power of the Abacus
to master the art of BODMAS.
Learners experimenting with
hydrogen fuel cell
technology.
The First® Technology Challenge robotics tournament held on the 2ⁿ� August
attracted 26 teams and 167 people. This robotics event kicked off activities
for the National Science Week at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre. This
international robotics tournament is going through its pilot phase in 2014,
and looks likely to take off fully from 2015. Winning teams will have an
opportunity to travel abroad and get to pit their programming and robot
control skills against the best teams in the world.
Some of the
winners during the
FTC tournament team Thuto Lefa
from the West Rand
- made their
sponsors “VEGA
Instruments” proud
by walking away
with the coveted
Motivation award.
2
NSW Celebration
at Johannesburg
City Parks & Zoo
By Kogie Moodley
The Department of Science and Technology through the
South African Agency of Science and Technology
Advancement in partnership with Johannesburg City Parks
and Zoo celebrated National Science Week 2014 at the
Johannesburg Zoo, shopping malls around the City of
Johannesburg and Orange Farm Park reaching a total of
4817 comprising of 1826 learners, 47 educators and 2944
general public.
Crash, bang! An explosive science show and an
exhilarating theatre performance started the days
programme at the zoo. There-after learners undertook
a behind the scenes tour of the zoo to learn about the
different environmental and biological sciences careers.
Learners met the anaconda snake, aquarist and gila
monster when they visited the temple of ancients.
Learner’s passion for animal care was re-ignited when
they passed through the animal hospital and met the
veterinarian. Learners also found out what was cooking
in the zoo kitchen when they met the animal nutritionist.
The activities continued when learners proceeded to
other sections to meet the zoologist, zoo keeper,
horticulturist and the curators of different sections.
At Orange farm learners and community members
engaged in exciting activities that aroused their curiosity
about the wonders of science with exhibitors from
Radmaste, Wits University, JHB Water, City of
Johannesburg Environmental Health, Department of
Environmental Affairs, Virgin Active, Rhino SA, Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research, Rand Water,
Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, Ideax
Africa, Gauteng Department of Agriculture & Rural
Development, Department of Agricultural, Forestry and
Fisheries as well as JHB City Parks and Zoo
3
UCT SpaceLab and CTSC partner for Space Awareness
~ by Gabi Van Nie Kerk
Recently, UCT SpaceLab signed an agreement with the Cape Town
Science Centre (CTSC) to cooperate on space awareness projects.
The agreement will see the two entities cooperating in the
development of space exhibits and space awareness activities. They
have also agreed to work together on project proposals for joint
projects and to promote each other’s activities.
Julie Cleverdon, Director of the Cape Town Science Centre
commented, “Man’s adventures in space are fascinating and exciting
and have always inspired our visitors to want to learn more about
space and science in general. We look forward to this collaboration
to continue to help us build on this positive motivating factor to
inspire our youth”. Professor Peter Martinez from UCT SpaceLab said,
“We are excited about this partnership as space awareness is an
important component of the outreach activities of UCT SpaceLab,
and the Cape Town Science Centre provides an excellent platform to
implement such activities because of its wide reach.”
The CTSC has also collaborated with UCT on other programmes
related to Space. For example, Charlotte Slingsby, a former
Julie Cleverdon, Director of the Cape Town Science Centre with Professor
Peter Martinez from University of Cape Town SpaceLab.
Charlotte Slingsby with
the tech news presenter.
Mechatronics student in the Mechanical Engineering Department of UCT,
completed building a scale model replica of the latest Mars Rover,
Curiosity, for the CTSC in 2013. This project was made possible by
collaborating with UCT and with funding from Tech News and the South
African Institute of Measurement and Control. Plans for a Martian
Landscape on which this fully operational model can navigate is currently
underway.
The CTSC has several appealing ‘space treasures’ on display, such as
original pieces of space debris, a replica Soyuz Capsule, Mark
Shuttleworths’s original space suit among others. The Cape Town Science
Centre intends to build on these valuable displays and make Space
Science and awareness a key focus area in their new venue in
Observatory, Cape Town.
~ Nelson Mandela
4
NSW 2014 at Sci-Enza
~ by Smeetha Singh.
National Science week had the Sci-Enza team rolling up their sleeves and digging up soil. The
highlight was certainly the launch of the community garden at which one can now find
flourishing spinach and leafy cabbage! The preparation that went into the garden involved
digging and clearing patches of ground on Mandela day. The community garden was
proposed in accordance with 2014 being the International Year of Family Farming. Rudi
Horak, manager at Sci-Enza, welcomed guest speakers from Junior Tukkie and Student Affairs
to officially open the garden for those who are financially challenged.
The week also presented a heart-warming experience where the Sci-Enza team met with a
100 year old farmer in Mamelodi. Gifts, composed of books, seeds and farming equipment,
were presented to local elderly farmers.
The week also involved a fantastic simulator by representatives of the loodhound project that
had students excited about speed. A talk about the Bloodhound project had visitors astounded
by the objectives of the project. In the spirit of family farming, talks as well a science café about
the cultivation of South Africa’s food were also held. A book reading - Sibo in Space - was done
by author Ginny Stone in the Waverley Community Library.
For Sibo’s version of
the reading in the
library please go visit
her blog
http://sibosays.blog.co
m/2014/08/12/sibogoes-to-waverleylibrary-for-nationalscience-week/
Sci-Enza hosted three schools during the week as well as the public who visited enthusiastically and in large numbers.
Despite the hard work involved, National Science Week served the purpose of educating the public about current
science projects and planting seeds of curiosity in their minds…and we all know that as you sow so shall you reap.
They did it again!
Believe it or not...
~ by Lerato Molebatsi
There is nothing so appealing as seeing young learners
eager and enthusiastic about science. This was
experienced during our provincial astronomy quiz
competition which took place at North-West University
(NWU) Potchefstroom Science Centre on the 29th of
August 2014. It was a tough competition, every school
wanted to take the trophy. The grade 7 learner’s
knowledge of astronomy was tested during the
competition.
The Astronomy quiz is an annual competition organized
by South African Agency for Science and Technology
Advancement (SAASTA) and is open for grade 7 learners
Mr. Morapedi Bodigelo (NWDE, Rustenburg APO), Ms Zelda Friesling (NWU only. This competition aims to stimulate interest in young
Potchefstroom, science center personnel), Ms Lerato Molebatsi (NWU Mafikeng,
learners and to broaden their knowledge about
Science Centre Manager), Sol Plaatje Primary School learners (Kgotlhelelo Seagiso,
Ebenitha Esterhuizen, Orefile Morule and Oratile Selatlhedi), Mrs Micalla Lucas and astronomy. This year we had 83 schools that took part in
Ms Nthabiseng Tlagadi (Sol Plaatje Primary, Educators), Mrs Bafedile Kgwadi the astronomy quiz. Out of that number, Sol Plaatje
(SAASTA) and Prof. Jan Smit (NWU Potchefstroom, Science Centre Manager).
Primary school from Mahikeng managed to stand out
from the rest. NWU Mafikeng Science Centre is proud to
announce the provincial winners of the competition, Sol Plaatje Primary school. They are our provincial champions, they also
represented us last year at the national finals competition. It's so interesting to see young learners who are so committed
and dedicated to this competition. We had excellent schools which took part this year. We would like to thank all the
participants. It was difficult for us to have an ultimate winner for the province. We encourage schools to take part in this
competition because they will learn more about astronomy and this is part of their curriculum. We wish Sol Plaatje learners
and their teacher Mrs Lucas, all the best for the nationals. Well done! Keep up the good work!
5
The KZN Science Centre featured on SABC 1
Left to right: Mr Nxusa Mayor of eDumbe
Municipality, Mr Buthelezi Headmaster of
Muziwesizwe High School,
Ms Zanele kaMagwasa-Msibi Deputy
Minister of Science and Technology, Ms
Candice Potgieter CEO of The KZN Science
Centre, Mr Hlatshwayo Mayor of Zululand
~ by Trevor James
The KZN Science Centre featured on the
SABC 1 youth programme, iSpani, about
demystifying the world of work a Science
Communicator working in The KZN Science
Centre.
Visit by Deputy Minister of
Science and Technology to a
KZN Science Centre programme
On Thursday, 28 August 2014, the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Zanele
kaMagwaza-Msibi visited the “Keeping Girls in School – Career Jamboree" programme in
Paulpietersburg alongside The KZN Science Centre.
This programme caught the attention of the office of Deputy Minister as it is focused on
female learners career development and is one of the largest science awareness projects
in rural areas in and around KwaZulu Natal.
“When I learnt of the KZN Science Centre Career Jamboree programme I was immediately
keen to join them on one of their school visits. I am very passionate about programmes
aimed at empowering learners, making them aware of the career opportunities available
to them especially when those careers are in the field of science and critical to the future
of South Africa as a whole. It is marvellous that The KZN Science Centre is implementing
this very important project to keep girl learners in school” said the Deputy Minister, Ms
Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi.
The Keeping Girls in School - Career Jamboree programme incorporates a one day school
programme dedicated to subject selection, career development and handing out of
informative resource materials for the enhancement of learner career decisions. In line
with the programme, links with tertiary institutions and other organizations have been
maximized, with the overall aim being to promote effective subject selection and career
development to all participants of the programme with a bias to STEM subjects and careers.
Candice Potgieter, the CEO of The KZN Science Centre commented “We are very pleased
to have the Deputy Minister visit us in Paulpietersburg in Zululand and share in the work
undertaken by The KZN Science Centre which sees almost 180 000 people annually with the
view of making a positive impact in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics in
our country”.
This programme - a partnership between MiET Africa, The KZN Department of Education
and The KZN Science Centre as the chief implementer - will see over 9000 female learners
by the end of October 2014 in rural areas of KwaZulu Natal and in schools where
programmes to empower female learners are essential.
6
The one hour programme aired on SABC 1
on Tuesday 9�� September at 13h30. It’s
part of a 52 part series and focuses of
school leavers and graduates who will be
deciding on university studies and for
employment as a Science Communicator
intern.
The producer of the iSpani show Selvan
Munsamy, comments “We focus our
programme on skills and careers that are
highlighted in the Scarce and Critical Skills
list to make sure that we are promoting
positions that need new, skilled entrants.
But of course we also respond to our
audience’s feedback from our social media
platforms. Our Facebook and Twitter
followers are very vocal in their demand for
knowledge and information on how to
tackle finding the right fit in every career
you can think of, so we have developed
strong links with industry bodies and private
companies to ensure we cover the careers
they express interest in. This season we are
as entertaining as we are educational, so
expect a few creative and service industry
shows.”
iSpani has 100 000s viewers and allows
viewers to venture on a journey with a
young aspirant and an opportunity to
understand more about the career of a
Science Communicator within a Science
Centre, in this case The KZN Science Centre.
The interviewee undertakes a few basics of
the job tasks; sharing experiential learning
in an entertaining and emotional hour.
“We believe the show will benefit all science
centres, learners who are looking and
considering tertiary education in science
and graduates looking for careers in
science.” Says Candice Potgieter.
South Africans attend International Planetarium Conference in China
Dan Archer and Grahame Lindop of The Ulwazi Partnership
recently attended the 22ⁿ� International Planetarium
Society (IPS) Conference in Beijing, China. They attended
in their capacity as representatives of Sky-Skan Inc. in
sub-Saharan Africa. Operating for nearly 50 years, Sky-Skan
is one of the largest manufacturers of fully integrated, full
dome, planetarium theatre systems in the world, with over
200 installations to its credit.
The conference was hosted by the Beijing Planetarium,
which site hosts two dome theatres, a 4D theatre, two
observatories and a number of classrooms. The main
Cosmos Theatre, seating about 400 on a flat floor, dates
from 1957, but the opto-mechanical star system has been
complemented by a recently installed , high resolution
Sky-Skan 8K digital system. The 3D dome theatre with tilted
seating offers a Sky-Skan 4K 3D system.
IPS conferences present the latest developments in theatre
management and technology. IPS 2014 was attended by
380 delegates, representing 44 countries. The conference’s
theme, “Educating for the Future” focused on the
significant role that planetariums play in astronomy
education, which has considerable relevance for South
Africa and indeed the Developing World (see adjacent
article Educating for the Future). At the same time, the
exhibit hall allows the astronomy community to see the
advances in the various aspects of system technology:
domes, software systems, projectors, etc. (see adjacent
article on Dark Matter).
For over 30 years, South Africa has had only two
planetariums: on the campus of the University of the
Witswatersrand and at Cape Town’s Iziko Museum, both
operating older opto-mechanical star dome systems, which
visuals can be supplemented by (almost redundant) slide
projectors. In 2013, the Naval Hill Planetarium – the first
digital dome system in sub-Saharan Africa - was opened at
the old Observatory in Bloemfontein. The facility offers a
Sky-Skan 4K resolution system on a 12 m Astro-Tec dome
with surround sound.
There is optimism that Naval Hill will joined by other
full-dome digital theatre systems. For example, Iziko has
applied for funding to upgrade its planetarium and plans
are in place for the development of a major new centre in
Johannesburg. The Southern Africa Large Telescope (SALT),
and the Meerkat and Square Kilometre Array radio
telescopes, are giving added impetus to astronomy
education and it is envisaged that over a period of years, a
network of planetariums will be established in South Africa
and the region. The Ulwazi Partnership and Sky-Skan hope
to play a leading role in realizing this dream.
The Ulwazi Partnership can be contacted as follows:
7
Dan Archer (presently re-locating to the Western Cape
[email protected]; 082 787 6963) and
Grahame Lindop (located in Gauteng,
[email protected], 082 554 7310)
NSW @ Mduku Village, Kwa-Zulu-Natal
~ by the Moipone Academy Team.
‘In the absence of resources, the
people become resourceful.’
The community of Mduku outside Hluhluwe, where
pineapple and sugar cane grows like common grass
played host to the National Science Week activities
organised by Moipone Academy. A beast was
slaughtered, the community invited and festivities
were in the coastal air on the opening day of what
was to be a weeklong battery of science activities
and lectures. Presenters from near and afar who
converged upon the rural community included
representatives from Mintek, ESRI, Africa Centre,
University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal, University of
Zululand, Durban University of Technology and our
very own staff who presented on topics ranging
from Astronomy to Zoology.
Professor Mdluli undertook to show the learners
how to build simple energy production prototypes
using scrap materials. The wildlife and conservation
lecture touched a raw nerve as the syndicates
responsible for rhino poaching are active in the
surrounding communities and have left a trail of
death that extends to gullible local young men
chasing quick riches. Lihle Sosiba and her team
from Africa Centre discussed their current research
project on HIV/AIDS highlighting relevant
intervention methods by government based on
sound statistical analysis. Mintek’s presentation
was on their nanotechnology techniques used in
minerals processing but the highlight for everyone
was a competition by the ESRI people centred on
picking a location for the construction of a
university using spatial data and other Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) tools.
The winning location happened to be the site upon
which the University of Zululand is located and the
computer science team from that university were
conveniently placed to take over, to much applause
and fanfare. Their presentation was much loved
because they were able to build a program on the
Android platform that allowed for communication
between a smartphone and a computer. They also
exposed the learners to modern advances in
computer science, which included a futuristic
account of future technologies.
Tradition Nazarene dance during the opening
ceremony, Makhasa Hall, Mduku Village.
A group photo on day 1
The team from Africa Center.
Learners playing with
interactive exhibits.
The
video
can
be
viewed
here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_oxpB3BJ5A.
All round, it was sweet!
8
Learning in a garden:
University of Pretoria
awarded 1st prize for
exhibition at Sasol
Techno X 2014
~ by Rudi Horak
“Today’s minds, tomorrow’s future” was the theme of the Sasol Techno X career expo this year. Sci-Enza and Junior Tukkie (representing
the University of Pretoria), linked their exhibition to this theme by combining it with the United Nations International Year of Family
Farming. Their sub-theme, “Plant today to empower people for a better tomorrow,” resulted in a vegetable garden inside their exhibition
tent, and first prize for the best exhibition in the University category.
With five tons of soil, 3 000 seedlings, a few trees and some flowers, Mr Petrus Lombard, Mrs Rudi Horak, and the Sci-Enza interns created
a stunning “TUKS community garden.” The garden in the tent generated a unique and relaxed atmosphere which attracted many visitors
and interest from all ages. The message of the exhibition promoted careers associated with Agricultural Sciences and linked all the Faculties
to food production, food security, engineering, legislation and the economy. Sci-Enza developed several fun hands-on “Science Garden”
exhibits, where the visitors could discover a range of mechanical, mathematical and science principals. The Sci-Enza team also did 46
science shows and 33 workshops during the week.
The garden didn’t just offer vegetables and science experiments– it also made promotion pamphlets and faculty brochures available.
Students had the opportunity to ask Mr. Petrus Lombard, Juan Thomaïdes and George Dywili from the Junior Tukkie office questions
regarding admission requirements, study fields and applications to the University. The University of Pretoria exhibition saved the best for
last. All the vegetable plants were donated to the temporary workers that were employed during that week and the two vertical pallet
gardens were donated to Sasolburg High School.
This year, the 14�� annual Sasol TechnoX took place from 11 to 15 August 2014 at the Sasol ChemCity Eco Industrial Park in Sasolburg. The
career expo seeks to expose the many facets of technology and encourage learners to explore the wide range of exciting disciplines and
career choices that mathematics, science and technology can offer. It is one of the largest career guidance exhibitions of its kind in the
country. Every year, it attracts over 24 000 visitors from seven provinces – with grade 7 to 12 learners coming from more than 300 schools.
Sixteen tertiary education
and training institutes and
over thirty businesses and
organisations provided
information on career
options through exciting
exhibitions, workshops,
talks and science shows.
This all served to guide
learners towards obtaining
academic qualifications to
pursue their dream career
in the science and
technology field.
9
We want to thank SASOL
for their R20 000
sponsorship, SAKATA for
donating 3 000 vegetable
seedlings, packets of seeds
and workshop resources,
as well as the sponsorship
from the Natural and
Agriculture Science faculty
and the office of Dr Pieter
Clase for their financial
contribution that made
this exhibition possible.
ArcelorMittal Science Centre Saldanha’s NSW
Reaches all in Saldanha
~ by Palesa Motlhabi
The yearly National Science Week (NSW) initiative by the Department of Science and Technology was implemented from the 2ⁿ� to the 9��
of August in Saldanha. Our week’s proceedings were supported by the Department of Water & Sanitation and Total South Africa as exhibitors
while for the community events the Department of Health joined in. Before that, the Science Centre Staff toiled long and hard to prepare
for the hectic week to ensure a quality programme was shared and delivered to the schools and communities.
The Auditorium was filled to the brim and the corridors were abuzz at the ArcelorMittal Science Centre Saldanha by the Saldanha Bay
Municipality Circuit 3 grade 9 learners as they were treated to some quality fun and bombastic NSW crystallography centered programme
from the 4�� to the 8�� of August 2014. Learners from Weston, Diazville, Louwville and Vredenburg High Schools plus Curro Langebaan
Private were introduced to a world of Crystallography through a variety of hands-on workshops. These included material and solid science
workshops to support the 2014 International Year of Crystallography (iycr 2014) theme as deemed by the United Nations; Magic of Maths
with its number tricks and patterns succeeded in showing learners the cool side of Maths; Nanotechnology via the science show
demonstrations; the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) topics rounded up by the Cool Science Careers information sessions and the opportunities
thereof for further studying left learners with thought provoking decisions to make going forward. Physical and Life Sciences also came
alive through demonstrations of the Particle Model of Matter and relating that to the formation of crystals while effects of exhaled carbon
dioxide were examined and osmosis demonstrations were done.
Crystallography proved to be sweet as well judging by how quickly some of the jelly tots sweets that were supposed to be used to build
structures quickly disappeared as the learners tested their taste buds during the Solid State Workshops. The Early Childhood Development
learners also created beautiful crystal art and were excited to produce own photo frames in the process. With all these activities, we
believe ArcelorMittal SC Saldanha had gladly accepted the challenge laid by the Department of Science and Technology to the science
centres around South Africa to create hype and public awareness using this sub-theme but more importantly related it to daily life
occurrences.
Additionally, in this week - 4 days concentrated
on involving the general public by hosting two
day events at the Weskus Shopping Mall and
two evening events at the community halls.
Community quiz
10
Teeing‐off at the Weskus Mall on the 2ⁿ� of
August the families got involved in the
programme daring each other from solving the
exhibits, entering building competitions up to
being mesmerized by the awesome science
shows. The community engagements evenings
held at Louwville Community and Diazville Civic
Halls on the evenings of the 6�� and 7�� August
respectively turned out to be fruitful for the
residents. On these evenings – ArcelorMittal
Saldanha; the Department of Water & Sanitation; Department of
Health and Total SA, all had an opportunity to address the general
public. It was refreshing to witness parents asking probing
questions based on the information that had been shared with
them by the exhibitors as they realized the kinds of opportunities
that were available to assist their children to further their studies
and fall into science careers. General discussions on importance of
saving water and the tips to do so, introduction of Total SA’s green
energy in a form of Awonga Solar Lights Technology and Healthy
living lifestyles by the Department of Health were well received and,
of course, too many gadgets to be won were flying around - such
as shower timers for shower heads; bags with goodies and the ever
so efficient Awonga lights that they could use efficiently during
power cuts or when their electricity units run low were up for grabs.
These were, however, not for free as they had to work for them by
answering general questions based on presentations or solve puzzles.
Young geniuses
“chessing” it out!
The signing off of the week’s events on the 9�� of August was in style
as back at the Weskus Mall, Women’s Day was a celebration of the
Women in Science and they were fittingly saluted by the various
Career information.
school’s Science Clubs performances. This event was held in
partnership with the West Coast Education District. These clubs
encompassed learners from Masiphathisane, Diazville, Panorama, St
Helena Bay, St Andrews Primary Schools and also Weston High School.
The hours of work put in by the science centre staff to prepare the
learners was evident in the quality of the performances as they
showed off in front of peers, friends and families; these 65 Grade 7
to Grade 11 young budding scientists dazzled with some dangerous
experiments and well researched and rehearsed explanations – they
really gave the ArcelorMittal SC Saldanha’s Miss Fabulous a run for
the money. Industry via Role Modeling by women in various science
fields ignited the interests of learners as well. Amongst all these
activities, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was taking place the following week and we joined forces with the organizers of the EXPO
as they also exhibited - giving tips to the entrants and making suggestions on learner projects,.It was wonderful once again to see parents
engaging at this stand and finding out more – we can only hope that they went home and encouraged their children to be involved in these
initiatives.
With most of our targets reached, we can safely say this was a successful week in celebrating National Science Week with people from all
walks of life. Together with our partners - the West Coast Education Department, Total SA, ArcelorMittal SA, Department of Water and
Sanitation, Department of Health - 1 237 School learners accompanied by 20 teachers; 174 ECD learners and their 12 teachers and 553
general public members were reached. Additionally, the community radio station, Weskus Radio and the Weslander Newspaper kept the
communities abreast of the events with live crossings and newspaper articles.
Heartfelt appreciation goes to all that made this week a success through partnerships – to the Science Centre staff, Salute – you’ve done
it again!!
Hot science clubs.
11
Farewell Mike
It is with a great sense of loss that we have to announce the passing away of Dr. Mike Gaylard, Director
of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, a National Facility of the National Research
Foundation.
Mike was born on July 1 1952 in what was then Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe). He
attended school in Salisbury and did his B.Sc. at the University of Rhodesia, followed by his B.Sc.
Honours. He then came to Rhodes University in South Africa, and completed his M.Sc. on “The
Performance of a 22 GHz Radio Telescope” in November 1976.
He joined the staff of the NITR (National Institute for Telecommunications Research), the parent
institute of HartRAO on 1 December 1976. During 1977-78 he worked at NITR in the ionospheric
propagation section and joined the HartRAO staff in January 1979. His first project at HartRAO was
to commission the recently completed digital correlation spectrometer. He used this for his initial
research work at HartRAO which was in the field of HII regions and recombination lines at 2.3 GHz.
He was also the system manager for the HP computers used for controlling the telescope and
associated equipment. He developed much of the software for automating observations and for
analysing spectral line data.
He completed his Ph.D. on “Radio Studies of Ionised Hydrogen in the Southern Milky Way”, using the
HartRAO 26m telescope, in 1989. His work branched out into the field of 1612 MHz OH masers with
the installation of the 18cm receiver in 1985. His field of work then enlarged to include methanol
masers in star forming regions, where he collaborated extensively with Dr. Gordon Macleod (then of
HartRAO) and Dr. Johan van der Walt of University of the North West. With the expansion of staff
members at HartRAO, he became the leader of the Spectral Lines Programme and had some 70+ publications to his name. He supervised M.Sc. and Ph.D
students, especially with Dr. Johan van der Walt at NWU, and then expanded to other universities as well. Some research staff members from HartRAO
have gone on to become part of the SKA project.
He also headed the Science Awareness Outreach Programme at HartRAO from 1991. Creating an awareness of science in young people was one of his
passions. Several staff members from the HartRAO Science Awareness Programme have also gone on to be part of the SKA project.
Mike was instrumental in the conceptualisation of the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Network (AVN), a vision to have a network of radio
astronomy telescopes throughout Africa, and actively participated in and championed its development. The AVN has the potential to spread radio astronomy
as a science across the African continent.
He was among the key people who helped get the National Astronomy and Space Science Programme (NASSP) started. The NASSP school at HartRAO was
something he enjoyed organizing and which has helped introduce a generation of SA astronomers to the practicalities of radio observing. He also understood
that South African astronomers would do so much better working together than in their individual silos.
In an international context, Mike was the driving force behind South Africa’s membership of the Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE), which carries out
a wide range of research and development activities in VLBI-related fields, including radio astronomy data processing and applications of VLBI and radio
astronomy technologies.
Mike Gaylard had the ability to make time to talk to and encourage students, even within a very busy schedule. To many young people he set a great
example as a leader and a scientist. He will be sorely missed by family, colleagues and students.
(Official press release)
Osizweni supports regional Expo
~ by Angela Ford
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was held at the Lillian Ngoyi Community Centre on the 16�� of August 2014. This is an exposition, or
science fair, where students have a chance to display their projects about their own scientific investigations.
Osizweni assists and sponsors the regional event held in Secunda and also provides resources and mentorship to learners who enter the
competition.
Among the prizes that Osizweni sponsored to this event, there are three categories that form part of the prestigious awards. Winners of
these awards were:
Best project Grade 5 - 7
:
Mitaeel Latif, Middleburg Primary School. Project titled ‘Mobile WiFi’ (picture left)
Best project Grade 8 - 9
:
Bernadine Boyce, Secunda High School. Project titled ‘Music's impact on plant growth’ (middle)
Best project Grade 10 - 12:
Candra Naidoo, General Hertzorg High School. Project titled ‘Why Whey’ (picture right)
6
12
UKZN celebrates NSW
~by Sally Frost
UKZN once again pulled out all the stops to celebrate National Science Week in style with
a three-phase campaign.
Firstly, Durban school pupils enjoyed access to a fun-filled week of scientific activities that
were run out of the Science and Technology Education Centre on the Westville campus.
Staff from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science went the extra mile to keep
the 300 Grade 10 and 11 pupils wowed by the whole spectrum of scientific wonders
available at UKZN.
Accommodating 60 learners a day, the programme offered an array of hands-on fun. From
simulating tsunamis, to programming robots, to making chemical concoctions, to viewing
sophisticated microscopy equipment, to handling live chickens, to analysing genetic
combinations, to learning about maths, stats physics and engineering, to getting down
and dirty with rocks - the learners did
it all.
Ajay Bissessur demonstrates the wonders of
Science at the Great UKZN Science Show-Off
held in celebration of National Science Week.
Each day youngsters from a variety of
local schools tried their hands at being scientists of the future. Each day’s programme
included exposure to three different scientific disciplines, a talk on careers available in
the sciences, as well as a fun-filled quiz. With a competitive element thrown into the mix,
the children were eager to display just how many scientific facts they knew, and left the
University in high spirits, with the importance of science enhanced.
As phase two of the week’s campaign, the College also organized the highly successful
‘Great UKZN Science Show-Off’, aimed to appeal to the whole family, both young and old.
This science show saw the famous ‘Dr G’ – aka Megan Govender, Tanja Reinhardt and Ajay
Bissessur battle it out on the scientific stage. Their scientific tricks, treats, whooshes and
bangs kept their audience wowed and amazed. Ever want to breathe smoke through your
nose like a dragon? ‘Dr G’ showed his young fans just how it was done.
Finally, to round off National Science Week on a more serious note, a public lecture was presented by UKZN PhD student, Kenda Knowles,
on ‘Astrophysics: Recent Discoveries and Mysteries’. Knowles’ highly interesting presentation demonstrated just why astronomers get so
excited about discovering the Universe. Knowles explained to a packed house some of the more recent and interesting discoveries in
astrophysics, ranging from 3D printing and ultrasounds to new (imaginary?) planets and triple black holes. Knowles is a member of UKZN’s
Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Unit (ACRU).
Mondi Science, Career Guidance and FET Skills Centre members spend
their Mandela day (67 minutes) at Mkhondo Alathia Rehabilitation Centre
~by Hlengiwe Khumalo
HELPING HANDS (left) : Lindiwe Soko, Zandile Dlamini, Sindisiwe Vilakazi, Sinazo
Matshongane, Themba Zwane, Bonginkosi Khumalo, Thobile Msweli, Nathi
Makhubu, Mxolisi Sibanyoni and Themba Khumalo.
The Mondi Science Centre members visited the rehabilitation centre to give
assistance to the centre. The Mondi staff were welcomed with warm hands
by the Rehabilitation Centre Manager Mrs L. Boshoff, Mr T. Dlamini and other
Centre members. They
took us for induction around
the centre and they also Education is the let the children introduce
themselves to us. We most powerful gave the children some
advice as parents and weapon which teenagers of the same age.
you can use to
We also gave inhabitants change the world.
forward
to
being
a healthy and happy life ~ Nelson Mandela
were taken to the garden
some information on the way
successful in life, and to living
free from drugs. Then we
and the children joined us.
The Mondi Staff members started by preparing the land and planted some
seeds. Whilst doing this, we taught and showed the children how to plant the
seeds properly. The day, and the work done, was of great success. We are
looking forward to seeing change and success in the children that we spent
time with. Planting those seeds in the soil, to us it was like the information
that we were giving to them that will stay and make a difference in their lives
and harvest good products in their future to make it brighter.
13
What has University of Limpopo
University of Limpopo Science Education Centre (ULSEC) has been
very busy with a couple of events in the past 2 months. Here’s a
glimpse of what went down - by Annelize Potgieter.
Learners Focus Week
The Department of Energy in collaboration with the University of
Limpopo and Limpopo Department of Education hosted their annual
‘Learners Focus Week’ programme from the 30 June – 4 July 2014
on campus. The programme was hosted by ULSEC on behalf of the
University. This is a national programme aimed at encouraging young
women and men to enter into science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) fields.
It targeted 250 learners who are studying mathematics and science
at High School Level from rural and other developing areas and is
undertaken over five days. There were a number of activities that
took place during the week including career opportunity exhibitions
and presentations by different companies within the energy sector,
some of the companies amongst others include Shell, Chevron, BP,
Total, SAASTA, CHIETA,NECSA, NERSA, SASOL, ESKOM etc.
Learners also had the opportunity of visiting various science
departments within the University i.e. Zoology Museum, Animal Park,
Materials Modelling Centre and of course the Science Education
Centre for hands-on exhibits, science shows and workshops. Some
of our university departments presented study programmes and
financial aid opportunities available on campus, as well as career
guidance counselling workshops for learners.
Participating learners were from the 5 inland provinces i.e. Free
State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North-West and Limpopo Province.
Each province also had to present projects related to energy. They
even wrote a quiz and some successful learners walked home with
some grand prizes. The weeklong events were wrapped up with a
banging Gala Dinner which was also attended by the Deputy Minister
of Energy, Hon. Thembisile Majola, MEC for Limpopo Economic
Development, Environment and Tourism, Hon. Seaparo Sekwati and
University’s top management. Top achieving learners from the
programme were presented with bursaries, ipads, laptops and many
other goodies. What would be a gala dinner without nice food and
entertaining music? Mpumi of ‘Wena’ fame kept learners tuned up
with her energised performance after the official gala dinner
programme.
Learners building Crystal structures using toothpicks and sweets
during NSW at ULSEC.
National Science Week
It was that time of the year again, where the National Science Week
was the talk of the town…or rather, of the country. ULSEC through
the Science Centre was one of the centres that hosted this very
popular science event on and off campus from the 4�� to the 9�� of
August 2014. Between the 4�� and the 7��, we had a number of
schools visiting the centre for interactive exhibits, workshops in
nanotechnology, biotechnology, crystallography, lego, maths
puzzling affair, herbarium talk, career exhibitions by CSIR, Stats SA
and the Oval International Institute. But what would NSW be
without the most loved activity, science shows? We also did some
outreach in the nearby schools with science demonstrations and
career talks during the period. As always, we took science to the
members of the public through our ‘Science in the Mall’ programme
at Savannah Mall in Polokwane on the 8�� and the 9�� of August. The
MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Hon.
Seaparo Sekwato was one of the people who graced our programme
at the mall and spent some time engaging with our career exhibition
stall, interactive exhibits and our science shows. At the mall, we
were also joined by Oval International Institute and Capricorn
Regional Expo for Young Scientists with the learners projects
displayed for members of the public.
Mr. Jacob Moloantoa performing Science shows at one of the
schools in Mankweng.
Building a moving car using Lego.
14
Science Centre been up to?
Meet the
University of Limpopo’s
University of
science centre facilitator
Limpopo’s
jets off to PE.
resident Ninja Itumeleng Mabusa, a science facilitator
(NYS Volunteer) at the University of
from Japan
Limpopo’s Science centre is set to jet off
to the beautiful city of Port Elizabeth for
a four day stay at the beautiful Ibhayi
lodge to attend the 7�� annual National
Research Foundation/South African
Environmental Observation Network’ s
Graduate
Student
Network
(NRF/SAEON’s GSN) Indibano conference.
January 2014 saw Itumeleng being voted
for and elected as a committee member for the NRF/SAEON’s GSN for
which she holds a marketing portfolio. It is the first time the
organization has ever had a committee representative from the
University of Limpopo since its conception 7 year ago. The GSN was
launched in 2006 and it forms part of SAEON’s capacity development
My most respectable
and is made up of a network comprising of Honours, Masters, PhD and
scientist
Postdoctoral students. It aims to encourage, engage, build and promote
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek sustainability, academic excellence and communication among postgraduate students in South Africa through research projects that are
(1632-1723)
in line with SAEON’s mandate. The GSN Indibano meaning “meeting”
He was a Dutch tradesman, but
in isiXhosa, is an exciting and interactive annual conference, which has
he is now well known as “the
been running since 2008. About 20 postgraduate students are selected
father of Microbiology”. He
on a highly competitive platform to present their work. These students
became an apprentice at a
are fully funded to attend the event with the aim of sharing their work
linen-draper’s shop at the age
and experiences with” their peers. The Indibano also offers guidance
of 16 so that he could have his
and mentorship from experienced senior researchers and increased
own shop in the future. He went motivation for learning through the knowledge sharing and field
on to open his own draper shop excursions during the four day long conference. Itumeleng will also be
when he was 22. While running presenting the work she is doing for her Masters research in
his draper’s shop, Leeuwenhoek Microbiology which focuses on screening medicinal plants for the
began to create microscopes for development of anti-tuberculosis drugs. To find out more about GSN
observing microscopic worlds. As a result, he observed bacteria,
and Itumeleng’s research you can visit the GSN website on:
infusoria , vacuoles of the cell and muscular fibres using his
www.saeon.ac.za
microscopes as the first observer in the world.
SASOL TECHNO X 2014
Leeuwenhoek is my hero, because he didn’t have much education.
He only had a very strong interest in observing things that couldn’t The University of Limpopo Science Education Centre staff Jacob
be seen with the naked eye. He has taught me that if we have a strong Moloantoa and Refilwe Ramohlale together with the interns Fortunate
Mashego, Lerato Maseti and Tlou Komape went to Sasolburg at
interest, everyone can do science well!
ChemCity industries to participate in the annual Sasol Techno X 2014
Now, through my activities, I am telling this to all the visitors who from the 11�� - 15�� August 2014. The main aim was to expose learners
come to the University of Limpopo Science Education Centre.
from different grades to Science, Maths, and Technology exhibitions
and careers offered by different companies and institutions.
Hi! I’m Yuki Ishida. I’m a
Japan
international
Cooperation
Agency
(JICA) volunteer who
joined the University of
Limpopo
Science
Education Centre in
February this year. Now I work as an exhibits engineer, science
workshop facilitator and actor of puppet shows in this centre. I was
an engineer in a Japanese semiconductor company back in Japan. I
have very much enjoyed introducing Science and Technology to our
visitors since becoming a member of the Science Centre!
Hon. MEC, Seaparo Sekwati (left) at the ULSEC
Career Exhibition Stall at the Savannah Mall during NSW.
The Science Education Centre’s mandate was to conduct and facilitate
science shows, hands-on interactive exhibits and workshops namely:
Biotechnology and Nanotechnology. Science shows are when science
demonstrations are performed by using simple materials explaining
the concepts and principles of science and these show that science is
actually part of our daily lives, is not difficult and its fun. Hands-on
interactive exhibits are were learners come in contact and interact
with the exhibits that basically test their thinking capability and
knowledge regarding different concepts of sciences.
During the SASOL TECHNO X, stalls and workshops were judged.
From the 19 workshops rendered, the University of Limpopo Science
Education Centre won an award for 1�� place under the best workshop
category.
15
South African inventor with tunnel vision
~ by Mike Bruton
Did you know that a South Africa boytjie is known in England as "the practical author of the great London
Tube Railway"?
James Greathead, a forgotten South African hero of invention, was born in Grahamstown in 1844 of 1820
Settler stock and educated at St Andrew’s College, Grahamstown, and Diocesan College, Cape Town. He
emigrated to England in 1859 where he became extensively involved in the development of the new
traction and eventually electric underground railway network in London. His most famous inventions were
the ‘Greathead Shield for Underground Tunneling’ (1869) and the ‘Greathead Grouting Machine’ (1891),
which were used for developing the underground railway system in central London, Liverpool and
elsewhere in England.
The ‘Greathead Shield’ was an advanced adaptation of a tunneling shield invented by the legendary
French-born British engineer, Marc Brunel, used in the construction of the first tunnel under the Thames
River from 1825 to 1843. This project ended in disaster when it collapsed with the loss of 10 lives.
In 1867 the British engineer Peter Barlow proposed, as a relief for London’s congested road traffic, a system
of underground railways in ‘tubes’ constructed using shields and lined with cast-iron segments. However,
no contractor could be found to undertake the work, mainly due to memories of Brunel's disaster. Greathead,
then only 24 years old, courageously tendered for the contract using his newly devised tunnelling shield. He
won the contract, and construction on the Tower Subway began
in 1869. It was opened in 1870, the first underground tube
railway in the world.
Greathead's shield was a sleeve as large as the tunnel, which,
as the excavation proceeded, was forced ahead to act both as
a ring-shaped cutter and a protection for the workmen. It moved
forward in one piece unlike Brunel's rectangular shield which
had to be dismantled every time it was moved.
The Greathead Shield was inched forward as the working face
of the tunnel was excavated, while behind it a permanent
tunnel lining of cast iron rings was fitted into place, another
important innovation by Greathead. In 1890 he was also the
resident engineer on the City & South London Railway, the
world's first underground electric railway.
The 'Greathead Shield' dug the tunnels for the London Underground
Greathead worked with many famous British engineers,
including Sir Douglas Fox, Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin
Baker, all of whom admired his innovative work. He died of
cancer in London at the age of 52 years and is commemorated
by a three-metre tall bronze statue unveiled by the Lord Mayor of
London next to the Royal Exchange in 1994.
While Bank Station was being
refurbished recently, a section of
an original Greathead Shield was
discovered. This section has been
refurbished and a brass plate
erected as a further memorial to
the extraordinary achievements of
this great South African inventor.
He is hardly known or recognized
in South Africa.
Greathead Shield that was
excavated and refurbished
for display.
The Cape Town Science
Centre will be having a
'Great South African
Inventions' exhibition
later this year.
16
South Africa Wins Bronze
A grade 11 learner returned home from the International Olymiad
in Informatics in Taiwan, proudly bearing a bronze medal.
Ulrik de Muelenaere, a grade 11 learner from Waterkloof High in Pretoria was
one of the team of three to take part in the International Olympiad in Informatics
(IOI). The team was supposed to be a team of four, but Robin Visser, a grade 12
learner from St George’s Grammar School in Cape Town, withdrew in order to
take part in the International Maths Olympiad which was held in Cape Town a
week earlier. By happy coincidence Robin won a bronze medal at the Maths
Olympaid.
The other members of the South African team were Shaylan Lalloo (at Pearson
High, Port Elizabeth when selected) and Thomas Orton a grade 11 learner at
Bishops in Cape Town. Team leaders were Sean Wentzel and Robert Spencer of
the University of Cape Town. Sean and Robert both are past IOI medal winners.
Ulrik de Muelenaere at work.
The International Olympiad in Informatics is a programming competition that is
held in a different country every year. IOI 2014 attracted participation from 82
countries. Top spots were taken by three participants who each had full marks. Ishraq Huda from Australia, Scott Wu from the USA and
Yinzhou Xu of China. The top dozen positions included the entire Chinese team of four, three participants from the USA, two from Australia,
and one each from Russia, Bulgaria and Georgia.
While the South African team did not have anyone among the top scorers, they still handsomely beat the other African countries
participating: Egypt, Libya, Nigeria and Tunisia.
SA Delegation and medal.
“The competition gets more difficult every year”, said Delegation Leader
Sean Wentzel. “Many countries have potential participants selected years
in advance and put them through a rigorous programme.”
Team member Thomas Orton prepared for the Olympiad by solving one
or two IT problems a day during the weeks before leaving for Taiwan,
but it did not work out as planned. “I had massive jet lag. Try writing
an IOI paper with only one hour of sleep.” Olympiad Deputy Delegation
leader Robert Spencer: “Thomas actually did much better on the first
day of the competition than on the second day when he had adjusted to
the time difference. We will try to keep him awake before both days in
future.”
Medal winner Ulrik de Muelenaere attributes his success to participating
in many online programming competitions to sharpen his skills. “I enjoy
programming and problem-solving, so I really enjoyed the IOI.”
The contest itself only took up two days. The rest of the time was spent
sightseeing, soaking up Taiwanese culture, visiting an amusement park
and making new friends.
Thomas Orton: “There were interesting participants from over 80
countries, but the closest friendships I made was with my South African
team mates who were from Pretoria and Port Elizabeth.” Ulrik de Muelenaere adds: “However, as a group we made friends with the
contestants from Nigeria. During our free time we often played cards with them.”
Further Information: Peter Waker, Manager: Computer Olympiad; Tel: 021-448-7864 [email protected] / www.olympiad.org.za
Welcome to
at the Mondi Science Career Guidance and FET Skills Centre
~ by Hlengiwe Khumalo
Welcome to MOSTEM library in Mondi where we see groups of
learners coming to our library to attain knowledge and make their
assignments of which it is a good thing, they usually visit the centre
after school hours and during school holidays. By June holidays we
have seen a vast number of learners visiting the library they were
welcomed and assisted by the Centre volunteers more especially
with Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The MOSTEM library also
has different programs as other source of information such as
EUREKA, ENCYCLOPEDIA, LEARNING CHANNEL and many more to
assist the learners. The majority of the learners were coming from
the local schools e.g. Ndlela Secondary, Piet Retief Combined
School, KwaShuku Secondary and much more. It is amazing that
now we even see the youth visiting the library during the day to
get hold of the information.
Indlela Secondary learners
and
KwaShuku Secondary
learners.
17
Zambia hosts Southern African Regional
Office of Astronomy for Development
Kitwe, Zambia: Today the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
signed an important agreement with the Copperbelt University
(CBU) to host a Southern African regional node of the IAU Office of
Astronomy for Development (OAD). This is the second regional node
to be established on the African continent and forms part of the
IAU’s decadal strategic plan, which aims to realise the global societal
benefits of astronomy. The signing follows the approval of a proposal from CBU which enjoyed the support of astronomy collaborators
in Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, including the
South African Square Kilometre Array Project Office.
The IAU strategic plan was ratified by its members in 2009, at its
General Assembly. Since then a global coordinating office (the OAD)
was established in Cape Town, South Africa, and has led the implementation of this plan. Other regional nodes have already been
established in China for the East Asian region, Thailand for the South
East Asian region and Ethiopia for the East African region. The
establishment of this Southern African regional node is significant as
this part of the continent is currently very active in terms of the
development of world class astronomy facilities including the optical Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the radio Karoo Array
Telescope (MeerKAT) and the gamma-ray High Energy Stereoscopic
System (HESS). The office in Zambia will need to rally all these
advantages to benefit the region at large.
Director of the OAD Kevin Govender comments on the signing of this
agreement, “Zambia is ideally positioned to play a leadership role in
this field. Not only is it a part of the Square Kilometre Array project,
but its consistent commitment to developing astronomy capacity
nationally serves as an example to other countries in the region.
Since the International Year of Astronomy in 2009 we have seen
Zambia regularly represented in various global astronomy education
and outreach projects. Their experience and dedication to the field
of astronomy will be a great benefit to the region.”
This office will also reach out to other countries in Africa which, like
Zambia, form part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. This
is a key task to ensure that all countries involved in the SKA have the
skills and personnel required both to derive maximum benefit from
the iconic telescope project and to help make the SKA a scientific
success.
Dean of the
School of
Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Copperbelt University, Professor F.P. Tailoka, “The Copperbelt University and the country at large
are delighted to host the Southern African Regional Office of Astronomy for Development. We are grateful to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and other cooperating partners for facilitating
the signing of this important agreement. As the motto of our university states ‘Knowledge and Service’ - it is our belief that Zambia will
continue developing as long as scientific principles form part of the
services offered. We are so pleased to be part of the implementation of the IAU’s strategic plan. Zambia is a partner country of the
Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project. This gives us an opportunity to
participate in world class astronomy research. We look forward to
seeing the Zambian community, and the rest of the region, realizing
the benefits of astronomy.”
Signing the agreement on behalf of the IAU, Assistant General Secretary Piero Benvenuti said, "Astronomy is possibly the most ancient
scientific activity of the mankind and IAU is committed to maintain
and spread worldwide this precious heritage. Astronomy however is
not only pure science, it is a fascinating cultural adventure that
engages the entire society and brings many benefits. It is a powerful
attraction to young generations to follow mathematical and scientific curricula and, with its most recent projects, like the Square Kilometre Array, it fosters advanced technological developments. It is
therefore with great satisfaction that IAU praises the Zambian Government and the Copperbelt University for their farsighted support
to the establishment of the Southern African Regional Office of
Astronomy for Development."
This agreement follows the IAU’s Announcement of Opportunity
which remains open to letters of intent and proposals from all
around the world to host similar nodes. The partners of this regional
node will establish a steering committee which consists of relevant
expertise and representation.
For more information contact:
Kevin Govender, Director, IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)
Tel: +27 21 460 9350 Cellular: +27 82 487 8466 Email: [email protected]
To order this lovely hot-off-the-press book by Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan contact:
Cambridge University Press
P O Box 50017, V&A Waterfront, 8002
Tel: 021 4127800 / [email protected]
18
Simulating a “world without birds” in major field experiment
Ecologists from Stellenbosch University (SU) are undertaking an
unprecedented field experiment to simulate “the world without
birds”.
Six netted cages or ‘exclosures’ of 400m² each have been erected
in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve outside Stellenbosch, known
for its rugged mountains and rare endemic plant and animal species.
Prof Anton Pauw, an evolutionary ecologist at SU who specializes
in plant-pollinator interactions, says the global decline in
pollinators highlights the question of how plant communities and
their interacting animals will respond when an important pollinator
is taken out of the system.
“Many theoretical studies predict that the loss of an important
pollinator species will trigger a cascade of linked extinctions
throughout the community. Others argue that pollination is of little
ecological importance because, in the absence of their primary
pollinator, many plant species can compensate by self-pollinating
or switching to other pollinators.
“All in all, real evidence for community-level impacts is lacking. We
hope that this community-level study will help to provide the
insight needed to conserve and restore plant-pollinator
interactions,” he says.
The focus of the experiment is on the interaction between South
African nectar-feeding birds, the iconic sugarbirds and sunbirds,
and bird-pollinated plants, particularly proteas, in a community
context. Although there are only four species of birds that only rely
on nectar for food, they pollinate about 350 plant species.
One of Prof Pauw’s MSc-students, Mr Pieter Botha, has been
studying the effect of bird exclusion on the pollination network
since last year when the first three exclosures were erected. He is
also comparing the seed production of plants inside the cages to
that of plants visited by bird pollinators in the control sites (which
are not covered by nets).
“We have already observed that the pincushions inside the cages
have more nectar than those in the control sites outside where
birds are actively feeding. In some cases we have also observed
more ants visiting these pincushions,” Pieter says.
Other possible changes in the community they are investigating
include the potential local explosion of plant-eating insects, as well
as spiders. Apart from feeding on nectar, birds are also predators
that consume hundreds of insects every day. These exclosures will
allow the researchers to determine how important birds are in
controlling the numbers of plant-eating insects.
Prof Pauw explains that the effect of more insects on plants is not
easy to predict: “It is also not at all clear to what extent plants rely
on their own defenses, such as tannins, to protect themselves
against leaf-eating insects, and to what extent they depend on
predators, like birds, to act as their bodyguards.”
After three years of excluding birds the veld will be burned, as
natural fires are the trigger for germination in most fynbos plants.
“If the lack of birds caused a meaningful reduction in seed
production, we expect to see that the new veld will lack birdpollinated plants, and will instead be dominated by insect and
wind-pollinated plants, including aliens. All in all, we hope to be
able to give a definitive answer to the question, from an ecological
perspective, of whether birds really matter,” he concludes.
Enquiries
Prof Anton Pauw
Tel: 021 808-3314 E-mail: [email protected]
Issued by: Wiida Fourie-Basson, media: Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch
University, [email protected], 021 808-2684, 071 099 5721
Thanks to Nieldane Stodart for the photo of the Pied Kingfisher
Bursa Science and Technology Center will be hosting NAMES
Fourth General Assembly Meeting (NAMES 2014), which will take place
in Turkey on 7-9 November 2014. The overarching theme of the conference will be
"Innovations: Revisiting your Mind". An innovation is something original, new, and
important—in whatever field—that breaks in to, or obtains, a foothold in a society. As all
of us recognize the heightened importance of innovation to competitive success, we face
an apparent paradox; orderly and predictable decisions are increasingly dependent on the
disorderly and unpredictable process of innovation. What we need are creative and
innovative solutions for fostering sustainable growth, and increasing competitive abilities;
but, how can we expect to plan for a process that is itself so utterly dependent on creativity
and inspiration?
Moreover, four sub-themes will be tackled during the 4th General Assembly Meeting. Firstly,
"Innovate to Educate" and "Informal Education". Providing education in new and
unconventional ways is only one of a number of solutions, but it is through innovation that
we can meet the challenges of improved efficiencies, lower costs, increasing accessibility,
and greater success in achieving development goals through education.
Date: 7-9 November 2014
Theme: "Innovation: Revisiting your Mind
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Eastern Cape
Community Centre
artists to join SKA
delegation in Australia
As part of an ingenious collaboration between science and
indigenous art, three artists from a small community art centre in
Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape have travelled with an
engineering delegation from SKA South Africa to Australia for the
launch in Perth on 30 September 2014 of the Shared Sky project.
This art exhibition will run in parallel with the SKA Engineering
meeting in Perth, which brings together the teams from around
the world who are working on the design of the first phase of the
Square Kilometre Array telescope, to be built from 2018 in South Africa and Australia.
Shared Sky stems from a vision by the Square Kilometre Array Organisation (SKAO) to bring together South African and Australian artists in a
collaborative exhibition celebrating humanity's ancient cultural wisdom and explanations of the universe. The exhibition draws on the art and
history of the people whose ancestors stood on the same soil where the SKA telescopes will stand, and looked up at the same, Shared Sky of the
Southern Hemisphere.
Nieu-Bethesda Community Arts Centre Director Jeni Couzyn, and artists Sandra Sweers and Gerald Mei – whose /Xam ancestors lived where the
SKA South Africa telescopes are being built – have created a display of quilts that capture elements of /Xam mythology around the origins and
movements of celestial bodies, such as the Sun, the Moon and the Milky Way, and even of a mythological character with links to dark matter
(which holds the galaxies together and which allows the first stars and galaxies to form in the Universe).
They will meet fellow artists from the Yamaji Centre and other Aboriginal people who, until the mid-19th century, were still living a largely
traditional way of life, hunting and gathering on the land that is now the site of the Australian SKA. They will examine shared themes around their
understanding of the night sky that their artwork has captured.
Understanding what sustains the rhythms and patterns of the world around us continues to be one of humankind's most enduring fascinations.
The movement of objects across the night sky has been a profound source of inspiration for artists since time immemorial.
According to SKA South Africa Director Bernie Fanaroff, science and art have a lot in common, "They are both about beauty and aesthetics – most
science is beautiful, and so is most art. The quilts, are really beautiful in themselves – colourful and dynamic; science is like that too."
Being located on similar latitudes on both continents,
the two sites in South Africa and Australia present
essentially identical views of the night sky to the
people who have lived there for tens of thousands of
years, and to whom some of the oldest known
artwork on earth can be attributed.
The official launch of the Shared Sky exhibition will be
at the John Curtin Gallery in Perth on 30 September
2014, where it will remain until 2 November. It is
scheduled to arrive in South Africa early in 2015.
For enquiries, contact:
Lorenzo Raynard, Manager: Science Communication
SKA SA – 021-5067319
William Garnier, Communication and Outreach
Manager, SKA Org – [email protected]
To register for the launch event, direct your request to
[email protected]
Join the Zimbabwe Science Centre on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Zimbabwe-Science-Centre/745045375560140?fref=ts
The 16th SAASTEC Conference will be held at the
Nelson Mandela Bay Science & Technology Centre
(Uitenhage) from the 17-20 Nov 2014.
2015 is International Year of Light and so the theme
for the conference this year will be “Science Centres Lighting up the way”. The sub-themes have been aligned
with the 7 goals of the Mechelen Declaration.
All info on the SAASTEC website - http://www.saastec.co.za
The Second Announcement is available on the web site.
Conference Hotel (there are 3 to choose from) details
Editor : Ginny Stone
are also on the web site. Buses will only depart from
Email: [email protected] / fax 086 242 2187
the Bayworld parking lot each morning. You are
Please send content for the next newsletter by the
welcome to stay elsewhere - as long as you can get to
23rd October 2014
the pick up/drop off point if you require transport.
Website: http://www.saastec.co.za
Contact Ginny if you have any queries.
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