SCIENCE hubs across the city have opened their doors this week to encourage young people to consider related careers.
It is National Science Week and the theme is “Science for Sustainable Development and Improved Quality of Life”.
Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor kicked off this year’s week at UWC on Saturday.
Pandor also launched “NextGen100”, an initiative aimed to assist young innovators in transforming their ideas into businesses.
Premier Helen Zille and UWC rector Tyrone Pretorius accompanied the minister when she addressed 3 000 pupils from across the Western Cape.
Pretorius said this year UWC was fortunate to host the launch of National Science Week.
“As an institution we have always stressed the importance of science and its contribution to our country and economy, and to global collaborations and progress,” he said.
Through the NextGen100 initiative, 100 young people from different educational levels will win an opportunity to be mentored and supported to establish technology based companies.
“I am pleased today to launch this great initiative called NextGen100 which will help the young to start their businesses in the technology field.
"We need to harness the innovative spirit of young people in addressing our development challenges,” said Pandor.
In the country, Pandor said, small- and medium-sized companies contribute 40 percent of the country’s GDP and 60 percent of all employment, which is why it should be focused on.
Pandor urged people to visit National Science Week sites across the country.
l The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement and the National Research foundation will facilitate several science- related events this week.
l The NSW will have an open day today at CPUT, where students, pupils and the general public can attend various activities, which will include an exhibition and a science show.
l Chief engineer of the Groote Schuur Engineering Works Denton Smith will also have a talk at the centre tomorrow on how to conserve energy.
The centre will also be open on Saturday for workshops, exhibits and demonstrations.
l The iThemba LABS postgraduate students will visit shopping malls and taxi ranks, with exhibition stands, until Saturday.
The postgraduate students will talk about science done at the facility and how it has a bearing on life.
iThemba LABS will host career sessions at their centre until Saturday, where volunteer staff members will give career presentations to high school pupils.
l The South African Foundation for Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) will be open for free on Saturday and visitors will be taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility.
nicolette.dirk@inl.co.za