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Science to come alive in the streets of Pretoria


Johannesburg, 05 Dec 2016

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) Science Forum South Africa will take science to the streets on 8 and 9 December, when it stages exciting exhibitions and information sessions for the public.

As part of the activities around the second annual Science Forum South Africa, Science on the Street will feature interactive exhibitions, shows and information sessions guaranteed to interest people of all ages.

Mokgadi Madiga, Deputy Director: Science Promotion at the DST, says the Science on the Street outreach builds on the first Science on the Street event last year, when exhibits set up in the Pretoria CBD received an overwhelmingly positive response. "We found that people of all ages - from learners through to working professionals and elderly people - came along to engage with the exhibits and ask questions. In line with our Science Engagement Strategy to demystify the sciences to the general public, we have expanded the outreach this year."

Around 40 government departments, NGOs, universities and other exhibitors, some of which are participating in the Science Forum South Africa at the CSIR International Convention Centre, will also showcase their work at Science on the Street in Church Square, Pretoria, on 8 and 9 December. Science shows and hands-on displays will be among the attractions; with two career guidance workshops to be staged daily from 8am - 12pm and 2pm - 5pm. The Science Forum South Africa proceedings will also be streamed live to Church Square, allowing members of the public to enjoy the forum presentations.

On both days, the first 100 people to join the bus queue will be given a rare opportunity to embark on a tour of the National Zoological Gardens research facilities and animal hospital.

Science on the Street promises to be a fun and informative day out for the whole family, says Madiga. "This event is free to attend, and we invite everyone to come and have a look. The exhibits will also reinforce learners' school curricula. We already know of around eight schools who will bus in learners and their parents to attend the event."

The DST will also stage a smaller outreach event at Birch Acres Mall on 8 - 9 December, as well as dialogues at the Cape Town Science Centre on 6 December and in Daveyton on 8 December.

Gratified by the success of the first Science on the Street events, the DST expects to grow this event in future, as part of its overall science engagement strategy. "We are increasing our focus on popularising science and technology to make it attractive, relevant and accessible to everyone," she says.

Science Forum South Africa will be staged on 8-9 December 2016, at the CSIR International Convention Centre, in Pretoria, South Africa. For more information, visit http://www.sfsa.co.za.

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