Sasol Scifest 1998
SciFest
is a high profile event where scientist popularize science, engineering
and technology, thereby helping promote a much-needed culture of
science in South Africa.
The anchor
sponsor was Sasol Limited and the sub-sponsors were the Department of
Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and telkom. The Festival was also
well supported by other donations and donations-in-kind.
It took place from 28 March to 5 April. Activities
included 38 lectures (9 international and 23 local speakers) 102
workshops, 35 exhibitions, 24 screenings of films, 13 field-trips, a
street parade, two book launches, four laser shows over Grahamstown,
two family shows in Grahamstown East, four Science Olympics, two high
school quizzes, a daily primary school quiz and daily Sunset Shows.
A workshop was held in August to streamline the marketing strategy.
Promotional publications included a flyer, poster, website and the official programme.
Over 28 press
releases were issued and appeared in local, regional and national
newspapers and magazines. The Mail & Guardian and Grocotts’s Mail
published special supplements. Coverage was received on national and
regional radio and Sasol Limited flighted advertisements on regional
radio stations nationwide. Television coverage increased appreciably.
Rhodes University’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies produced a daily SciCue during the Festival.
Three permanent
staff were employed. Grahamstown Foundation staff assisted with
financial, technical and administrative support. Of the 83 temporary
staff employed 47 were science students.
Venues at the
1820 Settlers National Monument, Rhodes University, St Andrew's College
and DSG Design and Technology Centre, the Albany Museum, JLB Smith
Institute and Nombulelo High School were used.
An
estimated 28 000 people attended, which a high percentage were school
children. The weekends were popular for adults and family groups,
whilst the weekdays were favoured by school groups. The bulk of the
visitors were “day-trippers”. Cheaper types of group accommodation were
located. Two studies are currently being processed – and analysis of
visitor profile and opinion by the Rhodes University Management
Department and a survey of exhibitors relating to the organisation and
planning of Sasol SciFest ’98.
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2010 programme
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National Science Week
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Vacancy Director Scifest Africa
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