Sasol Scifest 2000
SciFest
is a high-profile event at which scientists popularise science,
engineering and technology, thereby helping to promote a much-needed
culture of science in South Africa.
The Festival was
made possible by the anchor sponsorship from Sasol Limited,
sub-sponsorship from the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and
Technology and many other donations and donations-in-kind. It took place from 29 March to 4 April.
There were more
than 400 events on offer, with free admission given to all the daily
laser shows, Science Olympics, primary school quizzes, Sunset Shows, 40
interactive exhibitions, and the special street parade. The 26 lectures
(with tickets ranging from R5 to R10) were presented by 13
international and 16 South African scientists. Other bookings which
ranged from R3 (which only covers the ticket cost) to R5 included two
high school quizzes, 142 workshops, 29 screenings of films, 11
field-trips, 14 chemistry shows, three physics shows, and daily
talk-shops (informal discussions) and Teas for Teachers.
Rhodes University
ran its own comprehensive programme centred in the new Eden Grove
Complex. For 24 popular lectures, seven tertiary lectures by
international speakers, 12 exhibitions, two workshops and 29 tours
there was free admission, while the remaining 52 workshops, 10
excursions, one lecture, and three theatre productions were booked
through Sasol SciFest.
Promotional
publications included a flyer, poster and the official programme - all
of which were produced in print form and electronically on the
web-page. A total of 30 press releases were issued and appeared in
local, regional and national newspapers and magazines. The Mail &
Guardian, and The Star produced special supplements. The SAfm outside
broadcasting unit provided extensive coverage from the Monument and the
SATV outside broadcasting unit spent several days at the Festival. Good
publicity was received on local, regional and national radio, and
television coverage increased substantially. Sasol Limited flighted
national television and regional radio advertisements. Media launches
were held in six centres around the country. Rhodes University's
Department of Journalism and Media Studies produced a daily SciCue
during the Festival. Sasol SciFest-on-the-Road presentations were made
in shopping malls in five centres around the Eastern Cape to give the
Festival advance publicity.
The project's
three permanent staff members were ably assisted by the Grahamstown
Foundation's financial, technical and administrative personnel, and a
corps of 87 temporary staff. Of the latter, 43 were science students
performing interpretive functions and 44 were semi-skilled workers
performing service functions.
Venues used for
the Festival were the 1820 Settlers National Monument, Albany Science
Museum, Albany History Museum, City Hall, and a marquee in the grounds
of the Archie Mbolekwe Primary School.
It is
estimated that some 38 000 people attended the Festival. With the first
five days coinciding with national school holidays there was a high
number of family groups and adults, as well as many school groups from
as far a field as Namibia, Botswana, Kimberley, Cape Town and
Johannesburg. On the final two days the local public schools were back
in session and large school groups attended. |
2010 programme
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National Science Week
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Vacancy Director Scifest Africa
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