Sasol Scifest 2001
SciFest
is a high-profile event during which scientists popularise science,
engineering and technology, thereby helping to promote a much-needed
culture of science in South Africa in a festive way.
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. The festival took place from 28 March to 3 April and there were 441
events on offer. These consisted of a Main Programme (organised by
Sasol SciFest) and a Fringe (organised by outsiders).
On the Main
Programme there were free, daily Morning Shows, Science Olympics,
Primary School Quizzes, Sunset Shows, 43 interactive exhibitions, and a
special street parade. The 20 lectures (with tickets ranging from R5 to
R10) were presented by 7 international and 11 South African scientists.
Other bookings which ranged from R3 (which only covers the ticket cost)
to R5 included two high school quizzes, 134 workshops, 22 screenings of
films, 13 field-trips, and 46 events in the Special Extras section..
Fringe events
increased in 2001. The Rhodes University programme, centred mainly in
the Eden Grove Complex, consisted of 25 lectures, 11 exhibitions, 46
workshops, 17 tours and 3 theatre performances. The JLB Smith Institute
programme included 5 Talkshops, 14 tours and 7 Scientist-in-Residence
sessions. Events planned to coincide with the Festival included the
launch of an on-line science journal, Science in Africa and a new
product, iQhilika (mead), whilst a meeting of the Institute of
Landscape Architects of SA was also held.
Promotional
publications included a flyer, poster and the official programme - all
of which were produced in print form and electronically on the
web-page. More than 40 press releases were issued and appeared in
local, regional and national newspapers and magazines. The Mail &
Guardian, and the Eastern Province Herald produced special supplements
and full-page features appeared in several regional and national
newspapers. The SAfm outside broadcasting unit provided extensive
coverage from the Monument. Good publicity was received on local,
regional and national radio, and television coverage increased
substantially. Sasol Limited flighted regional radio advertisements.
Media launches were held in four 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
four permanent staff members were ably assisted by the Grahamstown
Foundation's financial, technical and administrative personnel, and 116
temporary staff. Of the latter, 80 were science students performing
interpretive functions.
Festival venues
were the 1820 Settlers National Monument, Albany Science and History
Museums, the City Hall, Dakawa Community Arts and Craft Centre and a
marquee at Archie Mbolekwe Primary School.
It is
estimated that more than 45 000 people attended the Festival. Many
school groups came from as far a field as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Durban,
Kimberley, Cape Town and Johannesburg. A Visitor Survey was conducted
to determine the demographic profile, economic impact and needs of
Festival visitors.
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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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