Sasol Scifest 2003The annual
National Festival of Science, Engineering and Technology (Sasol
SciFest) was launched in 1997 to promote a culture of science in South
Africa in a festive way. The aim of the Festival is to break through
popular misconceptions of science, engineering and to create a new
mindset by giving scientists the opportunity to make science accessible
to ordinary people.The Festival was mad possible by the anchor sponsorship of Sasol Limited, sub-sponsorship from the Department of Science & Technology, and many other donations and donations-in-kind. The 645 events on offer were arranged into a Main Programme (organized by Sasol SciFest) an a Fringe (organized by associated institutions in Grahamstown). The festival took place from 26 March to 1 April. The Main Programme featured 17 lectures(presented by nine international and six South African scientists); three discussions (led by panels consisting of international and South African scientists); 34 interactive exhibition; and 319 workshops. The Special Extras programme consisted of the Sasol SciFest Laser Show; Sunset Shows; Science Olympics; Afternoon Shows; Sport ‘n Science Festival; PlayFair; A One-man Play; Cannon Firing; a video link-up with the Wrexham Science Festival, Wales;24 field trips; a church service; Primary and Senior School Quizzes; the Street Parade; three “Talkshops”, ECSTEM AGM; and the Flying Focus@Sasol SciFest 2003. The FilmFest featured 32 screening of films on circuit in South Africa. The Fringe Programme featured acivities presente by Rhodes University, the SA Isntitute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), St Andrew’s Preparatory School and Reptile World. The Rhodes University programme was centred mainly in the Eden Grove Complex and consisted of a large composite exhibition, 47 workshops and 52 other events including tours, quizzes, demonstrations, field trips and competitions. SAIAB presented three talkshops, two excursions and two workshops, while Reptile World presented educational material inside the reptile trailer. St Andrew’s Preparatory School’s Children’s SciFest consisted of a comprehensive programme which featured 37 workshops. Promotional publication included a flyer, poser and the official programme-all of which were full-colour and produced in print form and electronically on the web sit. A total of 20 press releases were issued and appeared in local, regional and national newspapers as well as on various news web sites. The Mail & Guardian, Beeld and The Star produced special supplements, while Rhodes University’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies produced SciCue on a daily basis during the Festival. The SAfm outside broadcasting unit provided extensive coverage of the Festival. Television coverage increased substantially as the SABC 2 Morning Live crew produced two live broadcasts from the Monument. Good publicity was received on local, regional and national radio. A media launch was held in Grahamstown. A total of Sasol SciFest-on-the-Road presentations were made in shopping malls in four centres around the Eastern Cape to give the Festival advance publicity. The project’s five permanent staff members were ably assisted by the Grahamstown Foundation’s financial, technical and administrative personnel. The number of temporary staff increased to 98 of which 70 were students (performing interpretive functions) and 28 were child guides. Festival venues were 1820 Settlers National Mounument, Albany Science and History Museums and the City Hall. It is estimated that more than 35 000 people attended the Festival. The drop in attendance is attributed to the school holidays which commenced on Friday, 28 March. A Visitor Survey was conducted to determine the demographic profile, economic impact and needs of Festival visitors. |
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