Sasol Scifest 2005 The National
Festival of Science, Engineering and Technology (Sasol SciFest) was
launched in 1997 as an annual festival which promotes a culture of
science in South Africa in a festive way. It is a high-profile,
national event during which scientists popularise science, engineering
and technology.The Festival was made possible by anchor sponsorship from Sasol Limited, sub-sponsorship from the Department of Science & Technology, and many other donations and donations-in-kind. The 564 events on offer were arranged into a Main Programme (organised by Sasol SciFest) and a Fringe (planned, hosted and staged by outside parties). The festival took place from 16-22 March. The Main Programme presented free Playfair sessions, Science Olympics, Sport ‘n Science events, Sunset Shows, a church service, quiz, tour, and 35 interactive exhibitions. For other events a ticket system (basic price R7-50) enabled visitors to plan their programme carefully. Included were 20 lectures (by seven international and 13 SA scientists); one discussions (led by panels of SA scientists); eight Talkshops or lecture / demonstrations; two high school quizzes; 25 presentations of educational theatre; daily laser shows; and 254 workshops. There were 30 screenings of films (tickets R7-50 to R10). Fringe Programme contributors included Rhodes University (23 lectures / demonstrations, 44 workshops and 34 other events); the SA Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (four lectures / demonstrations, five workshops and two excursions); and St Andrew's Preparatory School (eight workshops). Promotional publications included a flyer, poster and the official programme – all of which were full-colour and produced in print form and electronically on the website. More than 25 press releases were issued and appeared in local, regional and national newspapers as well as on various electronic news websites. Die Burger (Oos-Kaap) and Mail & Guardian produced special supplements, while the Rhodes University Department of Journalism and Media Studies cooperated with Shoppa to produce a daily supplement throughout the duration of the Festival. SAfm was subsidised to provide extensive coverage of the Festival. Positive TV coverage was received as the SABC 2 / Morning Live crew produced a live broadcast from the Monument and the Festival featured on SABC Africa. Good publicity was received from local, regional and national radio. A media launch was held in Grahamstown. A total of five presentations were made in shopping malls in four centres around the Eastern Cape to give the Festival advance publicity, while the Festival’s national outreach programme, Sasol SciFest-on-the-Road reached approximately 7 500 people. Five permanent staff members were advised by the Sasol SciFest National Advisory Committee and assisted by financial, technical and administrative personnel of the Grahamstown Foundation. During the Festival, 150 temporary staff worked including 132 science students performing interpretive functions. Main Programme Festival venues were the 1820 Settlers National Monument, the City Hall, the Albany Museum, whilst the Botanical Gardens, Institute for Water Research, and Public Library were used for workshops. Fringe venues were mainly located at the premises of the presenting organisation. It is estimated that more than 33 000 people attended the Festival. A Visitor Survey was conducted to determine the demographic profile, economic impact and needs of Festival visitors. |
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