Physics can be fun and is an essential part of everyday life. Across South Africa scientists and communicators are working towards inspiring a new generation of physicists as part of the International Year of Physics 2005, as declared by the United Nations.

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), an organisation committed to put the world of science in society's hands, is taking part in the project to promote physics and to entice students to pursue careers in physics and other science-related subjects. "Our aim is also to instill in people an enthusiasm and appreciation for science and its application in our everyday lives," says Beverley Damonse, Executive Director of SAASTA.

In recognition of women's scientific achievements, SAASTA interviewed the following South African women physicists on their careers. "We are sharing their love of physics with you as a way of bringing the world of physics and the realisation of a possible career in physics a step closer to our people," says Damonse.

Zinhle Buthelezi Physicist Researcher at iThemba Labs	Mmantsae Diale PhD degree student in Physics at the University of Pretoria
Igle Gledhill Scientist at the CSIR and Fellow of CSIR Defencetek	Sharmila Goedhart Astronomer at Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory
Diane Grayson Professor Extraordinarius at the University of Pretoria	Delia Marshall Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape
Marjorie Mujaji Senior lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand	Jaynie Padayachee PhD student in physics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
Christine Steenkamp Lecturer in Physics at the University of Stellenbosch	Patricia Whitelock Astronomer with the South African Astronomical Observatory