SAASTEC Conference at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Johannesburg, Gauteng

The SAASTEC 24th Conference kicked off from the 21 – 23 November at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Johannesburg, Gauteng. The conference is a gathering of practitioners from various science engagement institutions with the intention of conversing on new and innovative ways to engage the public about science-related topics.

This year’s gathering centred around the theme “Futuristic Science Engagement,” delving into sub-themes like collaboration, science centre sustainability, engagement in the 4th Industrial Revolution, and assessing program impact. Distinguished guests, included the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Department of Education MEC Matome Chiloane, Managing Director at NRF-SAASTA, Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, Director and Deputy Director of Science Promotion at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) Mr Isaac Ramovha and Mr Livhuwani Masevhe. A pre-conference workshop took place on the 20th November with all accredited Science centres on customising plans for their science centres.

The Pre-conference workshop was a collaboration between the Department of Science and Innovation and the NRF-SAASTA. Mr Daniel Matsapola, Science Engagement Manager at SANSA, took the stage with an enlightening presentation on “The Future Business of Science in South Africa’s Democratic Dispensation.” His insights into the evolving landscape of science and its role in our democratic journey were truly thought-provoking. He concluded that “the best way to predict the future is to create it ,we are creative beings”.

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre was honoured by Honourable Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s warm welcome on the opening day of the conference to the Gauteng Province.