Frequently Asked Questions

National Science Week (NSW), an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), is an annual countrywide celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI). It involves various stakeholders and/or role players who participate by conducting STEMI activities during the declared week. It is one of many initiatives conducted under the Science Engagement Strategy, which seeks to develop a society that is knowledgeable about science, able to form independent opinions about science and are scientifically literate.

National Science Week is usually held during the first week of August each year. The dates for this year are 1 – 6 August under the theme “Celebrating the role of basic sciences in the modern world”.

You can search for on SAASTA's website.

Applying for a grant is a great way to be a part of National Science Week although there are many other ways to participate, such as going to an event – visit SAASTA's website for more details.

There is clear and useful information online about how to organise your own event, but the first step is to work out what you would like to do, and what you might need to make that happen. 

If you are planning your own Science Week event, get in contact with Ms. Bafedile Kgwadi at SAASTA:  BM.Kgwadi@saasta.nrf.ac.za.

You need to contact Ms. Bafedile Kgwadi at SAASTA as an event organiser/Grant holder - she will be able to assist in uploading your event and activities on the website.

You can visit SAASTA’s website to check if the call is published. All science related activities are welcome, such as science shows, science workshops, science games etc. 

Yes you can - Contact Ms. Bafedile Kgwadi on how to apply.

The National Science Week programme is available on SAASTA's website.

The sections of society being targeted for participation are:

  1. Learners
  2. Educators
  3. Science interpreters
  4. Journalists
  5. General public
  6. Decision-makers
  7. Students
  8. Industry
  9. Tourists
  10. Indigenous knowledge holders
  11. Researchers and scientists

Ms. Bafedile Kgwadi

Project Coordinator
Email : BM.Kgwadi@saasta.nrf.ac.za
Call : (012) 392 9300

Ms. Brenda Edwards

Project Administrator
Email : BL.Edwards@saasta.nrf.ac.za
Call : (012) 392 9300