National Science Month Launched to Strengthen Public Engagement with Science

Merafong: The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has officially launched the country's inaugural National Science Month, marking a new chapter in efforts to strengthen public engagement with science, technology, and innovation. According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina delivered the keynote address at the launch held at the Vaal University of Technology, emphasizing that the initiative expands the former National Science Week into a month-long program aimed at bringing science closer to all South Africans. The event coincided with the university's 60th anniversary celebrations and was announced as the department's flagship science engagement program by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Gina highlighted that the transition from National Science Week, implemented since 2000, reflects the government's recognition of the increasingly important role of science, technology, and innovation in addressing complex global and national challenge s. She noted that science is viewed not only as a driver of discovery but also as a catalyst for economic transformation, industrialization, and national competitiveness. Highlighting the country's investment in research and development, Gina pointed out that South Africa currently spends about 0.61% of its Gross Domestic Product on research and development, which is below the National Development Plan target of 1.5%. She emphasized the need to significantly raise public awareness of the value of science in everyday life, stating the department's new mantra of placing science, technology, and innovation at the center of government, education, industry, and society. According to the Deputy Minister, National Science Month seeks to demonstrate the power of science in understanding the natural and social world, harness new technologies to address societal challenges, promote informed decision-making, and improve public access to scientific knowledge. The month-long program, held under the theme "Science, Techn ology and Innovation Are for Everyone," aims to foster greater collaboration between scientists and communities and emphasize that science belongs to all people, regardless of ethnicity, class, gender, belief, or location. The launch featured a science exhibition comprising 132 stands and more than 100 exhibitors from universities, science councils, and research institutions across the country. Participating institutions included major universities and science entities such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, National Research Foundation, and South African National Space Agency. The program will cover a wide range of themes, including technology and innovation, health, environmental management, service delivery, education, journalism, human rights, climate change, space science, decolonizing knowledge systems, science diplomacy, and youth engagement. Gina also called on South Africans to use National Science Month to showcase the country's scientific achievements and encouraged learners t o pursue careers in science by drawing inspiration from South African innovators. During the event, the official National Science Month logo was unveiled, and the baton for hosting the 2027 edition was symbolically handed over to North-West University. Concluding her address, Gina urged all South Africans to champion science in their communities, declaring National Science Month officially launched as South Africa's premier science engagement initiative.