SASOL SCIFEST 2002 "for switched on people"
 The 6th South African National Festival of Science Engineering and Technology
is less than 2 months away and will bring with it the energy all have come to
expect from this event. Better known as Sasol SciFest, the annual celebration
aims to promote a culture of science in South Africa in a fun, festive and
fascinating way.
The organisers of Sasol SciFest have once again managed to create an
electrifying and awakening festival which will take place in Grahamstown from 13
- 19 March 2002. The official programme is now available and details the more
than 400 events at Sasol SciFest, that range from lectures, interactive
exhibitions, workshops and films, to other events that simply defy
classification.
Adults and mature students will find the public lectures spellbinding, with
local and international guest lecturers addressing issues which are of great
significance to the human race. The mapping of the human genome will be
explained by Sir John Sulston who led the British research effort into the
project. As an advisor to the UK Human Genetics Commission he will also share
his views on ethical issues, including generic drugs. The young and vibrant
Pieter Venter will share the excitement of extreme deep sea diving and the
recent discovery of more coelacanths at Sodwana Bay in Natal, South Africa. Also
featured is Professor Tom Kirkwood who reveals some of the mysteries of ageing.
Lindy Rodwell, Africa Programme Coordinator of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's
South African Crane Working Group, will talk about how a dedicated group of
conservationists is working with landowners, farm workers, educators and
scientists to establish the cause of the decline in Blue Crane numbers and how
to reverse the debilitating trend.
The lecture series also features panel discussions that will look at
Astrology and Astronomy, and address the contentious issue of computer ethics,
with special reference to hacking, hate speech and pornography.
Interactive exhibitions are the heart of the Sasol SciFest and 2002 will be
no different. There is no entrance charge and the passion of each experienced
presenter will keep one going back for more. Confirmed exhibitors include the
South African Air Force; Embassy of France; Department of Water Affairs and 2020
Water Vision; Old Mutual Maths Marquee arranged by AMESA, SA Weather Service and
several of the country's tertiary institutions.
Workshops are always extremely popular providing festival goers with a
hands-on understanding of science, engineering and technology. The perfect
switch can be found for almost anyone, with workshops aimed at all groups such
as the whole family, younger children and even teachers. Festival goers can
choose from the Lego Dacta, design, SA Weather Service workshops, bell ringing
and the French Embassy sponsored rocket-making workshop by ANSTJ.
Of the events which refuse to have themselves classified - referred to in the
official programme as Special Extras - include Senior School Quizzes with big
prizes such as scholarships to Rhodes University, Primary School Quizzes, Street
Theatre, the Street Parade, Playfair, Sunset Shows, Science Olympics, and a
nightly game drive.
The FilmFest presents movies currently on circuit at prices that look like
misprints. At only R3-00 or R5-00 for movies such as Lara Croft - Tomb Raider,
A.I. and Jurassic Park III, Sasol SciFest provides the perfect opportunity to
recharge your batteries after a fun-filled and stimulating day!
The official programme and booking kit for Sasol SciFest 2002 is hot off the
press and available for R10-00 at outlets nationwide. For more information
please contact the Sasol SciFest Office on (046) 603-1106 or visit www.scifest.org.za.
For more information please contact Anja Fourie on (046) 603-1172 or 082 738
7210 or email scimedia@foundation.org.za.
Or contact Eve Cambray at (046) 603-1156 or email eve.cambray@foundation.org.za.
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