OREANDA-NEWS. July 20, 2012. Secunda will be bustling with excitement, as eager learners, educators and members of the community attend the National Science Week from Monday, 30 July until Friday, 3 August 2012 at the Osizweni Education and Development Centre.  Osizweni is a Sasol education flagship initiative for maths, science and technology and has been selected for the 11th year as one of the grant-holders to host the National Science Week (NSW) 2012 in Mpumalanga, by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

This year, children from as young as age two up to Grade 12 will be able to interact with over 50 exciting technology exhibitions. A series of workshops will be conducted by world renowned Japanese scientist Hideo Nakano. Nakano has been seconded to Osizweni by the Japanese Government for a period of two years, to assist and transfer knowledge for scientific inventions.

According to Velaphi Gumbi, Chief Executive Officer at at Osizweni, over 12 000 people attended last year, making it the biggest centre to host such a large number of people nationally. “This year, we are anticipating over 15 000 people. The display of the exhibitions will demonstrate the fascinating world of science and the public can expect to see science and technology meet, in the most creative and exciting ways.”

The 2012 theme is ‘The role of science in economic development’, and the week will be packed with fun-filled activities and experiments, demystifying the role of science. Among the activities are field trips to the Sasol Secunda plant.

Isaac Modise, Acting General Manager at Sasol said, “Education is the foundation of a prosperous future and through this centre, we at Sasol hope to inspire a new generation of critical thinkers who will contribute positively to the world of science.”

The programme will bring together exhibitors from academic institutions, technology-based companies and government departments, including Eskom, Rand Water, South African Police Service, SAQA, Department of Water Affairs, and the Bloodbank amongst others.

The Osizweni Centre will be hosting the Early Childhood Development Science Week from Monday 23 July to Thursday, 26 July 2012, at their Toy Libraries. It will focus on creating scientific interest and edu-tainment for children between the ages of two to six years. The local community is also encouraged to attend a road show at the eMbalenhle Mall on 24 - 25 July 2012.