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Maths & Science

Changing SA through science

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:34

Naledi Pandor

Learners have been encouraged to take up maths and science to help South Africa build a generation of innovators who are able to come up with solutions to challenges the country faces.

“South Africa has lagged behind many countries in science achievements and innovation. Our country needs to at least quadruple the number of senior researchers, invest millions in science performing institutions and support schools to produce excellent students in mathematics and science subjects,” said Science and Technology Minister, Naledi Pandor.

She was speaking at the launch of annual Science Week at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) on Saturday.

Science Week will run from 1 – 6 August under the theme ‘Science for economic development’.

Analysis of the 2008 National Senior Certificate results by the Centre for Development and Enterprise showed that thousands of learners missed the opportunity to do well in maths and science, and actually had the potential to pass if they had taken the subjects.

Pandor encouraged learners and teachers across all grades to put their best efforts towards producing the best results in these subject areas.

The minister has in the past conceded that much more needs to be done to increase the number and quality of maths and science teachers in the country. To this end, the department introduced bursaries for intensive school teacher training to help counter the problem.

Pandor underscored the importance of science in economic and social development.

“The development of vaccines and medicines; the next prototype of satellites; meeting the challenges of rural development and security of food; improved materials for homes, clinics, roads; the sustainability of the planet and the diverse species on it; and the many other examples that I could mention, depend on us,” said Pandor.

South Africa is currently involved in ground breaking work in the HIV field. In June, the department, in partnership with the United States, launched FACTS 001, a study to test the safety and effectiveness of 1 percent tenofovir gel.

The study prior to FACTS 001, known as CAPRISA 004, was conducted last year by the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) on nearly 900 women in KwaZulu-Natal. It showed that the use of the gel reduced HIV infection by 39 percent and also reduced the risk of contracting genital herpes by 51 percent in women.

Pandor commended UKZN for its role in the study to prevent HIV infection. This year, South Africa will host the 6th Science Centre World Congress in September. - BuaNews