The Minister responsible for Science and
Technology Dr Ben Ngubane commends and supports the outstanding achievements made by 12
female students who excelled in science, mathematics and technology. The awards are part
of a project initiated by the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF). The Department
of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST) as partner of the NSTF have expanded its
role in the NSTF Awards to support and encourage girls’ participation in Science and
Technology. This supportive role of DACST has resulted in additional recognition of girls
who have excelled or achieved meritorious performance in a variety of Science and
Technology activities. The 12 girls recognised by Minister Ngubane are the top performers
in the following National Science and Technology competitions:
Jessica Cockburn, Juan-Mari Kruger and Carin van der Merve.
Mathematics Olympiad
Ingrid von Glehn and Tamara von Glehn.
Science Olympiad
Ingrid Arnold, Lauren Hartmann and Deerasha Singh.
Technology Olympiad
Odele George, Wendy Scott, Sophy Kekana, Dolly Manaka and Queen Sepeng.
In recognising these female students DACST,
in collaboration with the NSTF acknowledges the potential of ordinary individuals to
become role models for others and to encourage them to make contribution e.g. in the
development of mathematics, science and technology in our country. It is through these
female students’ excellence that participation in careers such as science;
engineering and technology can be enhanced.
The NSTF is a Science and Technology
consultative and lobbying forum established in 1995 to lobbying support of government
departments, research institutions, academics, stakeholders and other role players around
science and technology issues, and contribute to policy formulation and implementation of
Science and Technology in South Africa.
Minister Ngubane has declared this week, from
6 to 11 May 2002, the National Science, Engineering and Technology Week 2002 to, amongst
other things, encourage young learners to pursue careers in these fields. We believe that
the DACST-NSTF approach is commendable as new ideas in the fields of science and
technology will emerge, and thus assist government in its effort to deal with problems
such as unemployment, poverty, crime, and HIV/AIDS. The partnership will go a long way to
contribute to the development of Science and Technology in line with the NEPAD programmes
to develop the continent of Africa.
For more information contact: Andrew Aphane
Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 082 387 5615
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ARTS, CULTURE,
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
