ss youth issue 09

1Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

THE FUTURE OF TOMORROW

Issue 09 | July/August 2015

SCIENCESTARS

CO

NT

EN

Ts

FEATURES

12 Science and Technology in 2016

17 DHET Budget Vote

21 Moulding future entrepreneurs

26 Infographic

27 Motivation

31 DST empowers the Eastern Cape

39 When I was a fish

book review

42 The coding genius

44 Science Stars news

REGULARS

5 foreword

6 editor's note

10 science news

28 cAREERS

33 QUIZ

34 PUZZLE

40 TOP 10

45 Kids’ Comments

46 ACTIVITY

CONTENTSCONTENTS

theFOREWORD

full swing. I am currently visiting rural and township schools

across the country, disseminating information on the need for

matriculants to apply on time to institutions of higher learn-

ing (universities and colleges). During these visits, I take along

the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Sector

Education and Training Authority (SETAs) and the Department’s

Career Development branch, to offer career advice to Grade 9-12

learners as well as funding opportunities.

In this special edition of Science Stars, you are invited to share

in the excitement of young professionals and their achieve-

ments. Be inspired by their stories and let them guide you to a

successful career of your own.

Read more about what the Department of Higher Education and

Training & the Department of Science and Technology are plan-

ning for 2015 and 2016. If you are not sure which career path to

follow, the upcoming projects and programmes offered by these

departments can be a guideline for you.

You can find out more about the opportunities that are available

for young entrepreneurs and the dreams that can be turned into

careers. We explore some of the hobbies enjoyed by the youth,

like music (page 23), gaming (page 37) and reading (page 39).

I am very pleased to write the foreword for the Youth Issue of

Science Stars magazine. First and foremost, I would like to use

this platform to highlight the programmes that are being imple-

mented by the Department of Higher Education and Training

(DHET), with the aim of empowering the young people of South

Africa. As a department, we have pledged to direct all our efforts

towards creating opportunities for our youth especially in the

area of education and training.

I want to urge matriculants to take action and apply to institu-

tions of higher learning by September this year. The 2015 leg

of the Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance campaign is now in Mr Mduduzi Manana, MPDeputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

Where to from here?

FEATUREFOREWORD


While thinking and brainstorm-ing around this youth issue, the Science Stars team was excited about the various information they felt they would be able to put together and present to you, our readers. I was personally sur-prised by the level of imagination and progress the young people in South Africa have made and still continue to make.

From young people who are cre-ating apps (pg 42), to how hard work pays off and leads to success (pg 27) and to how a scientist who loves hip hop is making a difference (pg 23). This edition of Science Stars Magazine is jam

packed with interesting and exciting content.

However of all the features, I enjoyed the cover feature more than the rest. The cover story on the greatest scientists looks at both the inter-national and local scientists that have made an impact. As this is our youth issue we looked at the early years of some of the greatest names in science. It is fascinating to note the amount of progress that they had made at very young ages. It is also interesting to note that they were not necessarily born into science, but rather found their way towards science.

Their histories stand tall as lessons to all of us, that anything can be done as long as we set our minds to it and ignore the noise around us, because at times noise lacks meaning. We also compiled a list of 11 of the most notable South African scien-tist as part of the cover feature and outlined the reasons for this recog-nition.

Please enjoy reading this issue because it is meant for you. Interact with us on Facebook and feel free to follow us on our latest edition to the Science Stars social media presence; Instagram.

The youth is the future

Evans Manyonga

Managing Editor • Evans [email protected]

Deputy Editor • Shani Rhoda

Graphic Designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz

Project Manager • Renata Williams

Contributing writers • Oswald Kucherera • Caroline Pule Chairman • Madambi Rambuda

Public Relations • Bongeka Mnotoza

Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga

Subscriptions • [email protected]

Copyright 2015 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission.

Science Stars is published by Roswika Media

10th Floor, The Pinnacle2 Burg StreetCape Town, 8000

021 839 [email protected]

LetteR FROMTHE EDITOR

teamScience Stars

Managing Editor

ED’S NOTE

6 Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM

From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young work seekers, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential.

Over the last decade, Shanduka Foundation has created opportunities for educational development, career growth and entrepreneurial advancement.

Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans.

www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation

• Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and individuals to invest in education by adopting disadvantaged schools throughout South Africa. Through its model of Whole School Development, the foundation aims to improve the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools, enabling sustainable excellence in teaching and learning. The foundation creates opportunities for temporary employment of community members and for local businesses to get involved in improving schools. It works closely with communities and maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders.

• Kagiso Shanduka Trust (KST) is a collaboration between the Free State Department of Education, Kagiso Trust and Shanduka Foundation to develop and implement a district-wide school development model. It is a five-year programme that will work in over 400 schools, in two districts, utilising

a combination of the best practices of both the Kagiso Trust and the Shanduka Foundation.

• Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) develops qualifying 100% black-owned businesses to a level where they may gain meaningful access to markets, networks and finance. This is conducted via enterprise and supplier development activities within its small business incubators where members are provided with a working environment and support services that will enable them to thrive, and Shanduka Blackpages, an online enterprise and supplier development portal.

• The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises holistic holiday work programmes for all its students.

• The Shanduka experiential work programme provides opportunities for selected graduates and job seekers within the Shanduka Group and across its partner network.

A DECADE OF EMPOWERMENT

How they changed the world

COVER STORY

We admire them, respect them

and above all their knowledge

has positively contributed to

the way we live. Our top scientists come

from different corners of the world. These

heroes of Science are masters in various

scientific disciplines. Even more impres-

sive is the fact that most of these scien-

tists are also inventors in their own right

who have all played major roles on an

international stage.

Marie CurieMarie Curie shines among the greatest

scientists ever. She is famously known

for winning the Nobel Prize twice in two

different fields. She won her first Nobel

Prize in Physics in 1903 together with

her husband, Pierre Curie, and Henri

Becquerel, a French Physicist. She received

another great honor in 1911 in chemistry

to become the first scientist to win two

Nobel Prizes.

Curie was born Maria Sklodowska in

Warsaw (Poland) on 7 November 1867.

Both her parents were teachers. Her father,

who was a secondary-school Mathematics

and Physics teacher, tutored his daughter

in Mathematics and Physics privately at

home. She had an exceptional mind and

consequently excelled in her studies at

school but unfortunately lost her mother

at the age of 11. Curie became involved

in student politics and emerged as a

top student in her secondary education.

She could not continue with her studies

because she could not be accepted in the

men-only University of Warsaw.

As a result she resorted to self-study.

When facing financial problems she was

forced to find a tutoring position to help

finance the education of her sister Bronya.

In return, Bronya was to support Marie in

her studies.

After spending nearly five years tutor-

ing she immigrated to France where

she enrolled at the Sorbonne in Paris.

She graduated with a Master’s degree

in Physics in 1893 and earned another

degree in Mathematics in 1894. While she

was at Sorbonne where she met Physicist

Pierre Curie, who was later to become her

career partner and husband.

She was fascinated with the works of

Henri Becquerel, who discovered that

uranium casts off rays. She did her own

experiments on uranium rays and dis-

covered that the rays remain constant

regardless of the condition or form of the

uranium. And working together with her

husband they discovered a new radioactive

element in 1898 and named it polonium,

after Curie’s native country of Poland. She

authored many important scientific vol-

umes and is credited with coining the word

radioactivity.

Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein, hailed the greatest Physicist

of the 20th century won his Nobel Prize in

Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the

photoelectric effect.

Einstein was born on 14 March, 1874 in

Ulm, Wurttemberg, Germany. He was born

in a Jewish middle class family. His father,

Hermann Einstein was a salesman and

THE GREATEST SCIENTISTS

Einstein’s paper in 1905 changed the course of modern physics and brought him to the attention of the academic world

Written by : Oswald Kucherera


Engineer. Hermann was the founder of

a company that manufactured electrical

equipment in Munich, Germany. Hermann

gave his son a compass at the age of five

and Einstein was amazed at this great

discovery. The compass triggered a spark

of curiosity in Einstein’s mind. Einstein

received his primary education at Luitpold

Gymnasium where he took an interest in

playing the violin but was never to play

it at professional level. He had a speech

difficulty, resulting in him speaking slowly

and pausing to consider what to say. He

discovered a book of geometry at the age

of twelve and he read it over and over.

A family friend, Max Talmud, made a huge

impression on the young Einstein. Talmud

shared books with Einstein and intro-

duced him to higher Mathematics and

Philosophy.

His family moved to Italy, leaving him

behind but facing the prospect of military

duty in Germany, young Einstein aban-

doned school and followed his family

to Italy. He later renounced his German

citizenship. He continued his education

at Aarau, Switzerland, where he gradu-

ated in 1896 at the age of 17. In 1896,

he entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic

School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher

in Physics and Mathematics and later

obtained his Doctorate degree in 1905. He

wrote his first scientific paper ‘The inves-

tigation of the state of Aether in magnetic

fields’ at 16. Though it did not attract

much attention in the Science world, his

fate was to change when Max Planck,

the most influential Physicist of his time

and founder of quantum theory took an

interest in his work and made complimen-

tary comments. Einstein’s paper in 1905

changed the course of modern Physics

and brought him to the attention of the

academic world.

Isaac NewtonIsaac Newton was the greatest Physicist

and Mathematician in the 17th century.

Famously known for his law of gravita-

tion Newton made discoveries in optics,

motion and mathematics and his work

‘Mathematical Principles of Natural

Philosophy’ is considered the single most

influential book on Physics.

Newton was born on 4 January 1643, in

Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England but

his birth date is sometimes displayed as

December 25, 1642. His father was a farm-

er who died three months before the birth

of his son. Newton was born prematurely

and was not expected to survive because

he was tiny and weak. When he turned

three, his mother married Rev Barnabas

Smith, leaving young Newton with his

maternal grandmother. He detested his

stepfather and maintained some enmity

towards his mother for marrying Rev Smith.

This experience left him with a sense of

insecurity, manifested later in the irrational

behavior he displayed defending his merits.

He received his education at the King’s

School in Grantham where he was taught

Latin but not Mathematics. He took an

interest in studying Chemistry but unfortu-

nately he was removed from school by his

mother to start farming.

She wanted him to become a farmer. But

young Newton was uninterested in farming

and he failed dismally. Henry Stokes, of the

King’s School persuaded his mother to send

Newton back to King’s School to finish his

schooling.

He graduated with a B.A degree in August

1665 and later obtained his Masters of Arts

degree in 1669, just before he turned 27.

While studying privately he discovered the

Binomial Theorem and began to develop a

mathematical theory on calculus, optics and

the law of gravitation. Legend has it that

the falling of an apple from a tree inspired

him to discover the force behind the action

which eventually led to the discovery of

gravitational force.

Legend has it that the falling of an apple from a tree inspired him to discover the force behind the action which eventually led to the discovery of gravitational force

COVER STORY


COVER STORY

We have compiled a list of 11 of

the most notable South African

scientists and stated the aspects

that make them so unique and deserving

to be on this exclusive list.

Dr Christiaan Barnard: For performing two groundbreaking ‘firsts’.The world renowned surgeon, Barnard,

performed the country’s first kidney

transplant and the world’s first success-

ful human heart transplant at the Groote

Schuur Hospital in Cape Town in 1967.

Professor Himla Soodyall: For discov-ering more about our roots. Highly respected for her groundbreak-

ing research in genetics her studies have

opened new doors into understanding the

early history of humans.

Sydney Brenner: For explaining death at a cellular level and bringing that Nobel Prize to South Africa. Brenner studied molecular research and

discovered programmed cell death.

Aaron Klug: For discovering some-thing smaller than a micro cell and being a Nobel Prize winner. His macromolecular research broke new

ground in molecular research.

Max Theiler: For killing yellow fever and being a Nobel Prize winner. Theiler developed new vaccines for yellow

fever and also researched it intensively.

His efforts brought it under control.

Alan MacLeod Cormack – For making us say CAT and scanner in one sen-tence and winning a Nobel Prize. Cormack’s research led to the develop-

ment of the CAT scanner.

Joseph Albert Mokoena: For showing Africa how awesome Mathematics is.Mokoena was a Maths genius. He

ensured the African continent appreciated

Mathematics through his empowerment

and promotion efforts.

Mark Shuttleworth: For becoming the first African in space and only the second private citizen to self-fund his journey into orbit. Shuttleworth inspired the nation and now

promotes STEM among South African

learners.

Eric Merrifield and Aubrey Krüger: For keeping the sea away from the shore.These two individuals invented the dolos,

a concrete block piled with others to cre-

ate breakwaters and stop water from erod-

ing the shore.

Henri Johnson: For taking the anger out of sport.Johnson developed sports tracking tech-

nology and now the referees and empires

all have easier decisions to make.

SOUTH AFRICAN SCIENTISTS

30981 CSIR SP Gugu HR ol.indd 1 2014/10/20 1:24 PM

Written by : Evans Manyonga


30981 CSIR SP Gugu HR ol.indd 1 2014/10/20 1:24 PM

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN

2015 - 2016 The DST Budget Vote

DST

The Department of Science and

Technology (DST) held its Budget

Vote in Cape Town on Thursday, 21

May 2015. To reflect on the financial year

that has passed and celebrate the achieve-

ments of last year’s budget allocation, a

display of DST’s entities were presented

to the Minister of Science and Technology,

Naledi Pandor, in The Company’s Gardens.

The DST has been given an amount of R7,

482 billion for the 2015/2016 financial

year. Of this amount, a total of 92.2%

has been allocated to entities supported

by the DST. Furthermore, R2, 534 bil-

lion will be transferred to six entities as

Parliamentary grants.

The entities that will benefit from the grants:The National Research Foundation (NRF) - R885,9 million The NRF supports the discovery of new

information and funds research in the

fields of Science and Technology in

the aim of improving the quality of life

for South African citizens. Nationwide

research facilities are available to

researchers, including Hartebeesthoek

Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO),

iThemba LABS, South African Astronomical

Observatory (SAAO), National Zoological

Gardens of South Africa (NZG), South

African Environmental Observation

Network (SAEON) and South African

Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB).

The NRF also administrates the SKA SA

project.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – R827,7 millionThe CSIR provides facilities for research

in Science and Technology. Research con-

ducted at the CSIR is also developed and

introduced to the market as a consum-

able product. Focusing on set research

areas, the ultimate aim of the council is to

improve the lives of South African citizens.

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) – R385,2 million The TIA takes great ideas and turns them

into sustainable businesses. Individuals

with innovative ideas on technologi-

cal advancement can apply for financial

assistance through the agency. Along with

funding comes mentorship and support in

business-related planning.

The Human Sciences Research Council

(HSRC) – R288,7 million

The HSRC performs research related to the

public and the development of a country.

Although the council is not directly relat-

ed to Science and Technology, it carries

out studies that explain Social Sciences

and aids learning.

The South African National Space Agency

(SANSA) – R124,4 million

Established in 2010, SANSA is all about

Space Science and Technology. The agency

attempts to influence policy-making in the

country according to research outcomes

and to improve skills in the field of Space

Science.

The Academy of Science of South Africa

(ASSAf) – R22,991 million

ASSAf represents South Africa in interna-

tional Science communities by rewarding

scholarly achievements and communicating

with stakeholders and the general public

through media platforms.

NRF

CSIR

TIA

HSRC

SANSA

ASSAF

NRF to fund 14 880 postgraduate research

students


DST

700 students have been supported through both the SKA SA Bursary and Scholarship Programme and the National Astrophysics and Space Physics Programme.

Since 2011, 140 manufacturing

companies have benefited.

TECHNICAL SKILLSproduct quality

PRO

DUC

TIVI

TY

innovation

cost

-sav

ings

ener

gy e

ffic

ienc

y

waste management

JOB CREATION

R524 MIL

Flagship Projects

MeerKAT:

Technology Localisation Programme: Indigenous Knowledge:

Supporting SMEs improves:

The DST’s key priorities for 2015/16:

Supported 20 PhDs & 39 Master’s students

Created 133 jobs; established 2 agro businesses

R70 million invested in HIV, AIDS, TB and malaria, as well as drug development

Signed intellectual property agreements with L’Oreal, Nestle, Kalahari and Nativa

Development of human

capital

Knowledge creation

Research and infrastructure

Encourage innovation


AGE IS NOT A BARRIER

Dr Previn Naicker completed his

PhD at the age of 23. His academic

excellence saw him jump grades 7,

9 and 10. He was born in Durban, South

Africa in 1991 and is the youngest of

three siblings. He grew up in a close-knit

family which he acknowledges as always

having been a strong support structure.

Dr Naicker completed high school at the

age of 14, completed his BSc Biomedical

Science degree at 17 years of age and

went on to complete a BMedSci Honours

degree in Medical Biochemistry at the

University of KwaZulu-Natal when he was

18. After taking a gap year in 2010 he came

back to complete his Masters and PhD

degrees by 2014 when he was just 23 years

of age.

He believes that skipping grades 7, 9 and

10 gave him a good head start ahead of

his peers. “I had the same knowledge base

of those starting undergraduate studies

with me however I was at least 3-4 years

younger. This will translate into me hav-

ing more experience than most of my peers

in my field by the time I am 35 which will

Academic excellence

PROFILE


PROFILE

hold me in good stead for future oppor-

tunities. On the other end, it also forced

me to make big decisions quite quickly.

When I took breaks from studying in high

school, I tried to use as much of my time

to think about what I wanted to pursue as

a career,” he explains.

“This is one of the biggest decisions of

one’s life and although researching vari-

ous careers helps with the decision, you

will never know what is right for you until

you experience what different careers are

truly like,” he adds.

Despite his young age he got along well

with his older peers and also managed to

relate to them at university. “I never felt

that I was treated differently at university

so I don’t feel that I had a challenge that

was unique to me.”

Dr Naicker believes the personality of

the student, the support of their family

and guidance at school play a strong role

in equipping students to enter tertiary

institutions emotionally and mentally

ready these days. “I think in general career

guidance in schools is not given enough

attention. A lot of the time when there

are career guidance talks, some industries

are over represented and others under

represented. The reality is that this has a

lot to do with money and the materialistic

society that surrounds us. For example, the

banking sector in South Africa can afford

much more marketing and will create far

more jobs than the Biotechnology industry

which is still slowly growing,” he says.

A lot of studying also requires a lot

of funding and Dr Naicker had a par-

tial scholarship from the University of

KwaZulu-Natal during his undergraduate

studies while his parents had an educa-

tion policy to cover the rest of the tuition.

However all his postgraduate education

was funded by the National Research

Foundation (NRF).

At school he took part in numerous math-

ematics and science Olympiads and at high

school there were extra classes offered to

cover the content of the Olympiads which

were part of his extracurricular academic

programmes. “At University there is not

much extra time for extracurricular aca-

demic programmes and at the level of a

PhD ones research project becomes the

centre of your academic life,” he explains.

Dr Naicker joined CSIR and is now based at

Dr Previn Naicker


their head offices. “I discovered the CSIR

when I was researching work opportuni-

ties during my undergraduate studies.

During my PhD I collaborated with Dr

Stoyan Stoychev at the CSIR, to perform

protein dynamics studies using one of

their mass spectrometers. This was a suc-

cessful collaboration in which I learnt a

great deal,” he says.

He got an opportunity to study towards

his post-doctoral research at the CSIR

in 2014,--- which he then accepted. “The

projects I work on now give me insight

into product development, applications of

mass spectrometry and diagnostics and

vaccine implementation for viral diseases.

These are skills which I was quite eager

to add to my repertoire of molecular biol-

ogy knowledge. Moreover, the CSIR is the

place to be in Africa for contributing to

Science which has a direct impact socially

and economically.”

One of his research projects involves the

development of magnetic particles for

biochemistry research. These particles

where originally developed at the CSIR

but are now sold commercially by Resyn

Biosciences and distributed to researchers

around the globe.

“I am currently trying to optimise some of

the products which will be used for sam-

ple preparation in protein biochemistry.

My other project focuses on improving the

diagnostics and vaccine matching for live-

stock diseases. This is a multidisciplinary

project and requires a team with a variety

of molecular biology skills. Moreover, the

outcomes of the project will have a positive

socio-economic impact.”

When looking at his short and long term

career goals Dr Naicker would like to

successfully complete his post-doctoral

research and make positive contributions

to the projects he is working on. He also

wants to develop into the position of a

senior researcher within the next two

years and thereafter, he wants to be a top

researcher on multidisciplinary projects that

have a direct impact on society. “In the long

term I would like to take on managerial and

implementation driven positions and help

develop emerging researchers,” he says.

Dr Naicker advises young people who want

to follow STEM career paths to familiarise

themselves with all the industries they find

interesting. He also advises that students

should research the relevant topics in detail

and try to shadow or seek advice from

people who are actively working in those

particular industries.

“Also understand that if a topic is receiving

global attention it may not be receiving the

same attention locally which will have an

impact on job prospects, so try and under-

stand the local market as well. Find out

what skills are truly required in that indus-

try and if there are gaps in the industry

to inform your decision on what to study.

Think wisely before you commit to studies

in a specific field.”

“However don’t be afraid to change career

paths if you have reconsidered simply

because all your life’s experiences will

assist you in the long run,” he advises.

Dr Naicker in the lab

PROFILE


DHET

DHET BUDGET VOTEThe future of education

In May this year, the honourable Deputy

Minister of Higher Education and

Training gave a strong budget vote

speech that had a message to the coun-

try and the youth. We believe within the

speech, there is a direct message to you,

our Science Stars readers.

He explained that last year, the depart-

ment launched and declared 2014-2024

as the ‘Decade of the Artisan’, the aim

being to create a skilled nation of quali-

fied artisans, who can play a crucial role in

growing the different areas of our emerg-

ing economy. “We remain steadfast in our

work of elevating the status and profile of

artisans in the country, our conviction to

see our TVET colleges become institutions

of first choice remains unfazed and so is

our robust and frank engagements with

employers to open up their workplaces

for our artisan learners to gain workplace

exposure going uninterrupted,” he said.

There were also 21 young South Africans

who attended the tabling of the budget

vote. These students will be going with

the Deputy Minister to Brazil in August

this year, to compete against other young

people from over 72 countries, competing

in 19 artisanal skills areas.

“These young people were selected at

our inaugural ‘World Skills South Africa

National Competition’ that took place in

Cape Town in January this year. These com-

petitions are another way of harnessing

our energies towards the decade of the

artisan and they will contribute meaning-

fully in the overall economic growth of our

country,” he said.

Youth Development Programmes The Deputy Minister spoke about creating

skills opportunities for the youth, especially

those who live in the rural and remote

areas and those who are underprivileged.

“Sector Education and Training Authorities

(SETAs) are making sound interventions in

poor communities by skilling young people

so that they can gain employment. In the

last financial year, a total number of 175

562 young people entered into learning

programmes. These are young individu-

als who would have otherwise been dis-

gruntled but they have since regained their

confidence and many of them are now

in employment. A further 244 069 young

people will be trained over the next year

through the SETAs.”

He also mentioned that in the 2014/ 2015

financial year, the department took over

130 interns from universities and colleges

and they plan to take another 160 over the

2015/2016 financial year. This is a good

sign for our Science Stars readers. We hope

you will utilise the opportunity by finding

out more from the department’s website.

HIV/ AIDS The department is also continuing with its

Higher Education AIDS programme. “We will

continue in the upcoming year with activa-

tion programmes of promoting HIV testing

and screening of TB targeting our rural and

township university and college campuses.

In the last financial year, we managed to

test over 101 000 students and staff for HIV

and screened another 92 000 for TB and 81

000 for STIs,” he said.

Deputy Minister, Mr Mduduzi Manana


DHET

He also explained that this coming year

the department has targeted testing and

screening 170 000 students and staff and

giving treatment, care and support to

those who test positive.

Apply NowThe department has now started with the

2015 leg of the ‘Apply Now’ campaign.

They have started visiting rural and town-

ship schools across the country, speaking

about the need for matriculants to apply

in time to institutions of higher learning

and also offering career advice to Grade

9-12 learners. To achieve this they are cur-

rently training life orientation teachers

and also distributing ‘APPLY NOW booklets’,

to all Grade 12 learners across the 6000

high schools in the country. So make sure

you find out all the details about this pro-

gramme from your school.

One of the Deputy Ministers guests was

Nosipho Ndlovu who wrote a letter thank-

ing him in March this year. In the letter

she says, “Deputy Minister, it was only after

your visit to our school at Diepsloot in

May 2013 that I got encouraged to apply

on time to three universities as per your

advice. I got accepted by the University

of Cape Town and I’m now pursuing my

second year in Civil Engineering funded by

NSFAS. I really wasted no time and thanks

to DHET for making my dream come true.

Career developmentThe department is also working towards

establishing a national career develop-

ment system to help the youth gain

guidance and also assist them in gaining

employment. “Last year, Cabinet approved

that the Department of Higher Education

and Training lead the process of the devel-

opment of a Career Development Policy

and I am happy to report that this policy

will be finalised this year and will provide

the impetus to a single coordinated ser-

vice,” he said.

Disability Last year, the department launched the

Social Inclusion Policy Framework. The

framework will, amongst other social

issues, ensure there are disability units

in all post-school education and training

institutions and also address the impor-

tant issues of reasonable accommodation

and access for students with disabilities.

GuestsSome students who have been assisted

financially for their studies by the govern-

ment through the NSFAS programme were

also guests of the Deputy Minister at the

budget vote.

The students were Motheo Lengoasa

from the University of Cape Town, Ntombi

Gijana from the University of the Western

Cape, Buyile Matiwana from the Cape

Peninsula University of Technology and

Sibusiso Xabangela from the North link

TVET College.

E-LearningThe Deputy Minister also explained that

in 2015 the department will start with the

piloting of e-learning at selected teaching

and learning delivery sites as part of their

response to a wave of dynamic education

sector reforms, which are mostly looking

at adopting educational technologies to

enhance teaching-and-learning practices,

education management, research and

administration.

The Deputy Minister concluded by thank-

ing the President for having confidence

in him, the Minister of Higher Education

and Training Dr Blade Nzimande and the

department.

“To Dr Nzimande, thank you for the guid-

ance and teamwork that we continue to

demonstrate. Indeed, our leadership success

will be measured in how this department

creates an environment for children from

poor households on the farms and those

in rural areas and townships, imagine and

realise endless possibilities for a better life,

free from poverty and social deprivation,” he

concluded.


111919 ARC Roswika Media.indd 1 2014/08/29 9:59 AM

This year’s winner of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) designed a way for improved air quality in aeroplanes by rerouting the airflow, which will also reduce the transmission of air-borne disease amongst passengers. The 17-year-old Canadian boy walked away with the top prize of over R750, 000.

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia might soon be listed under UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites that are in danger. Australia has been given 18 months to plan ways in which it will protect the famous reef from the effects of climate change.

A student from the Harvard Business School, Grace Choi, has

used 3D printing to develop a way of printing makeup. The

FDA-approved printer, which Choi hopes to launch later this

year, will allow its users to print colours for makeup types such

as lip gloss, blush and eye shadow.

Pluto, formerly considered one of the planets, has been studied using the Hubble Space Telescope. Pluto’s five moons appear to be following unpredictable orbital patterns said to be caused by the shifting gravitational fields of Pluto and its largest moon, Charon.

Selected South African universities are set to receive funding to the value of R30-million from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). The financial boost aims to improve the health research in five of the country’s universities.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Central University of Technology

(CUT) in the Free State, assisted a student with a disability when he

approached the Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) at CUT.

Due to his stunted growth, the student could not drive. The team at PDTS

followed the student’s suggestion and created extended pedals for a car

using steel plate, carbon fibre, canopy clips and rubber.

Students of Duke University in the USA have developed a mobile app dedicated to ‘selfies’. The ‘selfie’ craze has taken the digital world by storm and Ego displays a collection of images posted by its users.

SCIENCE NEWS

SCIENCE NEWS

ENTREPRENEURS

MOULDING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS The cost of following your dreams

Entrepreneurship comes at a heavy cost. More work is required over a broad spectrum and

the financial load is often unbearable for the average individual. Certain institutions have

recognised these common obstacles and have set up a structure to support entrepreneurs.

Here are a few entities that provide assis-tance to budding entrepreneurs in South

Africa

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)An entity of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the main purpose of TIA is to assist young people in forming a business plan and kick-starting their businesses. Along with funding, recipients receive mentorship. Funding is granted to successful candidates

who submit their creative technology-based ideas. A special fund called the Youth

Technology Innovation Fund (YTIF) is dedicat-ed to proposals from persons aged between

18 and 30 years old.Visit the website (www.tia.org.za) for more

information.

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

With a heavy focus on providing mentorship to the youth, the NYDA also offers develop-

ment programmes to those who want to pursue an entrepreneurial lifestyle. There are various programmes run by the NYDA ranging from starting a business to growing an exist-ing business. Individuals from the age of 18

qualify for these programmes. Visit www.nyda.gov.za for further details.

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

Aimed at assisting job creation and eco-nomic growth in South Africa, the IDC funds and invests in new or existing businesses

within the industrial sector. Businesses that might benefit from the IDC include those focused on metals and mining, machinery and equipment, agro-processing and agri-culture, as well as industrial infrastructure.The IDC has set out minimum requirements

for businesses seeking funding.

The applying business must:• Comply with international envi-

ronmental standards;• Shareholders need to make a

financial contribution; • The business must be profitable

and sustainable; • Re-financing of fixed assets is

not provided by the IDC.


TECHNOLOGY

HOW TO DEVELOP AN APP

Did you know that over one million

people a day purchase a smart-

phone and more than a billion

applications (Apps) are being downloaded

every single day.

Starting and creating an app is not as

complicated as it may seem. We have

decided to give you a step by step guide

on how to publish an app on the iPhone

and iPad apps on iTunes.

Step 1 Do market research in iTunes to find out

what people want to buy.

The app store has a lot of categories from

kids games, racing games, action games

and adventure games to productivity, med-

ical and entertainment sections.

You will have to look at the top free and

top paid charts in those categories. You

can be looking at the specific areas of

interest to you like games, music etc. After

seeing what is highly popular you can

come up with some good choices.

Step 2Read the customer reviews in iTunes.

Now you can look at the specific apps

that are popular in your chosen category.

For each app you can read the reviews

and see what customers liked and didn’t

like about the app. This will provide some

important information about what fea-

tures you can put into your app.

Step 3Sign up to the Apple developer program.

To publish apps you need to sign up to

the Apple developer program. You can do

this on the Apple Developer site for about

$99/year which is about R1 200 a year.

Once you are enrolled this means you can

publish as many apps as you want to the

app store each year.

Step 4How to wireframe your app and how to

buy code.

You now have two options to complete

the app development work.

OPTION 1 – Buy source code;There are lots of sites on the web where

you can buy iPhone source code. Just

google “iPhone source code” or similar and

you will find a lot.

This is the cheapest and fastest way to get

started making apps.

OPTION 2 – Make source code;Make the app from scratch. You can use

Appcooker to do this and you can get it on

your iPad as well.

Step 5Now you need to hire a great iPhone app

developer . You can post online to get

some good responses. That way you can

choose from a wider variety of applicants.

Step 6Hiring a great app artist.

When making your app, having art and

design that looks good is one of the most

important things you have to do. People

browsing in the store will judge how good

your app is based on how great it looks.

So unless you are a professional graphic

designer, it’s really important to hire an art-

ist.

Step 7 Uploading your app to the store.

Once you have completed your app, the

next stage is to upload the app to iTunes.

This is something your developer will do, or

alternatively you can do this yourself if you

have a mac with your Apple developer certs

set up. After you upload the app to Apple,

you now have to wait between 7 and 10

days for Apple to review.

Fun Facts• 91% of all people on earth have a mobile phone;• 56% of people own a smart phone;• 50% of mobile phone users, use mobile as their primary Internet source;• 80% of time on mobile is spent using apps;• 72% of tablet owners purchase online from their tablets each week.



PROFILE

JAY TIPThembelani Gina is a Scientist striv-

ing for greatness, but what does

this hip hop lover do when the

pressure of the academic world reaches

boiling point? He wins over the ears of

music lovers.

This first year Physics part-time lecturer

at the Tshwane University of Technology

(TUT) is not your average lecturer. In addi-

tion to completing his Master’s Degree

in Nuclear Energy, Themblani (popularly

known in the music world as Jay Tip) pro-

duces music and recently won the ‘Back to

the City 10k challenge’ in Johannesburg.

Growing up in Jozini (eMadonela) and

Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal, he became

the first person in his family to pursue

studies in the field of Science – dreaming

of making his contribution to the techno-

logical advancement of the country.

QWhat is the meaning behind the nick-

name ‘Jay Tip’?

AThe Jay came about through a late

family friend who used to call me Jr,

and Tip is just my initials (TP) with an (i)

in between.

QWere you part of any Science-related

societies while at varsity?

AYes I was a member of the UCT

Astronomy Club and I have also par-

ticipated in the National Science Week.

QDo you think having an unrelated

hobby assists individuals in their

careers?

AI think it does indirectly like when

your career gets to you, like your

stress levels are too high, you need some-

thing to divert from your routine, and

that’s when your hobby comes in. It’s sort

of like a hiding place.

QHow did you manage to gain follow-

ers by campaigning online?

AI used social networks (Facebook,

Twitter and Soundcloud) to ask people

to follow me or vote for me. I always try

to have a personal connection with my

followers just to show that I value their

support.

QHow has your life changed since win-

ning the beat-making challenge at the

‘Back to the City music festival’?

ABesides the increase in the number

of followers on social networks and

requests from underground artists to work

with me, I have managed to tell people

about my academic research. Not only was

it good for music but it was also good for

Science.

QWho is your hip hop idol and why do

you idolise them?

AI don’t really have any specific hip hop

idol, that being said, I think both Mr

Sean Carter (Jay Z) and Mr Andre Young (Dr

Dre) are doing very well for themselves,

both as artists and as businessmen. I like

how they took advantage of their position

in the music industry to create stable busi-

nesses.

QDo you have any advice for young

people studying towards a career

in Science, Technology, Engineering and

Maths?

AFirst let’s get rid of the stereotype that

Mathematics and Physics are difficult,

they just require us to work hard and smart.

Know that you will not only benefit yourself

and your family, but the country is depend-

ing on you for some ground breaking inno-

vations and global competitiveness. Let’s

leave our mark and let the next generation

read about our great contributions.

If you give up on it, then its not a dream. A dream is what keeps you going, your dream should be your drive, and do not rest until you achieve it. Failure only means try again. See the vision.

Academic by day, musician by night

Phot

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edit:

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We use communication satellites every day when we watch Digital Satellite television (DStv), access the internet or use our cell phones.

Navigation apps use GPS satellites to accurately steer you to your requested destination.

There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space.

However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!

Spacecraft are launched into space on rockets and need to be monitored along the way. SANSA provides launch support and recently assisted two Mars launches – NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory and India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.

Weather in space can damage satellites and interfere with our technology like GPS, cell phones and internet. SANSA keeps a close eye on space weather to protect our technology in space and on Earth.

Images from satellites are used to develop maps and monitor natural disasters like floods and droughts.

SAT

ELL

ITE

OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN

SPA

CE

WEA

THER FORECASTER

REM

OT

E SE

NSI

NG RESEARCHER

RA

DIO

FR

EQUENCY ENGINEER

South African National Space AgencyTel +27 12 844 0398 | Fax +27 12 844 0396Email [email protected] | Website www.sansa.org.za

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Advertorial.pdf 1 2014/03/04 2:42 PM








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TOTAL STUDENT SPENDING FOR 2015

Where does the money come from?

Where does the money go?

PARENTS/OTHER FAMILY MEMBER

Electricity, rates, TAX 12% 8%

7%10%

45% 8%

10%

Take-aways, movies, club

Toiletries

Jewellery & watchesTechnology

Other

Gifts

BURSARY/SPONSOR

PART TIME/FULL TIME JOB

OWN BUSINESS

86%

15%

30%

11%

20142015

R2503 PMR30 036 PA

R2702 PMR32 424 PA

INCREASE OF 7,95%

INFOGRAPHIC


MOTIVATION

Hard work and dreaming bigMOTIVATION

Once upon a time, there was a

young girl in grade 10 who had a

big dream that everyone around

her could not contain. She saw herself as a

doctor, a qualified Medical Scientist, work-

ing towards building a healthy nation. She

had dreams of inspiring young women to

follow their dreams and never lose hope,

and to see people live their lives by being

the change they want to see in the world.

Along the way, her journey became tough.

Even though her dream seemed unat-

tainable because of her difficult study

background, her need for funding and the

gruelling 9 years required to study for the

degree. Instead of giving up she worked

hard, ran the extra mile and persevered.

Despite these obstacles, she passed her

matric year with flying colours majoring in

Mathematics and Science, got accepted at

a good university and pursued her dream.

After 7 and a half years, she is now a sec-

ond year PhD student in Medical Sciences,

has won multiple awards and is seeing her

dream becoming reality.

Here are her tips for success:To achieve big in life, you need to firstly

and most importantly, have self-esteem

and believe you have what it takes to

reach your goals. You need to remember

that everything is possible through hard

work, determination and consistent faith.

Without self-motivation, it is hard to start

a career in any field, as any career comes

with its challenges.

Secondly, when considering a career in

Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics (STEM), the hard work starts

in high school. You need to choose sub-

jects that are important for your tertiary

education. Volunteering in Science and

Technology clubs and societies will help

you discover where your best qualities,

career goals and passions lie in STEM.

Thirdly, you need to work very hard and

consistently, be smart and run-the-extra

mile to get good marks, especially in

grades 11 and 12. This will help with

acceptance at tertiary level and obtaining

bursaries.

Lastly, life is about choices. It doesn’t mat-

ter what family you come from, whether

rich or poor. Your background does not limit

you as a young woman or man in pursu-

ing your career dream – whether you wish

to become a doctor, engineer, scientist or

mathematician.

All you need to do is be focused, vigilant,

willing to excel in all you do and use every

opportunity that comes your way to suc-

ceed. Always remember deep within you

there is that powerful inner voice remind-

ing you that you can do it. You have got

what it takes to succeed so take charge and

keep dreaming big.

By Caroline Pule

PhD Candidate/ Medical Scientist at

Stellenbosch University

Caroline Pule as a Medical Scientist

Hard work pays off


CAREERS

Create the latest addiction?If you have a mobile phone, you

have most likely downloaded or

heard of an app before. Mobile apps

provide instant information, education

and entertainment to mobile phone and

tablet users. Because of the confusingly

great amount of handheld devices on the

market, developing these apps takes time,

testing and re-testing.

A career as a Mobile Application

Developer requires one to design and

develop a way of solving public problems

(such as the Eskom load shedding app)

and providing users with hours of enter-

tainment (this may include social media

platforms like Instagram).

Prevent the world from ending?Then you should be an Environmental

Chemist. If you’re good enough, your name

might be recorded in history for coming

up with a way to stop or regulate the

negative effects of pollution on the envi-

ronment. The field is broad so you need to

do some digging to find your preference.

Being an Environmental Scientist includes

all things natural – from the depths of the

ocean to the soil that aids crop produc-

tion to the wild animals that roam the

open plains of the Kruger National Park.

Subjects that are crucial in the study

of the environment are Life Sciences,

Physical Science, Mathematics and

Geography.

Give a dog a bone?Or the appropriate medication to treat any

injury or illness? Becoming a veterinar-

ian takes a great deal of hard work and

an unconditional love for animals – the

choice between wild love in the bush-veld

or a more tame preference for domestic

animals is yours.

A Veterinarian or a Veterinary Surgeon is

basically a Doctor for animals. These “ani-

mal doctors” need to have a wide knowl-

edge of the various animal species and

diseases that affect them and the emo-

tional strength to do what is best for the

animal. Maths, life sciences and physical

sciences are essential subjects. Languages

are important too (remember you need to

be able to communicate with the owners

of these animals).

Enter the mind of a computer?Being a Software Developer requires

patience, hard work and the ability to

understand the language of cyberspace.

You need to be good at Science, Maths

and any computer-related subjects that

are offered at your school. Due to the tran-

So you want to…Written by : Shani Rhoda


FEATURECAREERS

structure.

Save a life?Doctors are typically seen as the life-sav-

ers of society but we often forget to give

credit to those who are working behind

the scenes. Life as a Biomedical Engineer

includes combining Engineering principles

and scientific techniques to come up with

pressing Medical problems.

Biomedical Engineers need to research

the best ways of addressing health prob-

lems and design devices and instruments

that can help health practitioners in the

fields of Biology, Medicine, Dentistry and

Veterinary Science. Some examples of

work done by these unseen heroes include

heart-lung machines, pacemakers, as well

as artificial limbs and organs

Be a millionaire?You need to:• Discover what you are passionate about

during high school – research the various

careers that exist, attend career expos to

see what is possible and choose your sub-

jects accordingly.

• Study hard every day to ensure that

exams are a breeze and you receive out-

standing results.

• Apply early for university and make sure

you pass all your courses and ask for help

as soon as you realise you need it.

• Find a job you love and keep working

hard. Success should not be an end goal, it

should be an ever-present way of life.

sition from print to digital platforms, many

businesses are seeking teams of individuals

who are capable of installing cyber security

and avoiding cybercrimes.

Design modern infrastructure?Architects do not only sketch dream houses

for families, they create a vision that is

illustrated in the streets of major cities

where skyscrapers are the metaphorical

ladders to success.

Along with building a single structure

comes planning – urban, town, city and

regional planning. Building a structure that

is envisioned as permanent will have to be

thought of thoroughly and the impact of

this structure will have to be considered

with regards to the environment around the


FEATUREDST

With power shortages becom-

ing an everyday problem, the

Department of Science and

Technology (DST) noticed a need for

action in providing schools with alterna-

tive sources of energy. Teaming up with

private sector companies Anglo American

Platinum, Air Products and Clean Energy

Investments, the DST launched the pilot

project in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology has been

implemented to support basic energy

requirements, for example, charging

stations for tablets, fax machines and

computers. Schools that have benefitted

from this project include Arthur Mfebe

Senior Secondary School, St Marks Junior

Secondary School and Mvuzo Junior

Secondary School.

The Minister of Science and Technology,

Naledi Pandor, highlighted the importance

of private involvement in the Cofimvaba

initiative as essential to improving living

conditions in society.

“The knowledge and experience gained

from the Cofimvaba pilot project and oth-

ers taking place throughout the country

will not only promote awareness of the

technology, but will assist in creating a

market for technologies that are being

developed through the Hydrogen South

Africa (HySA) Programme,” said Minister

Pandor.

Technology for Rural Education Development (TECH4RED)Efforts by a partnership between Anglo

Platinum, the Young Engineers and

Scientists of Africa (YESA) group and the

South African Agency for Science and

Technology Advancement (SAASTA), have

resulted in an educational programme.

From this programme, a total of 3 500 pri-

mary and high school learners in Cofimvaba

have been educated on the science of fuel

cells.

The TECH4RED project aims to install

two solar systems and a biogas system.

Additionally, the project will supply learners

with portable rechargeable batteries. This

will allow those who do not have reliable

access to electricity to continue with their

homework. Technology is becoming increas-

ingly important in education and efforts are

being made to ensure that those involved

in the TECH4RED project have access to

tablets for their Science and Maths e-Learn-

ing. In addition to information and com-

munication technology (ICT), other improve-

ments include nutrition and agri-teaching,

water and sanitation and health.

Success stories from other coun-tries, like Japan, indicate that active public-private partnerships are critical in supporting the uptake of emerging technologies

Minister Pandor with some pupils

Minister Pandor cutting the ribbon

Schools equipped with standby power

DST EMPOWERS THE EASTERN CAPE


UNIVERSITIES

An unranked list of the best universities

THE CAMPUS CRAZE

Students will admit it and high school pupils will hear

about it – campus wars are real. However, they are not as

scary as they may sound. Campus wars are just a competi-

tive outcry of why certain universities are better than others

(according to students). Of course studying is the main reason

why we attend varsity, but we might as well enjoy our free time

as well. Here is an unranked list of the best places to study

according to floating comments.

University of Cape TownPerched on a mountain, UCT is a vison that perfectly comple-

ments Cape Town’s natural splendour. From Lower Campus

(where some of the residences are placed) to Upper Campus

(where most of the academic activity takes place), UCT is literally

the staircase to success for some. In line with its position near

the ocean, UCT allows its students to enjoy “Jammie surfing” on

the baby blue shuttles.

University of StellenboschUnder the historic oak trees of beautiful town of Stellenbosch

lies a student culture like no other. Known for its tough rugby

squad and internationally-recognised qualifications, this univer-

sity is a good choice if you want to join a close-knit community

where everything is basically in walking distance. Being a Matie

turns you into a smartie.

University of the Western CapeUWC is a place where a game of dominoes is the best therapy in

between a day of lectures. Known for its exciting social life, this

university plays hard but works even harder.

Home to South Africa’s best Law faculty, UWC boasts seven

faculties ranging from Dentistry to Arts to EMS. Full of life and

academic opportunity, this university offers a balanced life and

a casual support structure to ensure that your student days are

enjoyed to the full.

Rhodes UniversityProspective students from the Eastern Cape and beyond flock to

Grahamstown, chasing a legacy that Rhodes University has cre-

ated. At Rhodes, students are not just a number as the university

boasts the highest staff to student ratio in comparison to the

other universities in South Africa.

University of the WitwatersrandOne of the largest fossil collections in the southern hemisphere

and roughly 28, 000 students make up what is affectionately

known as Wits University. The research advancements made

at Wits have received international accolades and is the ideal

campus for those who are eager to explore and grow – both as

individuals and as academics.

Instagram has over 300 million users nationwide.

True

False

The______________ serves as a short piece of metadata to

describe what your Tweet is about.

A. YOLO

B. ROFL

C. Hashtag

D. BFF

Which of the following social media platforms is mainly

focused on images?

A. LinkedIn

B. YouTube

C. Instagram

D. Facebook

QUIZ

1

73

4

5

6

QUIZHow clued up are you on social media?

How old is Facebook this year?

A. 10 years old

B. 12 years old

C. 11 years old

D. 9 years old

What are the top 5 most popular social media platforms in

South Africa?

A. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, WeChat, Google+

B. Facebook, Mxit, Twitter, WeChat, WhatsApp

C. WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook messenger, Google+,

Twitter

D. WhatsApp, Facebook, Mxit, Instagram, Twitter

Which of the following is not a social media platform?

A. Pinterest

B. Snapchat

C. QQ

D. Vibe

Which social media platform is represented by the following

logo?

A. WhatsApp

B. Snapchat

C. Pinterest

D. WeChat

2

Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation is produced by Roswika Media

Stand in a uniform

line!

UNIFORMS


DOWNCROSSWORD PUZZLE

SUDOKU

1. Which desert covers much of

Botswana and parts of Namibia?

2. What colour would Coca-Cola be if

you were to remove the artificial colour-

ing?

3. How many claw/toes does a dog

have?

4. Filaria is caused by?

5. Which chemical element has the sym-

bol K?

6. Which car company produces the

Accord and the Civic?

7. What is the instrument that enables a

submarine to see underwater?

ACROSS

PUZZLE

1. The biggest part of the brain is?

2. Which animal is referred to as the ship

of the desert?

3. Which African country has Cairo as its

capital city?

4. Which country has a flag that is not

rectangular?

5. Which company is owned by Bill Gates?

6. Entomology is the study of?

2 6 3 6 3 2 7 1 6 4 7 8 3 6 3 4 7 1 3 6 8 9 8 4 3 6 8 1 4 7 5

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

7

2

2

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3

1

Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.


WORD SEARCH

ANSWERS

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWERSScifest magazine

AS FAST AS LIGHT

Special Edition | May 2015

SCIENCESTARS

1. A form of energy that travels in

waves

2. Prism

3. Visible spectrum

4. Bend

5. Refracts light

6. Bounces off

7. Mirror

8. Incoming and outgoing

9. Air, water, outer space

10. Translucency

QUIZ

WORD SEARCH

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E O C O L B O E U S E T

N C R R S S W O T C P S

I K B S R W H N E I S M

G E Y E L D E B J F O A

N T P P O B E V E E N H

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Are you creative and eager to explore? So is Stellenbosch University.

Do you see the world as your classroom and your future as yours to shape?

Stellenbosch University does. Are you driven to make a difference?

Then Stellenbosch is the place for you.

Bran

ding |

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StellenboschUniversity.What setsus apart?

GAMING

The future of the grown-up kid

GAMING IS NOT CHILD’S PLAY

Ever dreamt of being a world-famous

soccer player, a porcupine running

around in a costume or a guitarist

performing live on stage in front of a roar-

ing crowd of fans?

Game consoles to the likes of PlayStation

and Xbox make these unusual yet com-

pletely normal dreams an electronic real-

ity.

The Electronics and Gaming Expo (EGE)

held in Cape Town in May 2015, was home

to excited gamers - some even dressed up

for the Cosplay competition. An advanced

display of the latest electronics and

games, EGE is the leading event in South

Africa’s growing gaming industry.

What’s the big deal anyway?Moving away from the nerdy stereotype

attached to gamers, the gaming industry

transforms all sorts of people into wide-

eyed, couch potatoes.

Gaming is a recreational activity that

many choose as a way to relax after a

hectic day at school or varsity. Sure, some

people occasionally decide to bunk that 8

o’clock lecture because of a late night in

front of the PC, but if you have ever played

Pacman, you would understand the addic-

tion.

Gaming expos and events allow gamers to

unite in their common interest – whether

it be dressing up as a famous cartoon or

gaming character or competing with the

best players in a regulated LAN (Local

Area Network) gaming competition.

Whether you enjoy playing the latest

mobile and computer games, or you have

fond memories of playing Snake on your

dad’s Nokia 3310 or Mario Brothers on

your TV-game console, games are a part

of growing up (and allowing you to revisit

your childhood every now and again).

Fun facts:• In 2011, consumers in South Africa

spent a whopping R1.3 billion on gaming;

• Pippa Tshabalala is South Africa’s first

female gaming presenter;

• League of Legends was recorded as the

most played online game in April 2015.

Some upcoming gaming events to look out for:

rAge Expo

UCON Anime and Gaming Expo

Organised Chaos

DAZLAN

FRAG LAN

Ground Zero

Mayhem


In a world full of obstacles, we get so

caught up in our own problems that

we often forget about those who have

much greater ones. Students at the

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

recently took a minute (or a couple of

months, rather) to step back and have a

look at the world around them.

The Western Cape is known for its beauti-

ful scenery and tourists from all over the

world visit the province all year round.

During the summer months, the beaches

that outline the edge of Africa are occu-

pied by masses of holiday-goers, but the

sad reality is striking – too many South

Africans do not know how to swim.

Students enrolled in the Faculty of

Economic and Management Sciences at

UWC were presented with a task. Their

aim was to develop a cost-effective com-

munity-based project within a given time

frame. Each student had to pitch an idea

and the best one was chosen for the team

to execute.

Bonginkosi Jack realised that a large

amount of people in the Western Cape,

and in the country as a whole, are unable

to swim. Although some may think swim-

ming is a recreational activity, reports of

drownings are constantly highlighted. These

drownings can be prevented if all indi-

viduals are taught the basics of swimming

– how to stay afloat, how to control your

breathing and how to move towards safety.

Many meetings and hours spent strategis-

ing were rewarded when a group of 12

orphans from the Rainbow of Hope house

in Goodwood attended their first swim-

ming lesson at the university. The children,

between the ages of four and thirteen, were

introduced to the swimming pool by the

university’s swimming coach, Keith Dankers

and student coach Khanyiso Zase.

“These lessons have opened opportunities

for these children. We were able to show

them around the university and show them

that tertiary education is possible for them,”

said Jack.

UWC

Students teach children to swim

STEPPING INTO THE DEEP END


BOOK REVIEW

Tales of an Ichthyologist WHEN I WAS A FISH

I took the challenge of reviewing

Professor Mike Bruton’s book titled

‘When I was a fish’ because I realised

that I know very little about fish apart

from relishing delicious meals at home.

I was captivated by Bruton’s catchy and

thought-provoking title. In this volume,

Bruton, a field fish biologist provides

us with a detailed and well-researched

account which expounds some profound

research on fish with the special interest

in the coelacanth (a large four-legged fish

with a tail like a puppy). Bruton, a firm

believer in the cross-pollination of ideas,

traversed the world sharing knowledge

and advocating the conservation of the

coelacanth.

After finishing his postdoctoral research

in London, he was appointed as Senior

Lecturer in Ichthyology at Rhodes

University in Grahamstown. It is while

he was here that he helped launch the

ICHTHOS newsletter which he edited

thereby creating the opportunity for

people from various fields and walks of

life to contribute articles with the aim of

promoting fish and fisheries.

From Rhodes he went to Lake Sibaya,

nestled in KwaZulu-Natal where he estab-

lished a research centre. He made some

fascinating discoveries and this research

centre become a hub of information. It

was to be frequented by people from

across the country including Professor

John Skinner, Director of the Mammal

Institute at the University of Pretoria,

accompanied by groups of young mam-

mologists.

Bruton also shares humorous anecdotes

such as the situation experienced by the

researcher Pete Ashton when he was

chased by a hippo along the shore of Lake

Sibaya. And the bravery of Bruton himself

when he came face to face with a giant

kingfish.

I highly recommend this important volume

rich in scientific knowledge written in

accessible language by this amazing fish

biologist whom James Clarke, author and

columnist said of ‘To study fish Prof. Bruton

became a fish’.

When I was a fish is published by Jacana

Media and can be purchased for roughly

R240. The book can be found in print at

nationwide bookstores such as Exclusive

Books and Bargain Books, as well as online

at www.loot.co.za for R180.

Written by : Oswald Kucherera

World changing innovationsTop 10: South African firsts

The below-mentioned inventions and developments have

put South Africa on the worldwide map of innovation.

Solving the everyday problems faced by individuals as well

as life-threatening health problems, South Africans have put their

thinking-caps on and impressed the world. Here they are, in no

particular order of impact:

1CAT scan - South African physicist, Allan Cormack and

English, Godfrey Hounsfield were awarded the 1979 Nobel

Peace Prize in Physiology or Medicine for inventing the

CAT scan. The Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan enables

doctors to look beyond the outline of bones and organs (as dis-

played by conventional x-rays) through to the soft tissues.

5 Pratley Putty - A part of South Africa

was taken along on the world’s first

visit to the moon in 1969. Pratley

Putty, developed by an Engineer from

Krugersdorp, is a glue-like substance that

was used to hold parts of the Apollo XI

mission’s Eagle landing craft together. The

adhesive was also used in maintaining

the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San

Francisco in the USA.

8 Skin grafting - Doctors at Tygerberg

Hospital developed a new technique

that would enable burn victims

to have affordable treatment. Using the

patient’s own skin, doctors perform a skin

biopsy by cultivating the skin externally in

a laboratory. The Tygerberg Burns Unit has

already successfully treated two patients

using this technique.

2 Heart transplant - South African

cardiac surgeon, Chris Barnard,

made international headlines when

he performed the world’s first successful

heart transplant in 1967 at the Groote

Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Despite the

successful operation, the patient passed

away 18 days later due to pneumonia.

6Dolosse - The majesty of the ocean

is spilt onto the shoreline by waves

that eventually cause erosion along

harbour walls. Eric Merriefield, a Harbour

Engineer in East London, came up with

a way of breaking up wave action using

dolosse which are huge concrete block

that protect the shoreline. Each dolos can

weigh up to 20 tons.

9Retinal Cyroprobe - Percy Amoils, a

South African Ophthalmologist and

Biomedical Engineering Inventor,

invented the Retinal Cyroprobe. This

device, used for eye surgery has a frozen

tip which is inserted into a cut in the eye.

The pencil-shaped device releases a freez-

ing gas that assists in removing cataracts

from the eye.

3Speed gun - “I don’t like cricket.

Oh no, I love it!” Some sport lov-

ers will remember this popular

anthem that was chanted on the side of

cricket fields by eager supporters. Henri

Johnson invented the Speedball, a device

that accurately measures the speed and

angle of an approaching cricket or tennis

ball. Invented in 1992, the device is still

used by teams and individuals for training

today.

7Penile transplant - Addressing a

problem that affects many South

Africans, doctors performed the

world’s first ever successful penis trans-

plant at the Tygerberg Hospital in Cape

Town in 2014. During traditional initiation

ceremonies, young men are required to

endure a circumcision which sometimes

leads to health problems.

10Lodox x-ray scanner - Developed by mining giant, De Beers, to prevent diamond theft, this x-ray

machine was featured in an episode of the popular American TV-series Grey’s Anatomy. Since

its initial use, the x-ray machine has developed into a medical device that deals with traumatic

injury. The machine can perform full-body digital x-ray scans in less time and emitting less radiation than con-

ventional machines.x-ray scans in less time and emitting less radiation than conventional machines.

4 Kreepy Krauly - The Kreepy Krauly

is the reason why some swimming

pools remain clean and clear. It is

also the reason that small children fear

getting into the water – with its fast-

moving, slurping tentacles that stick to the

floor and glide over your feet. A hydraulic

engineer who immigrated to Springs in

Gauteng, sold the first commercially suc-

cessful automatic pool cleaning unit in

1974.

TOP 10

Once upon a time, the people of

Zululand gathered in a celebration

of Science. Sharing in the excite-

ment of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s only Science

festival, presenters from the United States

of America, Japan and Australia joined over

3000 South Africans at the Zululand Science

Festival (ZulFest).

Activities and workshops were arranged by

the University of Zululand (Unizulu) Science

Centre for all to attend. Local schools were

surprised as the ZulFest lit up an average

day in the classroom with interesting activi-

ties.

Fortunately, this story has a happy ending…

because ZulFest will be back again in 2016

boasting the theme ‘Science in the Making’.

ZULFEST


Geniuses come in all forms and sizes

THE CODING GENIUS

At just thirteen years of age Sam

Berger has achieved more than

many individuals thrice his age.

Widely known as the computer “whizz kid,”

Berger has been coding programmes since

the age of seven.

“I think I played around with my first com-

puter when I was six or seven and every

second Saturday, we would go out and

programme robots to make them do little

tasks at the science centre and I really

enjoyed that. Just seeing how we could

make the robots do small tasks made me

realise we could do a whole lot more,” he

says.

“From the age of two or three his mother

and I noticed that he liked electronics.

And at about five he would ask me a lot of

questions about electronics and science. I

eventually decided to take him for classes

at our local science centre. He got in a

class of about 30 other kids and he was

the youngest there,” Larry Berger, Sam’s

father reflects.

After some time the Program Director

decided to stop the classes. However he

specifically requested to teach Sam com-

puter coding one on one in his office. And

Sam’s interest in coding grew from there.

He has since created his own patented

geyser app designed for home insurance

companies in South Africa. This application

calculates whether geysers are in or out of

guarantee by using QR codes. The app is

said to save insurers up to R300 million a

year. It also lessened the turnaround time

of repairs and maintenance. He is develop-

ing other apps as well.

The main focus for now is for Sam to per-

fect his applications. However one thing

is certain. Sam Berger will be coding for a

very long time and the world will undoubt-

edly greatly benefit from his endeavours

and expertise.

PROFILE

I think I played around with my first computer when I was six or seven

Sam Berger and his father Larry Berger



Seokedzi Mothokwa is just one of the 179 learners that SANRAL’s

scholarships from 2012-2013 is helping to realize his dreams

of doing well and going on to study at university.

It’s an investment for us, for him and for our country. Who knows what he may become – but we know

that better education means more opportunities, and that means a better

nation for us all.

At my math and science. And it paid off. SANRAL’s scholarship

programme is helping me to pay for my schooling to

pave the way for my success.

“

”

www.sanral.co.za | 0800 SANRAL (726 725)

3527

3527 BENEFICIARY AD - Science Stars.indd 1 2014/08/12 3:13 PM

Out and about

SCIENCE STARS NEWS

CPUT Open Day Since the last published issue of

Science Stars magazine, the team

has been busy with various outreach proj-

ects to engage with the readers.

We attended the annual Open Day held

at the Bellville campus of the Cape

Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

University open days are a great way to

visit the campus and for students to judge

if they see themselves being able to spend

the next couple of years there.

CPUT, among other universities, invites

prospective students, their parents and

other interested parties to a display of the

courses offered through the institution.

The Science Stars team handed out maga-

zines and spoke to eager pupils about

their future plans.

Social MediaWe have all become so used to our cell

phones that it is difficult to imagine a

day without our earphones on the bus, or

without hearing the famous (and some-

times annoying), Samsung whistle tone.

Science Stars has become so used to

engaging with our audience that we have

decided to add another social media plat-

form to our list.

Follow us on Instagram (sciencestarsmag),

to see pictures of what we are up to when

we are not publishing the magazine.

Also, keep liking our Facebook page

(Science Stars Magazine), follow us on

Twitter (@ScienceStars2) and visit our

website (www.sciencestars.co.za) for the

latest news.

Selfie Competition Winner A big congratulations to Ziyanda Tukwayo who won our Selfie Competition with 249 likes. With such an impressive following, our winner was confident that she would win the Huawei tablet. She says she will use the tablet not only for her academic life, but to also download fun apps to enjoy in her spare time.

SS NEWS

Carl Wastie at CPUT


KIDS’ COMMENTS

KIDS' COMMENTSThe grey weather is perfect for this time of year when exam preparations and applica-tion stress are getting pupils down. Science Stars took to the streets to find out how high school students from grade 9 – 11 are coping and what they plan on doing after completing matric. We asked:1. After high school, what do you want to study?2. Which university or college do you plan on attending?

Kgomoco Mandy Porogo “I want to study Engineering or Marine Science at either Wits University (WU) or at the University of Stellenbosch (US). I have not applied yet but I’m plan-ning on applying soon.”

Neresa Wotsetsa“I am planning on applying at the University of Cape Town (UCT). I want to be a lawyer.”

Shameez Pasqualli“I want to study Graphic Design at the College of Cape Town (CCT).”

Sphokazi Ngidi“My plan is to become a Marine Biologist after studying at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).”

Emily Hakizimana“I plan on studying to become a Medical Doctor through the University of Cape Town (UCT). I dream of joining the World Health Organisation and helping people from all over the world.”


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DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E

ACTIVITY

Why does this happen?Water molecules evaporate when they

are exposed to heat and the colour black

absorbs all frequencies of visible light

(which causes black objects to heat up

quickly in the sun, for example). As the

water evaporates from the black paper,

salt particles will be left behind on the

What will happen?Once all the water has evaporated, salt

crystals will be left behind on the black

paper.

paper. The concentration of salt left

behind on the black paper increases, caus-

ing the salt to recrystallize into a solid

once again.

This method of separating salt from water

is used internationally to collect large

amounts of salt from seawater.

1. Mix some boiling water with salt –

you can use a jug or bowl to mix the

two together;

2. Keep adding salt and stirring until

the salt no longer dissolves;

6. Place the tray somewhere warm (in

summer, you can leave it outside in

the sun and in winter, you can leave it

inside by a window);

7. Watch what happens over the next

couple of days and record your observa-

tions once all the water is gone.

What you need:• Baking sheet • Black paper

• Salt • Water

• A tablespoon • A medium-sized tray

• Boiling water from a kettle or a pot

• A jug/bowl to mix the water and salt in

3. Place the baking sheet on the tray;

4. Place the black paper on top of the

baking sheet;

5. Pour some salt water onto the black

paper using the tablespoon;

REMOVING SALT FROM SALTWATER


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Visit www.adoptaschool.org.za/get-involve/backtoschoolfortheday/ for help in identifying a school to support and for more information on how to plan a

successful corporate volunteering event for Mandela Day.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION!

ANYBODY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH DONATING

THEIR TIME, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESOURCES.

Join Adopt-a-School Foundation to celebrate Mandela Day by going back to a school in need of a makeover! Save the Date and start

planning your Back to School for a Day on Mandela Day.

PLEASE JOIN ADOPT-A-SCHOOL FOUNDATION AS WE CELEBRATE MADIBA’S LIFE AND HIS PASSION FOR EDUCATION BY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL FOR A DAY.

gardening / landscaping

sports / recreation

educational resources

minorrenovations

educator admin

feeding schemes

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ss youth issue 09

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