SCIENCESTARS Issue 02 | July 2013
THE TIMELESS POWER OF PHYSICS
NEW BEGINNINGS
CONTENTS CONTENTS
FEATURES
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8 1 1 1
FOREWORD Minister of Department Science and Technology: Derek Hanekom Sir isaac newton The knight in shining science
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Innovation in practise The Hydrogen golf cart
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How you can afford uct Dr Max Price outlines the new plan
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obama at uct The American President’s visit in pictures
2 2 2 3 4
2 Soweto science centre Excellence in science 6 bmw in action Building the future 8 everyday physics Look around you 2 a dream coming alive Impossible is nothing 2 nATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK Coming to all provinces
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Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
Ed’s Note
LETTER FROM
team Science Stars
THE EDITOR
Managing Editor • Evans Manyonga editorial@sciencestars.co.za
Art Director • Nkabanhle Mawala
The future is in our hands
mawala@sciencestars.co.za
I am very happy and proud to
Contributing Writer • Unathi Kondile
present you with the second edition of Science Stars. Your feed-
Contributing Writer • Joel Guy
back from our inaugural edition was really impressive.
Chairman • Madambi Rambuda
The National Science Week, an initiative that really excites me
Sales Executive • Siseko Siwali
is upon us. It is an initiative of
siseko@sciencestars.co.za
the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It is a coun-
Ambassador • Azwindinni Muronga
trywide celebration of science involving various stakeholders and role players conducting science-based activities. The National Science Week is run in all nine provinces simultaneously at multiple sites per province. Our theme for this edition is physics. The cover story outlines more about the physics and mathematics guru Sir Isaac Newton, outlining some of his important contributions to the physics sector. And keeping to our traditional authentic mix of international and local
Copyright 2013 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 - a member of Shanduka Black Umbrellas.
we have Rotondwa Mudau a young physicist from The University of Johannesburg. We also mixed this edition with different science disciplines and another favourite is the Actuarial Science article. Read it and learn more about the sector as a potential career choice. Please feel free to write to us and give us any feedback or suggestions you may feel necessary. You can also comment on the Science Stars facebook page and we will feature your comments in our next edition. I hope this edition will be as good as you hoped. We have certainly enjoyed putting it together. As promised we aim to be your friend in science and education in general. A set goal is the master of motivation and nothing is impossible if you are motivated and driven. The future is in your hands.
Evans Nyasha Manyonga Managing Editor
31 Brickfield Road, Upper East Side, Unit 9B Cape Town 021 447 7197 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
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FOREWORD
THE MINISTERS
FOREWORD
“Science is a vital part of modern healthcare, communication, transport and even sport�
W
elcome to the special National Science Week edition of Science Stars.
Led by the Department of Science and Technology, National Science Week sees exciting science-related activities taking place all over the country, from special science centre programmes and excursions to zoos, to talks at universities and open days at science councils. Try and join in some of them - there will be more details in the media. National Science Week aims to engage people from all walks of life. This year our messages will reach millions in their homes through popular TV soapies. You will find some excellent articies in this edition of Science Stars, including profiles of modern-day role models and a feature on Sir Isaac Newton, whose theories are the foundation of modern physics. With climate change
becoming a frightening reality, the world needs to find cleaner sources of energy, so you will enjoy reading about a golf cart that runs on hydrogen fuel cells (developed in South Africa, of course). Science is a vital part of modern healthcare, communication, transport and even sport, and the perfect career for men and women with enquiring minds. Enjoy Science Stars and be inspired to find out more.
Derek Hanekom Minister of the Department of Science & Technology
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Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
NEED MOTNO EYUDY T S R E AFT DO YOU
? L O O H SC your career elp you make
Let us h
lity...
dreams a rea
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides loans and bursaries to eligible students for studies at public universities and Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges in South Africa. NSFAS OFFERS BURSARIES: Bursaries are offered to eligible students in need who are studying in various scarce skills areas such as teaching and social work. Eligible students are those whose academic results enable them to enter university. As of 2011, the South African government has also increased bursary funds to help students enrolled in certain NATED programmes (N1-N6 in engineering and N4-N6 in all other fields) as well as the National Certificate (Vocational) at public FET Colleges. If you qualify for funding according to a financial means test, this bursary could cover the costs of your tuition, food and accommodation.
STUDENT LOANS GIVE HOPE: NSFAS loans are also available for qualifying university students for their first undergraduate degree or diploma. If you do well academically, a portion of the loan may also be converted into a bursary. Funding is limited and not all students who apply will receive an award.
FOR MORE INFORMATION visit the financial aid office on campus, contact NSFAS on 021 763 3232 or SMS your question to 32261 Standard SMS rates apply. Email info@nsfas.org.za or visit
www.nsfas.org.za
NSFAS is a registered credit provider in terms of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCRCP 2655)
NEWTON
THE KNIGHT IN SHINING SCIENCE
SIR
ISAAC NEWTON The Knight in Shining Science BY JOEL GUY CHABATA
E
ver since his emergence on earth, mankind has been innovating with many things for many eons, but only advancing ever so slowly. Then about three to four hundred years ago a new era dawned, especially across Western Europe. This period would later be known as the Scientific Revolution, a time when unprecedented advances in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, medicine and chemistry seemed to have flourished.
In 1705 he was knighted, not for his scientific achievements as many popularly think, but for political reasons.
most influential scientists in history was born. His name was Isaac Newton. At age 12 he started to attend Grammar School at Grantham. Later in 1661 Newton matriculated at Trinity College, Cambridge and eventually obtained a Many science luminaries were Bachelor’s Degree in 1665. Still at Cambridge, he went born and lived through these on to be granted a Master’s centuries that saw a fundamental change in various sci- Degree in 1668 and the folentific ideas. On 25 December lowing year he got elected Lucasian Professor of 1642, at Woolsthorpe, near Mathematics, aged only 27. Grantham in Lincolnshire, 1672 saw Newton being England, arguably one of the 8
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. There were many other highlights in his life, and up until 1696, Cambridge University remained his home where he delivered lectures most of the time. Sometime in 1696, Newton left Cambridge for London to assume the position of Warden of the Royal Mint and later became a Master of the same, overseeing the production of the Pound Sterling. During his years in London he became more involved in public life and became a powerful and able politician. He was a member of parliament for the University of Cambridge in the years 1689–1690 and 1701– 1702, and was later elected president of the Royal Society in 1703.
NEWTON
“Mauris a purus et justo adips isc ing fugiats. Duis quis tempus ptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent�
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NEWTON
“In physics, Newton gave
In 1705 he was knighted, not for his scientific achieve- us the laws of gravitation and motion, established ments as many popularly the study of optics and think, but for political reasons. Nonetheless, Sir Isaac invented the Newtonian Newton was definitely one reflecting telescope.” of the key players in the Scientific Revolution. Newton died a bachelor in his sleep notably the three books: on 20 March 1727. Geographia Generalis,1672, Philosophiae Naturalis A question could be asked: Principia Mathematica So what were Newton’s real (Mathematical Principles of contributions to science that Natural Philosophy), 1687, he became so famous for? and Opticks, 1704. Well, Newton was principally In his three books that a physicist and mathematimade up the Principia (short cian and he made profound for Philosophiae Naturalis contributions to both fields. Principia Mathematic), The laws and theories he dis- Newton laid out his famous covered furthered our under- three laws of motion which standing of the universe and relate the forces acting on a also gave future scientists the body to its motion by stating tools to figure out how to trav- that: “Every object in motion el to the moon and beyond. will stay in motion until acted He did all this by studying upon by an outside force; and improving upon the work force equals mass times of earlier scientists and also by exchanging notes with his contemporaries in addition to his meticulous working. Full Name: Isaac Newton In physics, Newton gave us the laws of gravitation and motion, established the study of optics and invented the Newtonian reflecting telescope. As a mathematician, Newton also contributed to the different branches of mathematics during his time but became famous for his calculus. Isaac Newton also published numerous tracts and papers and most 10
Born: December 25 1642 or January 4 1643 Died: March 20 (31) 1727 Country of birth: England Fellow of: Trinity College Second Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, succeeding Isaac Barrow: University of Cambridge Patriotic and academic honours: Made Sir, Lucasian Professor, Greatest mind of the 17th century,
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
acceleration; to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In these three books Newton also formulated the universal law of gravitation. (You might have heard the famous story in which he watched an apple falling from a tree and thereby getting inspired to investigate the force of gravity.) These laws were later to dominate scientists understanding of the physical world for many decades. Also of note, the laws went on to validate that the motion of objects on earth that of planets and other objects in space was governed by the same laws. In formulating the laws of motion and gravitation, Newton also confirmed that the cosmos is heliocentric. You might have been amazed by
?
WHO WAS NEWTON
The falling apple influenced his inspiration to investigate gravity. Mr Newton... A very young … but of an extraordinary genius and proficiency in these things (In a letter to British Mathematician John Collins by Isaac Barrow). Published the single most influential book on physics and possibly of all sciences, it contains information on nearly all of the essential concepts of physics, except energy. In 1705, he was knighted by Queen of England, Queen Anne.
NEWTON
the rainbow ever since you were young. Newton managed to create one. Well, not a real one in the sky of cause. But he split natural or white light into its constituent colours, which happen to be the colours of the rainbow. Not only that. He further reformed the different colours back into white light. This demonstrated that natural light is composed of many colours. This put to rest hostility he had initially experienced from his peers as it was generally believed that colours were modified forms of white light. These and other ideas on light were contained in the book Opticks, which Newton got published only after his critics had died. Still in the optics field, Newton built the first practical reflecting telescope. Newton’s mathematical prowess saw him making equally important discoveries in mathematics as in physics. He made great contributions to analytical geometry and algebra, and discovered the binomial theorem. The mathematics of the day was limited to dealing with constant quantities. This restricted Newton who also wanted to work with changing quantities. He then had to invent what he called the sci-
ISAAC NEWTON AT THE COUNTERFIER
ence of ‘fluxions’. This is what we call calculus today and it is an important tool for scientists and other people who use it in their professions. Newton does not get all the credit for this discovery though. A German mathematician, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, independently developed his own form of calculus at the same time as Newton. Great minds seem never to rest. Newton’s ever inquisitive mind led him to read and write a lot about other non-scientific subjects like alchemy, history and theology.
these made him into a philosopher of some sort, leaving us with many memorable quotes including the one where he says, “To me there has never been a higher source of earthly honour or distinction than that connected with advances in science.” Sir Isaac Newton’s numerous discoveries still have a bearing on today’s science. His various theories, developed by improving upon what previous scientists and his contemporaries had done, still hold true even centuries after his death.
And this just makes one of his other quotes very apt: “If In fact he wrote more on these I have seen further than othsubjects than he did on phys- ers, it is by standing upon the ics and mathematics. Perhaps shoulders of giants.” Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
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Stellenbosch University. What sets us apart? 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?
YOU UNLIMITED www.maties.com
Branding | www.gstudio.co.za
Stellenbosch University does. Are you driven to make a difference? Then Stellenbosch is the place for you.
HYDROGEN
INNOVATION IN PRACTISE
MEET THE HYDROGEN GOLF CAR
A
Hydrogen vehicle!? Yep, we saw it with our own eyes, sat inside it and now we present to you the picture. It can easily do 50 km per day on Hydrogen alone. And sooner or later we could see a rise in the number of hydrogen powered small cars. This nifty golf cart can seat up to four people and is powered by fuel cell technology. Ever heard of this technology? Well, a fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. Think oxidation and then it makes sense; hydrogen atoms react with oxygen atoms to form water and this releases electrons that flow through an external circuit as an electric current. So a fuel cell converts chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, and in the process it produces electricity. And unlike fossil fuels there is no pollution in this process. In case you are still trying to picture
this process, think of a battery. A battery is also an electrochemical device. The difference between a battery and a fuel cell is that a battery dies. A battery has all of its chemicals stored inside it and uses them to produces its electricity.
started by the Department of Science and Technology. The programme aims to increase the country’s research in hydrogen and fuel cells and, importantly, to create job opportunities. It is based at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape Town.
A fuel cell on the other hand has chemicals constantly flowing into it so it doesn’t die like a battery. As long as there is a flow of chemicals into the cell, the electricity will flow out of the fuel cell. All that is needed is hydrogen and oxygen as chemicals. Oh, and you will need a catalyst. The most common catalyst for fuel cells is platinum and we all know South Africa is the world’s largest platinum producer. So we have no excuses. We have hydrogen, oxygen and an abundance of platinum in our country.
For more of Fuel Cell technology types you can visit the Fuel Cell Today website on www. www.fuelcelltoday.com as well as the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA Systems) website on www.hysasystems.org
So the golf car in the picture is produced by Hydrogen South Africa (HySA). If anyone asks you what HySA is, just tell them it is a research programme that was
Hydrogen Golf Cart Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
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ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
A STRONG CAREER CHOICE PLANNING FOR TOMORROW
A
ctuarial Science is the subject that is between mathematics and business. Actuarial Science essentially evaluates personal risk on a more scientific basis in order to estimate how much insurance should be paid.
Which is why the study of mathematics is absolutely important if you aim to get into the field. Actuaries gather and analyse information to answer financial questions, such as how likely events like death, sickness, injury, disability, unemployment or loss of property are, and how much they may cost. They evaluate financial information to estimate things like how much people need to contribute to their pension plans to give them enough money to retire, and how companies can wisely invest their money.
Employment Actuaries find employment in the Insurance industry, as professionals and consultants employed to certify the financial soundness of pension and insurance plans. They are also employed in larger private organisations that mainly deal in risk calculation and in government agencies like the Social Security Administration, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Study The training of Actuaries is mostly based on mathematical
Mathematics and science move hand in hand and therefore these academic cousins actually come together and make the discipline of Actuarial Science. The Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) sets qualifying exams for Actuaries. Universities do not offer complete qualifying courses but the initial training can be done by studying a degree with actuarial subjects, such as Business Science and BCom/BSc Actuarial and Mathematics degrees. A senior certificate with matriculation exemption for a degree course and mathematics and english are compulsory subjects if you plan on studying towards this program.
To be an Actuary you should.. •
Enjoy mathematics and science
•
Have strong problem solving skills
•
Be intelligent, driven, analytical and creative
sure you work hard at your Mathematics skills.
•
Stay up-to-date with economic and social trends, legislation
So what’s so scientific about it you would ask? Well during the
•
groundwork in collaboration with strong backing in economics and business studies. So if you would like to be one of the most highly respected Actuaries in South Africa then you should make
17th century major advancements were made in mathematics in Germany, France and England. During this period there was a strong need to place the valuation of personal risk on a more scientific basis. The probability theory emerged from this as a strong mathematical discipline and the compound interest art was also in-cooperated, and the foundation of actuarial studies was built.
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Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
and developments in health, business, finance and markets Have patience, good judgment and decision-making skills, and have some interest in business; •
Be hardworking and responsible;
•
Have good communication skills.
Earning potential Actuaries can earn between R12 000 to R55 000 a month depending on you qualifications and level of experience.
How awesome are you really? The Old Mutual opportunity You get support from the day you matriculate, throughout your actuarial studies to qualification and beyond. Our Chief Executive Officer, Long-Term Savings, Paul Hanratty, began his journey as a bursary student. We now offer you a bursary to study at UCT or Stellenbosch – if YOU think you have what it takes, use the Old Mutual opportunity to SHINE! The bursary covers Tuition fees Accommodation with meals Travel and book allowance
Being an Actuary requires: Sacrifice, dedication and hard work Proven numeracy skills (Mathematics)
Incentives for good performance
Communication skills (English)
Academic and emotional support
An appetite for challenge
Good networking opportunities
Drive, energy and initiative
Vacation work from second year
The Old Mutual edge to keep you going One-on-one mentoring by an experienced qualified actuary Guaranteed employment after university In-house rotation programme exposing you to various aspects of our business Working with acknowledged industry-leading experts in different fields, shaping South Africa’s omms 02.2013 L5454
The challenge
financial future.
That special x-factor that proves you’re a cut above the rest!
The reward At the end of the journey you will join an elite, talented pool. You will be recognised as a top-earning niche professional with specialised skills in risk management across a range of financial arenas – finance, fund management, investment product design, solution development and consulting, and retirement and risk planning – among others.
Closing date: 30 July 2013 Preference will be given to black South African learners i.e. Africans, Coloured and Indians (ito of EE Act).
For more information, contact Banele Dondolo at 021 509 2656, email bdondolo@oldmutual.com or Sibongile Ncube at 011 217 1707, email sncube@oldmutual.com. I www.oldmutual.co.za/careers
UCT
HOW YOU CAN AFFORD TO STUDY AT UCT University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice Chancellor, Dr Max Price outlines how studying at the prestigious institution just became much easier and less expensive.
I
f you are working hard to achieve high matric
R70 000. It all depends on the expected family contribution.
scores, you are the kind of student the University of Cape Town (UCT) is looking for. And if you are
UCT Financial Aid can also help students whose family incomes are
accepted to UCT, you don’t have to worry about
too high for government assistance – family incomes of between
how to pay for it, even if your family cannot afford
R230 000 and R480 000. These students can apply for a UCT bur-
to help you.
sary to help cover part of their course fee costs. These bursaries could cover up to 50% of the tuition fee for a family with an income
UCT is seeking the best learners from across South
below R330 000, 40% of the tuition fee for a family with an income
Africa: students who will become the next generation
between R330 000 and R430 000, and 30% of the tuition fee for
of engineers, health practitioners, actuarial scientists,
families with an income between R430 000 and R480 000. These
astronomers, lawyers, political scientists, opera stars,
students are also eligible to apply for loans for a further R25 000,
musicians, writers, teachers, mathematicians, research-
subject to meeting the requirements.
ers and university professors – the people who will help South Africa to grow and prosper.
Last year 3349 students received financial assistance from UCT. Some of these students have agreed to share their stories with you:
We know many of the best students can come from
Bokang Mauba is a fourth-year Medicine student in residence
families that will find it difficult or impossible to pay for a university education. So UCT Financial Aid makes it possible for these students to come to UCT at very little How UCT Financial Aid helps students from different family income groups*
cost to their families. For most programmes at UCT, the total cost of study – including tuition, books, food allow-
If your family income is:
ance, housing, local travel and other necessities – comes
And in such a case your family
R80 000, UCT Financial Aid
will need to pay only:
may provide as much as:
to about R80 000 a year. But with UCT Financial Aid your family might be
For total cost of study at
Less than R50 000
R79 000
R1 000
R50 000 – R230 000
R70 000
R10 000
If your family income is:
You can apply for a bursary of up
And your family will need to pay
to:
only:
50% of the tuition fee
R40 000 (or R15 000 if you qualify for
required to make a family contribution of as little as R1000 a year, if your family income is less than R50 000 a year. R230 000 –R330 000
a loan of R25 000)
A student whose family income is between R50 000 and R230 000 a year would need to provide a family contribution that is higher, but UCT Financial Aid would still provide most of the total cost of study. A student in this income bracket might need to pay just R10 000 a year. If the total cost of study adds up to R80 000, then in this case, UCT Financial Aid would provide the remaining
R330 000 – R430 000
40% of the tuition fee
R48 000 (or R23 000 if you qualify for a loan of R25 000)
R430 000 – R480 000
30% of the tuition fee
R56 000 (or R31 000 if you qualify for a loan of R25 000)
* This table contains illustrations of general examples only. Actual financial aid will be worked out on a case-‐by-‐case basis, depending on each student’s particular situation. Costs are affected by which residence a student lives in, transportation needs, food needs, as well as other factors. Please apply to UCT Financial Aid to find out what you might be eligible to receive.
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
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UCT
at UCT. He comes from Mokeng, near Nelspruit in the Free State, and completed high school at “Wise Up” in Gauteng. Bokang says: “Getting accepted into UCT was the highlight of my high school career. However, a constant shadow was the fact that I had no way of paying my way through university, much less Medicine, which happened to be the most expensive undergraduate course on offer at UCT. UCT Financial Aid paid for all my tuition and residence fees and provided me with a 40% fees-off bursary if I passed my university years in UCT. During my second year, Financial Aid offered me a scholarship to completely pay for our tuition. Had it not been for UCT Financial Aid, I would have had to remain at home,
UCT VICE CHANCELLOR
take up a part-time job and study in a different college. I would have been very
DR MAX PRICE
unhappy, and the world could have very well lost a passionate and committed doctor and leader. I am an involved student leader, a mentor and tutor, part of
oldest son. I have three younger sisters.
allows her to commute to UCT. “If I didn’t
My father is a lecturer. We live comfort-
have this level of support I would always
ably, but in order to support four kids, my
be struggling,” she says. “I’d be looking to
parents couldn’t afford the fees for me, as
borrow books, for instance. This way, my
well as my sisters … so it was definitely
education is made easier and smoother. I
a reason for me to seek financial aid for
don’t need to worry about money all the
my studies. UCT pays about 80% of my
time. The food allowance, as well as the
fee and I have to pay the remaining 20%.
textbook allowance, has been wonder-
I’m keen to get out into the community
ful. I definitely want to be in the theatre
every year.
and to apply my skills to help people and
world one day – acting and performing.
to really make a difference in the coun-
Financial aid from UCT has helped me to
This is more than I had imagined I would
try, thanks to the excellent teaching I’ve
dream big.”
received at UCT.
If you are dreaming big about your
Financial Aid my life as I know it now.”
Sivenkosi (“Sive”) Gubangxa is a third-
future, I invite you to apply to Africa’s
year drama student from Salt River in
top university. Visit www.uct.ac.za to get
Jason is a final-year medical student from
Cape Town. She lives with her widowed
information online about the many dif-
mother and siblings. Sive’s financial assis-
ferent degree programmes we offer. You
tance covers not only her tuition but also
can apply online or email admissions@
her books and a travelling allowance that
uct.ac.za.
the UCT Karate team, a volunteer student doctor, and I’ve been making new friends
achieve in my varsity years. I owe UCT
a middle-class family in Kalk Bay. He says: “To my surprise I was accepted into the UCT Financial Aid programme. I’m the 18
All images provided by UCT Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
OBAMA
PRESIDENT
e
OBAMA AT UCT As part of his African visit United States President, Barack Obama visited the University of Cape Town (UCT). Here are some images from the visit.
All images provided by UCT Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
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CSIR
COUNCIL FOR SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH (CSIR) Prince Ngcobo’s laser future looks bright
S
is why he ended up in physics. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a laser, although I used to be very impressed with the sword laser in movies such as Star Trek,” he says. “And today I design lasers for a living,” he says grinning widely. He has been designing lasers for the past four years and was part of the team that designed and developed a two-micron, highpower, diode-pumped thulium yttrium lithium fluoride slab laser. He is now a researcher within the mathematical optics research This laser has the highest output power in the world. “The laser is a technological demonstrator and can be used in many applicagroup at the CSIR National Laser Centre. tions such as laser materials processing and in laser surgery,” he says. Ngcobo studied physics because he says he loves the subject. Ngcobo is a married father of two and has three publications to “If you study physics you basically broaden your horizons and his name, he is planning on starting his PhD studies. you are guaranteed a job,” he says, adding that he signed his first job contract while he was still busy with his honours studies. “I started working at the HartRAO (Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observation).” andile Ngcobo (30) is a young, learned and modern South African man but has not forgotten his roots. This young Zulu inkosana hails from Kwa-Mafunze village on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZuluNatal. Mapholoba, his clan name, is from a royal family but he shies away from divulging his royal lineage.
At the CSIR, this inkosana designs laser resonators. Resonators consist of an active media and two mirrors on each side, of which one is highly reflective while the other is only partially reflective and allows emission of laser light. The laser light can be used in many applications such as range finding. For example, by shooting a laser light to a distant object and timing how long it takes for the reflected light to come back to you, one can determine how far the object is by using a simple physics equation: distance=speed×time, since the speed of light is known to be constant. Other applications are in laser materials processing where laser is used to cut steel. “This process is accurate and much faster than other methods,” he says. Ngcobo is currently working on lasers emitting light that could be used in both applications. He is the second born of ten children in his family. He says his parents allowed him to explore things as a small boy and that 20
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
RESEARCHER:
SANDILE NGCOBO
CSIR
Local scientist becomes the first SA Fellow of international optics and photonics society
“It is always nice to get recognition for the work you have done and continue to do”
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) chief scientist, Prof Andrew Forbes, has become the first South African and third African to be inducted into the elite Fellowship Class of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). SPIE is the international society for optics and photonics. SPIE outreach coordinator, Brent Johnson, says: “It is our pleasure to announce the promotion of Prof Andrew Forbes to SPIE Fellow. It was by the recognition of his significant service to this society and to the greater science community, as well as the recognition of noteworthy technical achievements, that the SPIE Fellows Committee and the Board of Directors concluded to promote him.” Forbes was presented publicly with his new fellow plaque at the SPIE Photonics West conference in February in San Francisco, USA. Forbes comments: “It is always nice to get recognition for the work you have done and continue to do. Over and above this, my Fellowship appointment is a reflection of the fact that we [at the CSIR] do scientific work which resonates with what SPIE is about – applied science.” Forbes is one of 69 new Fellows recently inducted into SPIE. They have been drawn from industry and universities around the world. “All these people are highly esteemed,” he says and adds, “I feel honoured and humbled to be included in the ranks of the SPIE Fellows.” As an active member of SPIE, Forbes has served as a programme committee
Prof Andrew Forbes member for conferences on laser beam shaping; laser resonators and beam control conference; and optical technologies for arming; safing; fusing; and firing. He is also the founder and Student Chapter Advisor for the CSIR SPIE Student Chapter. In addition to being a regular volunteer at SPIE events and conference attendee, he has been an author or co-author of over 50 SPIE conference and/or SPIE journal papers. The other two African academics who were both promoted to SPIE Fellows (in 2009) are Professors Paul Buahbassuah of Ghana and Zorah Ben-Lakhdar of Tunisia. It is also noteworthy that since its inception in 1955, SPIE has only inducted over 1000 of its members to fellowship status, making this a truly exclusive club and a rare honour for South Africa and Africa. About SPIE: SPIE is the international society for optics
and photonics, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1955 to advance lightbased technologies. The society serves nearly 225 000 constituents from approximately 150 countries, offering conferences; continuing education; books; journals; a digital library in support of interdisciplinary information exchange; professional growth; and patent precedent. SPIE provided R29.7 million (or US$3.3 million) in support of education and outreach programmes in 2012. SPIE recognises significant scientific and technical contributions in the multidisciplinary fields of optics, photonics, and imaging. SPIE Fellows are honoured for their technical achievements and for their service to the general optics community and to SPIE in particular. More than 1 000 SPIE members have become Fellows since the Society’s inception in 1955.
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
21
SCIENCE CENTRE
THE SOWETO SCIENCE CENTRE THE FUTURE OF EXCELLENCE
T
he long term goal of the Soweto Science Centre will be to create a culture of science in Soweto according to Professor Azwinndini Muronga, Director of the University of Johannesburg Soweto Science Centre.
In the short term, the centre is harnessing high school learners to prepare them for tertiary education. The programme was conceptualised after a realisation that learners from high schools fell short of tertiary education readiness. Located at the foot of the Enoch Sontonga hill—named after the country’s national anthem original composer; the science centre is within the environs of the world’s largest hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath and just several hundreds of metres from the iconic twin towers of Soweto. The science centre is well placed to attract its target market, high school learners from Grade 10. Established in 2011, the centre is growing and realising its goal. It has produced some of the best learners in the country. Most of them have successfully pursued studies in various universities in the country. Professor Muronga says the overwhelming response from the community has dispelled the commonly regarded assumption that Soweto learners ‘do not care about studying’. Despite challenges such as lack of transport money for learners, Professor Muronga says at best, the centre hosts up to 800 learners. Students come for supplementary education on Fridays and Saturday. The centre is well suited for the complementary tutorials. The lecture rooms accommodate between 90 and 800 students. The rooms are equipped with high tech digital projectors that make the learning experience easy for students. The laboratories are well installed to offer students a proper assimilation environment to undertake scientific experiments. The centre has hosted the mobile lab handover by the then Deputy Minister of the Department of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom. 22
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Prof Azwinndini Muronga This, according to Professor Muronga is a highlight that shows recognition of their existence and impact. The launch of a national science week in 2012 tested the centre’s capacity to cater for more learners, with enough resources and support. The week saw at least 6000 learners and parents from schools around Gauteng Province attending the event. The centre is looking beyond serving just Soweto. It is currently operating a virtual science centre in the Free State province. The inroads for the establishment of such satellite centres are also earmarked for provinces such as Limpopo. Partnerships are the hallmark of this science centre. “The centre this year will be launching the space laboratory in a joint venture with the United States Embassy,” says Professor Muronga. For Professor Muronga, such a prospective of having a space high tech laboratory heightens his vision of one day having a learner from Soweto discovering some unknown planet.
SMS Stars to 45813 or Scan the QR Code to get more info from UJ Standard SMS rates apply
Want to study at UJ? Be CLEAR about it. Choose your subjects wisely in Grade 9. Learn well in Grade 10. Earn the good marks you need to go to university in Grade 11. Apply early with those marks in Grade 12; and Register at UJ for your first year if you are accepted. So if you want to continue studying once you finish school, then you need to put in the ground work while you’re still there. It all adds up to being CLEAR. Reach your goal of studying at UJ. Be anything you want to be. Be CLEAR about your future. Apply before the end of September of your Grade 12 year. Visit www.uj.ac.za or call 0861 00 00 UJ
DST BUDGET VOTE
THE DST BUDGET VOTE SIMPLIFIED SUPPORTING SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
O
n the 16th of May this year we visited parliament to get the low down on Minister Derek Hanekom’s Budget Vote address. For the 2013/2014 cycle Science and Technology was given R6,2 billion to work with. 92% of this money goes to seven entities that report to the Department of Science and Technology as follows:
R781 996 000 to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). R1 112 879 000 to the National Research Foundation. R223 630 000 to the Human Sciences Research Council. R35 237 000 to the Africa Institute of South Africa. R20 744 000 to the Academy of Science of South Africa. R111 708 000 to the South African National Space Agency. R481 081 000 to the Technology Innovation
What else did the minister focus on: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be investing substantial amounts to support areas of science and technology that are still in the developmental stage, including the following:
Square Kilometre Array (SKA) The detailed design and pre-construction phase of the SKA project starts this year. The construction of the 64-dish MeerKAT has begun, and will be completed by 2016. On its own, the MeerKAT will be the largest radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. The SKA, when its 3 000 dishes have been completed, will be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world by far. Almost R2 billion has been given to the SKA project and since this is a global project, South Africa’s invest24
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
ment will leverage significant international resources.
Ketlaphela
In 2012, Cabinet approved the establishment of Ketlaphela, a fully backward-integrated pharmaceutical company aimed at the local manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for antiretrovirals (ARVs). The project is in line with the plans of the South African government to address HIV and Aids with a domestic solution. Ketlaphela will initially target South Africa’s burden of disease (starting with HIV and Aids, followed later by other communicable and non-communicable diseases) and subsequently expand into the rest of southern Africa. It is anticipated that the multibillion rand ARV project, expected to be based in Pelindaba, will create a more than 1 600 jobs and reduce the country’s R15 billion pharmaceutical trade deficit by 10%.
Space Science
As part of the four-country African Resource Management Constellation, South Africa has begun work on the ZA-ARMC1 satellite, for which R232 million has been allocated over the next three years. This satellite will greatly enhance Africa’s ability to monitor and manage its precious natural resources. The process of transferring the capabilities and intellectual property of SunSpace into an ongoing satellite programme is continuing through the services of a business rescue plan.
Indigenous knowledge systems
In May the Department of Science and Technology launched the National Indigenous Knowledge Recordal System and the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Bioprospecting and Product Development Consortium. Together, these interventions will considerably strengthen the country’s ability to use indigenous knowledge to develop products and services. The National Recordal System is the first ever Internet-based national digital system to
DST BUDGET VOTE
document indigenous knowledge. It was developed by the CSIR, informed by data from the World Intellectual Property Organisation and India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. R22m was invested in its development.
Human Capital Development
A total of 139 research and educational sites have now been connected with high-speed networks through the South African National Research Network (SANReN). This has virtually eliminated the digital divide between urban and remotely located institutions. Through SANReN, rural universities are just as able to participate in global experiments as urban universities. SANReN opens up new possibilities in the way teaching and research are conducted, with the high-speed transport of large datasets, participation in global experiments regardless of physical location, and collaborative online teaching. The investment in SANReN has reduced internet costs for participating institutions by a factor of more than 10. The DST will invest about R600 million in the next five years to more than double the international bandwidth of SANReN.
Bio-economy Strategy
The Strategy has been finalised and will be presented to Cabinet for approval. The strategy is designed to amalgamate South Africa’s experience, expertise and competitive advantages to create a world-class biotechnological system of innovation. More than R400 million has been budgeted for the implementation of the strategy.
Titanium Initiative
The titanium industry development initiative is progressing according to plan. The DST is investing more than R100 million over the next two years in this key initiative, through the Titanium Centre of Competence hosted by the CSIR. A key activity is the development of a novel low cost process for the production of titanium metal powder, which will provide South Africa with a global competitive advantage. A pilot plant is under construction at the CSIR campus in Pretoria, with a capacity of 2kg per hour of titanium powder.
MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
DEREK HANEKOM
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25
BMW
SCIENCE IN A CAR World class engineering
W
hat cars are you most likely to see in the president of South Africa’s convoy?
Clue:
They are black, sleek and fast with blue lights on top.
Still guessing? They are considered to be high techn cars, science on wheels and leaders in automotive engineering and innovation around the world.
Still guessing? In May we were invited to the official handover of the first educational display BMW for the Cape Town Science Centre. The centre’s director, Ms Julie Cleverdon welcomed this addition exclaiming “if you want to make science real you must show its value in everyday things like a car.” So when next you visit the Science Centre in Observatory, Cape Town, you will be greeted by a BMW 3-Series that sports all the latest technological innovations. In trying to tie up science with cars Guy Kilfoil (BMW’s General Manager: Communications & Public Affairs) added that “car technology makes maths and science tangible”. Which basically means many of the concepts you come across in science 26 26
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
BMW
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT DST SPOKESPERSON
NTHABISENG MAOELA CHIEF OF STAFF
NURUNESSA MOOLLA
MINISTERS PA
MELANIE TITUS
studies such as inertia, acceleration, friction, combustion, aerodynamics, electricity and telematics actually play a big role in car technology. Seeing how it all comes together in a car makes science even more fun. After all science is best learnt practically – hence every now and again science teachers do those exciting experiments in classrooms. So, as a commitment to enhancing young people’s access to science, maths, engineering and technology, BMW South Africa and the Department of Science and Technology are now working together to bring educational themes to life. In total BMW has donated five BMWs. The first one is now in Cape Town. The remaining four educational display cars will be handed over in the coming months to science centres in four other provinces. We hope to see you studying a BMW at your nearest science centre soon!
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
BMW GENERAL MANAGER
GUY KILFOIL
DIRECTOR OF THE CAPE TOWN SCIENCE CENTRE
JULIE CLEVERDON
MINISTER OF DST
DEREK HANEKOM
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27
PHYSICS
PHYSICS IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES
Just look around
P
hysics is ever present around
Even when we speak, we produce sound
us. In fact it essentially influ-
properties of which like pitch and inten-
ences everything we do.
sity are studied in physics and the elec-
When we walk or run our
tricity we use everyday at school, home
motion is part of the laws of mechanics
or even in the everyday world is a gift of
and thermodynamics. The food we eat
physics. Next time you go on a drive with
undergoes chemical reactions produc-
your parents or friends remember it is
ing heat energy which is converted into
all thanks to physics. Had there been no
mechanical energy while refrigerators,
study of the science of physics, its devel-
pressure cookers, washing machines, tele-
opment and application in providing all
visions, music system, computers, etc. are
these facilities, we would have remained
all designed on the principles of physics.
tribals forever.
Listed below are some examples of physics in action according to Sarah Grace McCandless:
1 2
The rainbow demonstrates refraction, one of the 10 everyday science principles.
“The higher the temperature of the molecules, the greater the kinetic energy and the faster the molecules will move”
3
Bernoulli Principle: Have you ever wondered how something as heavy as an airplane manages to stay aloft in the sky? Doesn’t seem to make much
sense, unless you’re familiar the Bernoulli Principle (or in some circles, the Bernoulli Equation). Discovered in the 1700s by Swiss physicist and mathematician Daniel Bernoulli, this law of physics stipulates that the pressure of a fluid (liquid or gas) decreases as the speed of the fluid increases [National Aeronautics and Space Administration].
The Doppler effect: When
Effect. It’s named after Austrian mathema-
So what does this have to do with air-
you hear an ambulance,
tician and physicist Christian Doppler who
planes? Well, the shape of the plane’s
police car, or other emer-
first discovered this principle in the mid-
wing as it passes through the air cre-
gency vehicle in the distance, ever noticed
1800s [National Oceanic and Atmospheric
ates lower pressure above the wing than
how the pitch of the siren changes, first
Association]. When something is moving
beneath it. This pressure difference is
becoming higher as it approaches, then
toward you, sound waves bunch up, lead-
what allows the wings to push upward
lower as it passes? What you’re hearing
ing to an increase in pitch due to this
and the plane to take flight. The faster the
is a result of a shift in the frequency of
compression. When it’s moving away from
wing moves, the more lift is created, play-
sound waves around the object, which is
you, the waves start to expand, leading to
ing a key role in making sure air traffic
known more commonly as the Doppler
a decrease in sound.
stays on the up and up.
28
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
PHYSICS
4
Classical states of matter Next time someone asks you,
“What’s the matter?” if you want to answer
5
Magnetism The phrase “opposites attract” may be tossed around when
discussing social relationships, but its
literally, choose from one of the following
roots are purely scientific, tracing back to
three options: solid, liquid or gas. Though
the concept of magnetism. Observations
some scientists also argue that plasma
and recognition of this natural force traces
should be considered as well, these three
back throughout many centuries [National
selections are generally used across the
Aeronautics and Space Administration].
board as the primary states.
However, physician and scientist William
Each one is defined by major physical
Gilbert is most frequently credited with
characteristics, determined in large part
creating the science of magnetism in 1600
by the kinetic energy of molecules (which
[British Broadcasting Corporation].
spreads them apart) as well as attractive
Magnetism is a force that occurs when
forces (which pull them together) [Kurtus].
materials attract or repel other materials
The temperature or energy determines
at a distance. The most common example
which force wins. The higher the tem-
of this is probably on display as a magnet
perature of the molecules, the greater the kinetic energy and the faster the molecules will move. You can see this in action by starting with a glass full of ice cubes, representing the solid state when the molecules are confined to vibrating either in place or in rotation. As the ice melts, the molecules gain enough kinetic energy to overcome the force until it becomes liquid. If the water is boiling (or else in a very reduced pressure), the molecules are extremely energetic and their kinetic energy is greater than the attractive force between them. Thus, the water will become gas and spread beyond an open container [Kurtus]. The water will ultimately evaporate, though it evaporates more slowly at freezing point than boiling point because the energy required to break up the bonds holding water molecules together happens more quickly with the latter option [United States Geological Survey].
high to low pressure, the Earth rotates under it, serving as the object or rotating frame of reference. However, motions over its surface such as wind are subject to acceleration. At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero, but in the Northern Hemisphere, wind turns to the right of its direction of motion, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it turns to the left, making the Coriolis force one to be reckoned with when it comes to studying storms and oceanic currents.
7
Gravitational Pull
What goes up, must come down. No really, it must. So stuck to your fridge. A magnet has a strong sayeth Sir Isaac Newton, a master-ofmagnetic field and attracts materials all-trades in his time, including mathlike the iron in your fridge door. Magnets have two poles (north and south) and will ematician, astronomer, physicist, and alchemist (just to name a few) [Isaac be attracted by the opposite pole and repelled by the like pole of the other mag- Newton Institute for Mathematics]. While there’s a lovely story about net [Kurtus]. The magnet may not stick to an apple falling on Newton’s head a stainless steel fridge because that has different proportions of nickel, which tend serving as his gravitational “Ah-ha” moment, whether or not this actually to interfere with iron atoms. happened has been debated [Gefter]. What hasn’t been debated is his insight and ultimate conclusion: Gravity is the force that attracts The Coriolis Force objects towards Earth, the result being How is it possible for wind that all objects fall at the same rate, to flow in curved trajectories, regardless of mass. [Kurtus]. or even counterclockwise? However gravitational force or pull The scientific explanation traces back to can vary on other celestial bodies. On a mathematical equation known as the Earth, the force is always equal to the Coriolis force, and as you might imagine, weight of the object, as opposed to it’s a bit more complicated than 1+1=2. a location like the moon, where the First discovered in 1835 by French sciforce of gravity is about 1/6 that of entist Gustave-Gaspard Coriolis, it demEarth (which is why astronauts always onstrates that objects moving within a need to be tethered down when walkrotating coordinate system do not actually ing its surface). deviate from their path, but simply appear But for those on our planet, go ahead to do so because of the motion of the and toss that apple or ball into the air, coordinate [USA Today]. because it will fall right back down Case in point: As air begins to flow from into your lap.
6
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
29
ESSAY WINNERS
WRITING TO CHANGE THE WORLD Scientists can be writers too
MINISTER DEREK HANEKOM WITH THE ESSAY WINNERS
E
very young South African
findings together. And to celebrate 16
3. Zandile Mashabane from Mahhusha
learner is bright. Given the
years of working together there were
Agricultural High School in Mpumalanga
right opportunities many
a number of activities lined up for the
shine. And so it is with the
2012/2013 Year of Science.
three young learners we are featuring on this page.
Thandeka Nzimande’s essay was titled Climate Change: Friend or Foe? In this
One of these activities was an essay
essay she lists the causes of climate
writing competition. Budding scientists
change, whilst encouraging South
Before we announce them and their
from various schools were invited to
Africans – especially scientists - to do
achievements we’d like to clue you up
provide answers to some serious prob-
more to fight climate change.
on something relevant to their achieve-
lems that we humans are facing here on
ments. Did you know that last year the
earth.
German-South African Year of Science was launched?
Zandile Mashabane also chose Climate Change and decided to write about the
The essay themes were: Astronomy,
impact of Global Warming, where she
Bio-economy, Climate Change, Social
focused on utilising more Solar energy
Well it was. South Africa and Germany
Change, Social Sciences and Humanities,
as a solution.
have been working together in the fields
Urbanisation or Megacities, Health
of science and technology since 1996!
Innovation and Human Capital
Mukundi Mushiana chose the
It’s been a great relationship. Sharing
Development.
Urbanisation theme. In his essay he
knowledge and scientific research
looked at Urbanisation in South Africa And guess what?
- investigating why people leave the
This year three winning essays came-
rural areas and how rural areas can be
from South Africa. They were announced
developed.
in Berlin (Germany). The winning essays
30
belonged to:
The Department of Science and
From left to right in the picture
Technology also celebrated the trios
1. Thandeka Nzimande from Litsibogo
achievements. Minister Derek Hanekom
Girls High in Gauteng. .
invited them to parliament for his bud-
3 Mukundi Mushiana from Mbilwi
get vote speech and later awarded them
Secondary School in Limpopo.
with laptops.
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
KIDS S T N E M CO M
KIDS COMMENTS
Congratulations to Aduma Yourlendur Tshungu and Thuliswe Jucwa for winning our Facebok like competition. Carry on spreading the word and invite your friends to like the Science Stars Facebook page and you may be next in line to win big prizes. Here are a few select comments from the Science Stars Magazine Facebook page:
Aduma Yourlehndur Tshungu “Only those who dare to dream actually realise those dreams. If history has taught us anything as it rightly should, it is that your birth circumstances do not determine your future... Anyone can rise from humble and poor circumstances to unimaginable success. It is what you put in that determines where your life ultimately goes.. Education is the key to success.” Written by: Evans Nyasha Manyonga #inspired_winx!!!
Thulisiwe Mkhonza Really love the mag.. Please keep up the good work guys
Thulisiwe Jucwa Plz do not forget St James(RC) Secondary School for the Science Stars magazine Issue 2
Oscar Mabece 1 of Sciencer Stars’s main goals shud be ‘Making science & technology cool’ so as 2 have more appeal 2 youngsters... All 2getha the mag seems like an awesum initiative..
James Ncube You guys should make sure we get more copies because we are sharing the mag. At least if all of us get one each it would really make a big difference. Luv your mag!!!
Fani Ndaba Cant wait for the next Science Stars issue. I always thought science was hard. Really love it now.
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
31
PROFILE
A DREAM COMING ALIVE Impossible is nothing
R
otondwa Mudau (25) was born in Tshikonelo a
(simulation is creating an environment that is environmentally
village in Venda. She moved to Ngwenani village
similar to the real thing).
after her mother passed away in 1990 to live with her grandmother then later moved to live
Can you give us a brief outline of your education to date?
with her father in Louis Trichardt (now Makhado). She has eight
I went to creche in Ngwenani village where my aunt was one of
siblings and is currently in the physics sector. Studying towards
the teachers. She made a couple of us wash dishes after lunch.
a Masters degree. In an interview with Science Stars Magazine
Good memories. Then attended Primary School in a neighbour-
she outlined more about her background and interest in sci-
ing village called Ngulumbi. I think it’s there where we discov-
ence.
ered my Math abilities. I was such a teacher’s pet there, I was smart, clean and respectful! I think naturally my teacher’s loved
When did you take interest in science?
me. Ratshitanga Primary School with always be the best primary
I think because I was always good in Math and Science I have
school. When I was going to Grade 6 I moved to Louis Trichardt
always had a liking for science. I think that’s the natural pro-
to a primary school called Soutpansberg primary. It was ter-
gression. If you like Math and Science your career path will be
rible at first because I couldn’t speak English and I didn’t know
in those fields.
anyone. It was such a shock to my system. From being a popular kid in Ratshitanga to being a nobody in Soutpansberg. Literally
What area do you specialise in, in the science field?
from hero to zero! But I bounced back, I had to. Even though my
I am currently doing Nuclear Physics, specifically Nuclear
grades and everything had dropped. I went to Louis Trichardt
Reactor Physics. I am currently working on specialising in
high in 2001 and took it as a chance to prove myself as we
Geant4( a monte Carlo simulation tool that is c++ based).
were all starting afresh. I had the best High School experience because I worked really hard and every now and then my name
What exactly does your area of specialisation entail?
made itself on the top ten board in reception. I was a member
What I am busy with entails simulating a Nuclear Reactor. This
of the Learner Executive Council (LEC) in other words a prefect
is necessary for the control, maintenance, operation, regula-
and I was also in the provincial hockey team for three consecu-
tion, forensic analysis and scenario testing of a nuclear reactor.
tive years. After high school I went to Stellenbosch University. I
Obviously we cant go into the reactor to see what is happening
also had the time of my life there. I met so many amazing peo-
so we use simulation tools to predict what is going on inside.
ple who will probably stay my friends for life. I did my Bachelor
32
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PROFILE of Science in Physics and also BSc
Haha (she laughs) being taught Physics,
have been married and being a mum to
Honours in Nuclear Physics there. Then
Stats and Applied maths in Afrikaans
a few sons and maybe a girl. To also be
moved to University of Johannesburg last
when I was in Stellenbosch. Grade 6
a brilliant guitarist and vocalist. Gosh, so
year to do my MSc in Nuclear Physics.
was also hard because I couldn’t speak
much!
English. I think language creates a huge Who inspired you to get where you are?
challenge. But you need to learn and
What word of advice can you give to the
In terms of studies I think my Professors
get with it. Honours was difficult, MSc is
younger guys aspiring to get in your field
and Lecturers. They are so far ahead that
also really difficult.
of study?
you can’t stop half way if you spend all
Dream! Don’t underestimate the power
your time surrounded by them. They have
Where do you see yourself in 5 years
of dreaming and being optimistic about
set the bar so high. Most of them are
time?
your life. Dream the craziest dreams
Doctors but they are so down to earth. I
That’s not so easy, 5 years is not a long
and just go for it! There was no way I
think I’d feel like a failure if I didn’t go
time! Oh my gosh I will be 30! At 30 I
would have imagined my life right now.
all the way and in life in general I am
would like to have obtained a PhD and
I rub shoulders with giants in Physics,
surrounded by go getters. I have amaz-
creating waves in the area of Science
the likes of Azwinndini Muronga, Simon
ing role models, my family and all my
in South Africa. I think there’s a real
Conell, John Ellis etc, and all I had to
friends. They all live their lives with so
need for Africans to represent and own
offer was a dream of being the best, and
much zeal and tenacity. It would be very
Science in the world at large. There are
willing to put in the hours and asking
odd if I found myself down and battered.
no real barriers anymore as everything
a lot of questions. Be tenacious! I mean
I am really inspired.
is so globalised, meaning it is acces-
be very stubborn and protective of your
sible. So we need Africans to really dive
dreams because people will be on your
Who would you say was you greatest
in and learn Science. We need research,
case about doing other things (finding a
influence?
we need innovators, and we need to be
job, starting a family etc.) As for being in
My Father. He has managed to tell me
able to claim things like inventor of the
my field, work hard in your math and sci-
every single day (I am not exaggerating)
internet or the car etc.. These inven-
ence in high school. Work hard for your
that I must be the best. Every single day,
tions come from doing a lot of research.
undergraduate degrees and the sky will
he phones me and tells me I must be
We need to encourage our youth to
the best. Partly he’s leaving vicariously
do research, to spend hours
through me, partly just an awesome
pondering on the same
encouraging father.
thing without worry-
be the limit for you. So dream and work hard!
ing about money. What can you put down as your greatest
I really hope
success to date?
by that time
Believe it or not it would be getting a
we would
bronze medal at an inter-schools athlet-
have done
ics tournament in 2006. The reason is
enough
I was always terrified of running 400
work to
meters because I didn’t want to lose.
push for
I wasn’t the best athlete but I made a
that. Build
pact with myself to not get out of high
a secret
school without a medal from the biggest
location
tournament in high school. So I did it
somewhere
after losing since Grade 10. Getting my
where the
Honours degree was also a lot of hard-
crème of the
work. So I am really proud of that.
crop would be locked in, doing work
What was your most overwhelming aca-
not worrying about money.
demic challenge?
And the obvious, I would like to
PHYSICIST: ROTONDWA MUDAU
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| Are you curious about how things
work and like to solve problems? | Do you enjoy working in a team and want to create things that will improve peoples’ lives? | Do you have an aptitude for science and mathematics and good grades in Senior Certificate Mathematics and Physical Science?|
YES? Then you should consider becoming an engineer!
What do engineers do? Engineers create, maintain and develop things that are needed but do not exist in the natural world. Engineering uses science, maths and technology to solve problems by finding the most suitable solution. An important part of engineering involves identifying and understanding the constraints of a design, to enable it to function successfully within these limits. According to the Engineering Profession Act (No.46 of 2000), engineers can register in four professional categories, namely: • Professional Engineer – Entry level qualification: BSc (Eng)/BEng, four year degree. • Professional Engineer – Technologist Entry level qualification: BTech (Eng) degree. • Professional Certified Engineer – Entry level qualification: GCC (Government Certificate of Competency). • Professional Engineering Technician – Entry level qualification: three-year Diploma in Engineering from a University of Technology.
CAREERS IN
ENGINEERING
SAASTA
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Branches of Engineering Engineering is a broad discipline which can be divided into many specialised fields or sub-disciplines. Although initial training is usually in a specific engineering field, an engineer can become multi-disciplined and work in several engineering fields during their career. The nine main engineering disciplines are: • Mechanical Engineering • Electrical Engineering • Civil Engineering • Aeronautical Engineering • Industrial Engineering • Metallurgical and Material Engineering • Mining Engineering • Agricultural Engineering • Chemical Engineering
What school subjects do I need to become an engineer? The basic requirements for studying engineering are: • BEng: National certificate with about 60% in both Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy) and Physical Science and an overall average of 60%. • BTech: A senior certificate with a minimum of 40% in Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy) and Physical Science.
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www.saasta.ac.za
CAREERS IN
In addition to these, specialisation is also possible in other engineering fields, such as: • Biomedical Engineering • Measurement and Control Engineering
ENGINEERING
SAASTA
35 A6
QUIZ
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STRAP
SHANDUKA
SHANDUKA FOUNDATION GROWING A CULTURE OF GIVING
S
ocial responsibility is one of the values that underpin Shanduka Group, and this is made evident through monetary investment and employee participation. Launched in 2004, Shanduka Foundation is the vehicle through which the Cyril Ramaphosa-chaired Shanduka Group channels its social and community development initiatives. The foundation has three areas of focus: improving schools; incubating and mentoring black emerging small enterprises; and providing bursaries for needy and deserving students studying towards business-related qualifications. These objectives are achieved through Adopt-a-School Foundation, Shanduka Black Umbrellas, and the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust respectively.Ramaphosa started the Adopt-aSchool Foundation after donating a fax machine to a school he attended as a young man and realised the myriad needs of this school and others like it. He then mobilised other individuals and companies to join him and contribute to the improvement of schools. The decision to start the Adopt-aSchool Foundation was based on the belief that children are our future and 38
therefore, education will ensure a better future for all. Selected schools must have strong leadership and active community involvement. The aim is to improve the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools, by ensuring that they have the necessary management and community leadership to create an environment conducive for teaching and learning. Supporting small businesses has always been a key focus of Shanduka Foundation. This gained traction when the foundation was approached by Charles Maisel and Mark Frankel, who started the Black Umbrellas incubation centre in Cape Town, and were looking forpartners. In partnering with them, Shanduka Foundation capitalised the Johannesburg branch and mobilised other corporates to support enterprise development through this initiative.
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust programme was started using money raised by Ramaphosa speaking at different events to fund bursaries for deserving students. Academically deserving students who need financial support qualify for bursaries; additionally, they have to be studying towards a business qualification. In addition to financial assistance, the students are mentored throughout their studies and have an opportunity to spend their holidays at Shanduka for experiential learning. Importantly, Shanduka employees are fully involved in this initiative and all the company’s other CSI projects. Social responsibility is one of our values and is part of our mission – ‘Creating value and making a difference’. All Shanduka employees get involved and mobilise support for the work of the foundation wherever they go.
Every employee contributes financially to the Adopt-a-School programme and As a result, there are today four spends time mentoring students and Shanduka Black Umbrellas enterpreneurs. centres – in Cape Town, Johannesburg For a company such as ours that is just Pretoria and Durban. To qualify for incu- 10 years old, we believe we have made bation, entrepreneurs selected must inroads in achieving positive developmenhave a proven level of skills and have a tal impact and making a difference for all business idea that can be our stakeholders –that includes our shareimplemented immediately. Their busiholders, employees, communities ness concepts must be past the concep- in which we operate and learners across tual stage. People with skills who want the country – with500 000 learners having to start or grow their businesses are benefitted from the Adopt-a-School encouraged to apply. Foundation.
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za
25 YEARS OF THE EXTRAORDINARY TCTA is a state-owned liability management entity responsible for bulk raw water infrastructure development
TCTA Career Opportunities The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is proud to contribute towards a system which aims to deliver a sustainable water supply across Southern Africa. Our specialist skills, from sourcing project finance to planning, design and construction, place TCTA in the ideal position to facilitate development of bulk raw water infrastructure. From an initial single project, TCTA now manages a portfolio of nine. These are the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1; the Berg Water Project (Western Cape); the Vaal River Eastern Subsystem Augmentation Project (Mpumalanga); the Mooi-Mgeni Transfer Scheme Phase 2 (KZN Midlands); the Olifants River Water Resource Development Project Phase 2 (Limpopo); the Mokolo-Crocodile (West) Water Augmentation Project (Limpopo); the Komati Water Scheme Augmentation Project (Mpumalanga) and, more recently, the Acid Mine Drainage Project (Gauteng) and the Metsi Bophelo Borehole Project (across six provinces). TCTA is also expected to play a key role in the funding of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, the implementation of which was announced in a joint statement issued in August 2011 by the Governments of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa. I
“TCTA launched Project Naledi in 2005 with the expressed aim of recruiting, funding and employing youths from previously disadvantaged areas, with particular focus on rural areas.”
This was contrived as a contribution to the government’s transformation agenda of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA), the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) and the National Human Resource Strategy. The JIPSA framework broadly identified developing scarce skills in the following high priority areas: • • •
Engineering and planning skills for jobs in transport, communications and energy; Engineering projects for cities and towns, to meet the needs of municipalities; Management and planning skills in education, health and municipalities.
The project intends to: • • • • •
Identify deserving and capable students from disadvantaged communities; Recruit candidates into engineering, project management, finance and accounting disciplines; Support the candidates throughout their studies by providing academic tutoring and mentoring; Provide specific and on-going support to the students that enter into accounting and engineering fields through regular follow-up sessions; and Develop a model for increasing participation of youth into the scarce skills category
All the above services are in support of government’s developmental agenda to make a better life for all. TCTA is committed to assisting government to achieve its socio-economic objectives.
For more information on TCTA visit: www.tcta.co.za or call +2712 6831200
SCIFEST
SCIENCE STARS AT SCIFEST AFRICA 2013 Science Stars Magazine attended the Science Festival in Grahamstown. Here are some exclusive pictures from the exciting event.
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SCIFEST
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SCIENCE WEEK
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 2013 Coming to all provinces
N
ational Science Week, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is a countrywide celebration of science involving various stakeholders and/or role players conducting
science-based activities during the week. National Science Week is run in all nine provinces simultaneously at multiple sites per province. SAASTA has been appointed by the DST as the implementing agency and has the role of national project manager for the National Science Week. Each year a different theme and sub-theme is chosen and activities are offered to the target audiences around these themes. This project is viewed as a public awareness project and there are four objectives: •to popularise science to the broader South African society, •to serve as a vehicle for showcasing local innovations in science and technology, and the leadership role of the DST and other government departments in enabling research, development and innovation, •to make science, engineering, mathematics and innovation appealing to learners, such that they would consider SET as preferable career options, and •to familiarise targeted participants with the science linked to areas in which South Africa has knowledge and/or geographic advantage so as to contribute in making them informed and critically engaged citizens. Theme for 2013 Theme – “Celebrating scientific areas in which South Africa has a competitive edge” Sub-theme - “International year of water cooperation”. The objective of the year is to raise awareness of both the potential for increased cooperation and the challenges facing water management in the context of greater demand for water access, allocation, and services. 42 42
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SCIENCE WEEK
The main topics/messages to be conveyed are: •Astronomy •Mathematics •Indigenous knowledge •Marine Sciences •Palaeontology •South African inventions Focus Week – 27 July – 3 August 2013 Launch – Saturday 27 July in Polokwane at the University of Limpopo. Should you need more information on the launch, please contact Ms Tebogo Gule at tebogo.gule@dst.gov.za National Science Week promotes the greater awareness and appreciation of the contribution that science and technology makes to the nation.
The National Science Week will be hosted in all 9 provinces:
The National Science eek be hosted provinces namely: The National Science WW eek ww ill ill be hosted in in all a9ll 9p rovinces namely: NSW 2013 Northern Cape: 27 July August 2013 NSW 2013 Northern Cape: 27 July to to 3 3A ugust 2013 Celebrating scientific areas hich South Africa has competitive edge: Celebrating scientific areas in in ww hich South Africa has a acompetitive edge: Name of organisation Name of organisation MSLA Maths and Science Leadership Academy NPC Ms MSLA Maths and Science Leadership Academy NPC Ms
Tell Tell 053-8325047 / Anne Maclean 053-8325047 / 0836561587 Anne Maclean 0836561587 Tony Mpisi 053-831 1016 Tony Mpisi 053-831 1016 021-9763366 / Mr Johannes Van Lill 021-9763366 / 0827843479 Mr Johannes Van Lill 0827843479 Mrs Chrisentia Moatshe 082 937 3826 Mrs Chrisentia Moatshe 082 937 3826
NIHE NIHE HIP 2 B2 HIP 2 B2
Mothibistad Mothibistad
NSW 2013 estern Cape: 27 July August 2013 N SW 2013 WW estern Cape: 27 July to to 3 3A ugust 2013 Name of organisation Name of organisation Astro Tours Astro Tours
Mrs Mrs
Tilanie Tilanie
Foster Slotegraaf - Edward Foster Foster Slotegraaf - Edward Foster
Mr Mr
Edward Edward
Hermanus Astronomy Club Hermanus Astronomy Club
Ms Ms
Lynette Lynette
SANSA - South African national Space Agency Mrs SANSA - South African national Space Agency Mrs
Elisa Elisa
Uthando Lwakhe Org Uthando Lwakhe Org
Miss Miss
Olivia Olivia
UWC - Science Learning Centre for Africa UWC - Science Learning Centre for Africa
Dr Dr
Shaheed Shaheed
West Coast Education Distric West Coast Education Distric
Mr Mr
Lyndon Lyndon
HIP 2 B2 HIP 2 B2
Mr Johannes Mr Johannes
Tell Tell 044-8712009/ Daehne 044-8712009/ 0727322950 Daehne 0727322950 021-9826496 / Foster 021-9826496 / 0838870892 Foster 0838870892 028-316 2428 / Geldenhuys 028-316 2428 / 084 515 4644 Geldenhuys 084 515 4644 028-3121196 / Fraser 028-3121196 / 0765249098 Fraser 0765249098 0761928298 / 0761928298 / 0764382617 / Mukiibi 0764382617 / 0761928298 / Mukiibi 0761928298 / 0765682814 0765682814 021-959 2680 / Hartley 021-959 2680 / 083 552 1507 Hartley 083 552 1507 021-8601200 / 021-8601200 / 0833038404 / Manas 0833038404 / 021-8601573 / Manas 021-8601573 / 0832463667 0832463667 021-9763366 / Van Lill 021-9763366 / 0827843479 Van Lill 0827843479
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PROFILE
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE From the rural areas to representing UCT in Europe
D
Truly one of the shining lights in Science and an outstanding Science Star!
r Banothile Makhubela (29) was part of a select
Her area of interest is organometallic chemistry – a chemi-
group of young scientists who congregated in
cal science that lies at the interface of inorganic and organic
Lindau, Germany, for the 63rd Nobel Laureate
chemistry. This research field has applications in biomedicines,
Meeting on Chemistry. This year, 35 Nobel
catalysis and green chemistry.
Laureates attended the meeting from 30 June to
5 July.
Science Stars Magazine met up with Dr Makhubela and she told
Makhubela has also been selected to participate later this year
us more about herself.
in the 2013 SciFinder® Future Leaders in Chemistry programme, which will give her insight into the inner workings of the larg-
Why chemistry?
est database of chemistry and related science information.
When asked where her interest in chemistry comes from, she
The main topics of the Nobel Laureate meeting, green chemis-
answers that she found chemistry “more understandable” than
try and biochemical processes, are right up Makhubela’s street.
any of her other subjects at school.
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PROFILE “This later on developed into an interest in inorganic chemistry, specifically reactions involving transition metals in organic species,” she adds. Makhubela hails from Mzinti, a town in rural Mpumalanga. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Zululand and chose UCT for her postgraduate studies. She describes the moment she learnt about her selection for the Lindau meeting as “very exciting and a proud moment”. She looks forward most to interacting with Robert Grubbs. Grubbs was one of the 2005 chemistry prize winners, whose area of research, like Makhubela’s, is bio-
Dr Banothile Makhubela
inorganic chemistry. She hopes that the mentorship resulting from the Lindau meeting will inspire her and other African participants “to develop scientific tools to meet the developmental challenges” in Africa. Exceptional student Dr Gregory Smith, under whose supervi-
And so, I began my schooling in Nelsville
sion Makhubela completed her doctorate,
Primary School and completed matric in
describes her as “an excellent student”.
2002 at Nelspruit Private College.
He adds that she is “certainly one of the
I obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc.)
top research students in our department”.
degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Zululand in 2005
Who is Dr Makhubela?
as well as BSc. Honours and Master of
I was born 3rd of five siblings in Mzinti
Science (MSc.) degrees in 2007 and 2009
(a rural village in Mpumalanga Province).
from the University of Cape Town (UCT)
My parents (Father- Businessman and
respectively. I am currently Postdoctoral
farmer; Mother-Housewife) did their
Research Fellow in the Department of
very best to ensure that my siblings and
Chemistry at UCT having also obtained a
I obtained a good education in order to
Ph.D in Chemistry at this institution.
be able to seize life’s opportunities and
Being the first person to ever graduate
be the best that we can be. In fact, so
with a PhD in Mzinti is an honour and
determined were they that just before
privilege and for this reason I have taken
the dawn of democracy in South Africa
to using my position and achievements
(in the early 90s when the group areas
to inspire and mentor young people in
act was still in play) they collaborated
my community. Since 2011, I have been
with a kind lady by the name of Ms. Anne
working on a high school academic out-
Sanderson to enroll my older sister and
reach programme that aims to work with
I “as her nieces” into an English medium
various stakeholders to: 1) Provide and
school in Nelsville outside of Nelspruit.
activating and nurturing environment
“Being the first person to ever graduate with a PhD in Mzinti is an honour and privilege”
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PROFILE
IMAGES SUPPLIED BY UCT
for high school learners to raise their academic effort to the
development. Together with Dr Gregory S. Smith (UCT),
level that excellence requires; 2) Provide academic/resource
we are working on transition metal-containing drugs as
support and mentoring to learners and 3) Promote access to
potential anti-cancer agents. This project seeks to con-
higher education and personal development opportunities.
tribute in overcoming the challenge of disease burden
Involvement in such a programme is my way of contributing
and potentially improve the continent’s health and quality
to ensuring that the next generations of scientists are avail-
of life.
able in the future. I also enjoy hiking, travelling and reading.
What would you say to aspiring scientists looking into
What inspired you to get into chemistry?
doing this type of research?
When I was in grade 5 (11 years), I was amazed at seeing an
As an encouragement to young people I would say to
insect that emitted light when flying. After asking my teacher
look at the world and universe they live in and ask “if
how the insect managed to do this, she (Mrs Peters) arranged
this… than… type” questions:
for me to join the grade 7 science projects that year where a
Engage in scientific activities often such as observing and
group of grade 7 learners and I researched and presented on
following scientific phenomena or events (e.g following
the topic of bioluminescence. During this time I learnt that
progress on the square kilometer array (SKA) program or
bioluminescence took place by a process involving chemicals,
space program launches and missions etc.) and sorting
enzymes (luciferin and luciferase respectively) in the insect
and categorising and manipulating objects and materials.
together with oxygen! This (coupled with the fact that I later
These kinds of activities can invite scientific thinking,
found chemistry “more understandable” than other subjects)
investigation and allow for teaching and/or training in
sparked my interest in chemistry and science in general.
the basic skills of scientific research.
Can you tell us more about your current research?
Take science and mathematics at school not maths
My research interests are in Organometallic Chemistry
numeracy and work hard with diligence and determina-
and their applications in Catalysis, Green Chemistry and
tion as you move boldly towards yours dreams.
Metallodrug Discovery.
She is truly one of the shining lights in Science and an
Much of Africa is burdened by disease and this is stifling its
outstanding Science Star!
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Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference
DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E
Science Stars Magazine Issue 2 | www.sciencestars.co.za