SCIENCE CENTRE
SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRST GREEN SCIENCE CENTRE We step into the state-of-theart Cofimvaba Science Centre that recently opened in the heart of the Eastern Cape. By: Nadine Sims
L
ocated two hours from East London, the small village of
Cofimvaba welcomed the Minister of Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, as they unveiled one of the country’s first green science centres. Situated in the Chris Hani district, the centre will service approximately 32 senior secondary schools in the area and aims to be fully self-sufficient, with an off-the-grid energy and water supply. The facility has solar panels and relies on rainwater harvesting, water recycling and smallscale wind turbines. Eskom-supplied power is also available as a back-up measure and if there is excess energy not being used by the centre, it can be routed back to the municipality. The Director General of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Dr Phil Mjwara, explains that the design is not only environmentally friendly but can also be
presented as an exhibit or feature, making visitors aware of issues like climate change. Science Stars Space Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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