SAASTA

Traditional medicine plays a large role in the lives of millions of people on the African continent being, in many instances, the only accessible primary healthcare services which are rendered by traditional healthcare practitioners, particularly in the rural areas.

African Traditional Medicine Day on 31 August honours the integral role of traditional medicine in the health and welfare of generations of people on the continent.

The World Health Organisation urges member states to take urgent steps to implement evidence-based traditional medicine, unlock the innovation and contribution of traditional medicine and secure effective integration of traditional medicine into a national health policy.

The South African government has taken steps to integrate traditional healers in public sector health services. Recognising that through regulated practice the meaningful contribution of traditional healing practitioners in primary healthcare activities can be enhanced and facilitated.

Read more https://shorturl.at/Etb5k

Go green and plant a tree today! South Africa celebrates Arbor Week in the first week of September annually. The event presents an opportunity for South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management. https://shorturl.at/XLxaQ

National Science Week from 30 September to 5 October 2024 is an annual event that aims to close the gap between society and science.

Taking place under the theme: ‘Living in a high-tech world: should we be concerned?’, the goal is to build a society that has the necessary knowledge about science, is aware of scientific and technological developments, and can form its own opinions about science matters.

Click on the following link https://www.saasta.ac.za/programmes/focus-weeks/national-science-week/ for details on how to register and suggestions on how to creatively design your own activities to celebrate science.



Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) CSIR South African National Space Agency (SANSA) United Nations in South Africa South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - SARAO

The theme for National Science Week 2024 is ‘Living in a high-tech world: Should we be concerned?’ It will focus on the way in which science affects society and embodies the ‘good, the bad and the ugly’.

We are looking forward to the diverse views that will be presented in relation to the theme. Get ready to join us in celebrating science across the nation! https://shorturl.at/yRZPj



Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) CSIRSouth African National Space Agency (SANSA) United Nations in South Africa IThemba LABS South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - SARAO Department of Science and Innovation National Research Foundation

Today, we remember the Women's March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. Over 20 000 women united against the apartheid pass laws, demonstrating immense courage and resilience. Their legacy inspires us to continue advocating for women's rights and equality in all spheres of life.

of Science and Innovation National Research Foundation South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - SARAO

National Science Week is an annual celebration organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). The South African Agency for Science Technology and Advancement (SAASTA), a division of the National Research Foundation (NRF) uses the opportunity to cultivate a scientifically literate society capable of forming independent opinions about science. Watch this space for more info https://shorturl.at/yRZPj



Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) CSIR South African National Space Agency (SANSA) United Nations in South Africa South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - SARAO

National Science Week (NSW) is an annual celebration organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI). This nationwide initiative brings together various stakeholders to conduct STEMI activities throughout the designated week. Get ready to join us in celebrating science across the nation! https://shorturl.at/yRZPj

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) CSIRSouth African National Space Agency (SANSA) United Nations in South Africa IThemba LABS South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - SARAO

National Science Week 2024 will take place from 30 September to 5 October 2024 under the theme: "Living in a high-tech world: should we be concerned?"

Join us in celebrating and building a South African society that is knowledgeable about science, is aware of scientific and technological developments, and can form its own opinions about science matters.

We invite you to get involved. For information about National Science Week and suggestions on how to creatively design your own activities to celebrate National Science Week, click here to find out more: https://www.saasta.ac.za/programmes/focus-weeks/national-science-week/



Department of Science and Innovation National Research Foundation Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Academy of Science of South Africa South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - SARAO SAEditorsForum - SANEF United Nations in South Africa IThemba LABS South African Radio Astronomy Observatory - SARAO South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, Eastern Cape

Indigenous Languages Seminar, in partnership with Pan South African Language Board, SAEditorsForum - SANEF and United Nations in South Africa

Date: 07 August 2024 Venue: Radisson Blu, Gautrain, Sandton Rsvp: [email protected]

National Research Foundation_News Department of Science and Innovationigovza

World Nature Conservation Day underlines the need to preserve the environment for future generations and stresses the need for preserving a healthy environment and natural resources to maintain a stable and healthy society.

Saving plants and animals that face the threat of extinction is one of the primary goals of World Nature Conservation Day. https://shorturl.at/FdhsW

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal. A WHO study found that an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines and education campaigns.

WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, endorsed by all WHO Member States, aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-hepatitis-day

The European Science Engagement Association (EUSEA) Conference is an annual event dedicated to enhancing public engagement with science. At the 2024 held in Georgia, Eastern Europe Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, the MD of NRF-SAASTA, participated in the panel discussion entitled Future Identities in Public Engagement – Where Might We Be in 5 Years?

The panel explored the evolving landscape of public engagement with science, focused on how emerging trends and technological advancements might shape the field over the next half-decade. https://shorturl.at/QxeP8 .

FameLab is a collaboration between NRF-SAASTA and Media Africa that seeks to elevate science communication. The programme supports young scientists and researchers as they captivate audiences with their science in just 3 minutes. Interested? You have until the end of August to book a FameLab workshop and heat at your institution. Find out more https://www.saasta.ac.za/competitions/famelab/

This Mandela Day we urge young people with an interest in and aptitude for science, communication, engineering, technology and innovation (STEMI) to explore the role that STEMI education and careers can make in the development of the country.

The NRF-SAEON uLwazi Node team, led by Mr Leo Chiloane, scooped the Data for Research Award in the NSTF-South32 awards ceremony recently.

The award is for the management of a metadata repository that facilitates the FAIR publication, discovery, dissemination, and preservation of earth observation and environmental data in SA.

Congratulations to NRF-SAEON and to all the other NRF affiliates who received recognition for their outstanding contribution to the science system.

Are you good at explaining science, technology or maths (STM) concepts in a clear way? Entries are open for the 2024 Pan-African STM Cinema Competition Submission deadline: 30 October 2024. 1000 euro prizes for the best explainer videos. For details visit https://www.pastmcc.com

NRF-SAASTA supports World Youth Skills Day 2024 themed ‘Youth Skills for Peace and Development’ that underscores the crucial role young people play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, says: “Today, and every day, let’s work to transform education. And let’s ensure that youth have what they need to build skills for shaping a more peaceful, sustainable future for all” Read more https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-youth-skills-day

We congratulate Ms Nomalungelo Gina on her appointment as the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. We look forward to working with you on developing science communication and driving the role of research for a better society in the country.

We congratulate Professor Blade Nzimande on his reappointment as the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. Your dedication to advancing the country’s science, technology and innovation landscape will undoubtedly contribute to the NRF’s aim of research for a better society. We look forward to building on the work done with you to date.

Self-supervised machine learning revolutionises astronomy and automates data analysis to uncover hidden cosmic phenomena. Read the full story on page 4 of the latest NRF Science Matters magazine. https://shorturl.at/VVl3l

Scientists uncover the challenges and solutions in accurately mapping the universe’s vast neutral hydrogen landscape. Read the full story on page 6 of the latest NRF Science Matters magazine.
https://shorturl.at/VVl3l

The National Research Foundation and the Department of Science and Innovation proudly present the annual postgraduate student funding. This opportunity is open to aspiring scholars in all areas of science, engineering, technology, social sciences, and humanities. If you are a masters or doctoral candidate who wishes to pursue full time studies at a South African, public university in one of the national priority research areas, then we urge you to apply. https://shorturl.at/qsmMO National Research Foundation Department of Science and Innovation DHET

Desertification, land degradation, and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with up to 40% of all land area worldwide already considered degraded.

Healthy land not only provides us with almost 95% of our food but so much more: it clothes and shelters us, provides jobs and livelihoods, and protects us from the worsening droughts, floods and wildfires.

The 2024 theme for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is ‘United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future’ spotlights the future of land stewardship — our most precious resource to ensure the stability and prosperity of billions of people around the world. https://shorturl.at/CTUqB National Zoological Garden National Research Foundation

This year marks the 48th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto. During their demonstration, heavily armed police fired on the students resulting in the tragic loss of many innocent lives.

The 1976 Soweto uprising was a turning point in our nation’s struggle for liberation.
In honour of their lives and many sacrifices, we commemorate National Youth Day on 16 June every year.

This year’s commemoration of Youth Month, which will be held under the theme “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains of our democracy”, will have added significance as it coincides with the celebration of 30 Years of Freedom.
DHET Department of Science and Innovation National Zoological Garden National Research Foundation

This year marks the 48th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto. During their demonstration, heavily armed police fired on the students resulting in the tragic loss of many innocent lives.

The 1976 Soweto uprising was a turning point in our nation’s struggle for liberation. In honour of their lives and many sacrifices, we commemorate National Youth Day on 16 June every year.

This year’s commemoration of Youth Month, which will be held under the theme “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains of our democracy”, will have added significance as it coincides with the celebration of 30 Years of Freedom.

The discovery of the PARROT pulsar by researchers using the MeerKAT radio telescope was a significant breakthrough in astronomy. This revelation, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society journal, showcased the power of MeerKAT and hinted at more exciting discoveries to come. Read the full story on page 8 of the latest Science Matters https://shorturl.at/VVl3l

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with Gender Scan, invites professionals and students in the STEM environment to participate in an important online survey.

The survey aims to better understand the motivations and challenges faced by female students and professionals in scientific fields, addressing issues such as harassment, leadership barriers, and pay gaps.

Additionally, the data collected will contribute to the preparation of a report on the status of women in STEM that will be presented at the upcoming G20 summit.

Take the survey below...

Students survey https://stu2024.genderscan.org/

Survey for professionals https://gen2024.genderscan.org/

Read the latest edition of the National Research Foundation’s Science Matters magazine online https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/flipbook/10/flipBook.html

By 2030 South Africa will require 78GW of power to meet the country’s energy needs. Extensive focus is being placed on ramping up large scale renewable energy projects to meet this need and to replace the use of carbon intensive fossil fuel energy that negatively impacts the environment. https://shorturl.at/cBQ15

Today marks South Africa’s sixth democratic national and provincial government election since that first memorable day in 1994. If you are registered to vote, be sure to head down to your voting station and add your voice to the democratic process by making your mark. To find out more https://www.elections.org.za/pw/