SS Youth Issue 09

SCIENCESTARS Issue 09 | July/August 2015

THE FUTURE OF TOMORROW Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

1

CONTENTS CONTENTS

FEATURES

1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4

2

Science and Technology in 2016

7

DHET Budget Vote

1

Moulding future entrepreneurs

6

Infographic

7

Motivation

1

DST empowers the Eastern Cape

9

When I was a fish book review

2

The coding genius

4

Science Stars news

REGULARS

5

foreword

6 1 2 3 3 4 4 4

editor's note

0

science news

8 cAREERS

3

QUIZ

4

PUZZLE

0

TOP 10

5 Kids’ Comments

6 ACTIVITY

FOREWORD FEATURE

the

FOREWORD full swing. I am currently visiting rural and township schools across the country, disseminating information on the need for matriculants to apply on time to institutions of higher learning (universities and colleges). During these visits, I take along the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs) and the Department’s Career Development branch, to offer career advice to Grade 9-12 learners as well as funding opportunities.

In this special edition of Science Stars, you are invited to share in the excitement of young professionals and their achievements. Be inspired by their stories and let them guide you to a

Where to from here?

successful career of your own.

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

Read more about what the Department of Higher Education and

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

Training & the Department of Science and Technology are plan-

this platform to highlight the programmes that are being imple-

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

mented by the Department of Higher Education and Training

follow, the upcoming projects and programmes offered by these

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

departments can be a guideline for you.

Africa. As a department, we have pledged to direct all our efforts towards creating opportunities for our youth especially in the

You can find out more about the opportunities that are available

area of education and training.

for young entrepreneurs and the dreams that can be turned into careers. We explore some of the hobbies enjoyed by the youth,

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

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

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

Mr Mduduzi Manana, MP Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training

of the Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance campaign is now in

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

5

ED’S NOTE

team Science Stars

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The youth is the future

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

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

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

Their histories stand tall as lessons to all of us, that anything can be done as long as we set our minds to it and ignore the noise around us, because at times noise lacks meaning.

We also compiled a list of 11 of the most notable South African scientist as part of the cover feature and outlined the reasons for this recognition.

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

Evans Manyonga Managing Editor

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

Managing Editor • Evans Manyonga editor@sciencestars.co.za Deputy Editor • Shani Rhoda

Graphic Designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz Project Manager • Renata Williams Contributing writers • Oswald Kucherera

• Caroline Pule Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Public Relations • Bongeka Mnotoza

Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za

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

Science Stars is published by Roswika Media

10th Floor, The Pinnacle 2 Burg Street Cape Town, 8000 021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za

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

Over the last decade, Shanduka Foundation has created opportunities for educational development, career growth and entrepreneurial advancement. a combination of the best practices of both the Kagiso Trust • Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and and the Shanduka Foundation. individuals to invest in education by adopting disadvantaged schools throughout South Africa. Through its model of Whole • Shanduka Black Umbrellas (SBU) develops qualifying 100% School Development, the foundation aims to improve the black-owned businesses to a level where they may gain academic, infrastructural, social and security environment meaningful access to markets, networks and finance. This is in schools, enabling sustainable excellence in teaching and conducted via enterprise and supplier development activities learning. The foundation creates opportunities for temporary within its small business incubators where members are employment of community members and for local businesses provided with a working environment and support services that will enable them to thrive, and Shanduka Blackpages, an to get involved in improving schools. It works closely with online enterprise and supplier development portal. communities and maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders.

• The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises holistic holiday work • Kagiso Shanduka Trust (KST) is a collaboration between programmes for all its students. the Free State Department of Education, Kagiso Trust and Shanduka Foundation to develop and implement a district• The Shanduka experiential work programme provides wide school development model. It is a five-year programme opportunities for selected graduates and job seekers within that will work in over 400 schools, in two districts, utilising the Shanduka Group and across its partner network.

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

www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation

COVER STORY

THE GREATEST SCIENTISTS How they changed the world

Written by : Oswald Kucherera

W

e admire them, respect them and above all their knowledge has positively contributed to

the way we live. Our top scientists come from different corners of the world. These heroes of Science are masters in various scientific disciplines. Even more impressive is the fact that most of these scientists are also inventors in their own right who have all played major roles on an international stage.

Marie Curie Marie Curie shines among the greatest scientists ever. She is famously known for winning the Nobel Prize twice in two different fields. She won her first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 together with her husband, Pierre Curie, and Henri

When facing financial problems she was

husband they discovered a new radioactive

Becquerel, a French Physicist. She received

forced to find a tutoring position to help

element in 1898 and named it polonium,

another great honor in 1911 in chemistry

finance the education of her sister Bronya.

after Curie’s native country of Poland. She

to become the first scientist to win two

In return, Bronya was to support Marie in

authored many important scientific vol-

Nobel Prizes.

her studies.

umes and is credited with coining the word

Curie was born Maria Sklodowska in

After spending nearly five years tutor-

Warsaw (Poland) on 7 November 1867.

ing she immigrated to France where

Albert Einstein

Both her parents were teachers. Her father,

she enrolled at the Sorbonne in Paris.

Albert Einstein, hailed the greatest Physicist

who was a secondary-school Mathematics

She graduated with a Master’s degree

of the 20th century won his Nobel Prize in

and Physics teacher, tutored his daughter

in Physics in 1893 and earned another

Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the

in Mathematics and Physics privately at

degree in Mathematics in 1894. While she

photoelectric effect.

home. She had an exceptional mind and

was at Sorbonne where she met Physicist

consequently excelled in her studies at

Pierre Curie, who was later to become her

school but unfortunately lost her mother

career partner and husband.

radioactivity.

at the age of 11. Curie became involved

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

in student politics and emerged as a

She was fascinated with the works of

top student in her secondary education.

Henri Becquerel, who discovered that

She could not continue with her studies

uranium casts off rays. She did her own

because she could not be accepted in the

experiments on uranium rays and dis-

Einstein was born on 14 March, 1874 in

men-only University of Warsaw.

covered that the rays remain constant

Ulm, Wurttemberg, Germany. He was born

regardless of the condition or form of the

in a Jewish middle class family. His father,

uranium. And working together with her

Hermann Einstein was a salesman and

As a result she resorted to self-study.

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

COVER STORY

obtained his Doctorate degree in 1905. He

towards his mother for marrying Rev Smith.

wrote his first scientific paper ‘The inves-

This experience left him with a sense of

tigation of the state of Aether in magnetic

insecurity, manifested later in the irrational

fields’ at 16. Though it did not attract

behavior he displayed defending his merits.

much attention in the Science world, his

Engineer. Hermann was the founder of

fate was to change when Max Planck,

He received his education at the King’s

the most influential Physicist of his time

School in Grantham where he was taught

and founder of quantum theory took an

Latin but not Mathematics. He took an

interest in his work and made complimen-

interest in studying Chemistry but unfortu-

tary comments. Einstein’s paper in 1905

nately he was removed from school by his

changed the course of modern Physics

mother to start farming.

and brought him to the attention of the

She wanted him to become a farmer. But

academic world.

young Newton was uninterested in farming and he failed dismally. Henry Stokes, of the

a company that manufactured electrical equipment in Munich, Germany. Hermann

Isaac Newton

King’s School persuaded his mother to send

gave his son a compass at the age of five

Isaac Newton was the greatest Physicist

Newton back to King’s School to finish his

and Einstein was amazed at this great

and Mathematician in the 17th century.

schooling.

discovery. The compass triggered a spark

Famously known for his law of gravita-

of curiosity in Einstein’s mind. Einstein

tion Newton made discoveries in optics,

He graduated with a B.A degree in August

received his primary education at Luitpold

motion and mathematics and his work

1665 and later obtained his Masters of Arts

Gymnasium where he took an interest in

‘Mathematical Principles of Natural

degree in 1669, just before he turned 27.

playing the violin but was never to play

Philosophy’ is considered the single most

While studying privately he discovered the

it at professional level. He had a speech

influential book on Physics.

Binomial Theorem and began to develop a

difficulty, resulting in him speaking slowly

mathematical theory on calculus, optics and

and pausing to consider what to say. He

the law of gravitation. Legend has it that

discovered a book of geometry at the age of twelve and he read it over and over.

A family friend, Max Talmud, made a huge impression on the young Einstein. Talmud shared books with Einstein and intro-

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

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

duced him to higher Mathematics and Philosophy.

Newton was born on 4 January 1643, in His family moved to Italy, leaving him

Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire, England but

behind but facing the prospect of military

his birth date is sometimes displayed as

duty in Germany, young Einstein aban-

December 25, 1642. His father was a farm-

doned school and followed his family

er who died three months before the birth

to Italy. He later renounced his German

of his son. Newton was born prematurely

citizenship. He continued his education

and was not expected to survive because

at Aarau, Switzerland, where he gradu-

he was tiny and weak. When he turned

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

three, his mother married Rev Barnabas

he entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic

Smith, leaving young Newton with his

School in Zurich to be trained as a teacher

maternal grandmother. He detested his

in Physics and Mathematics and later

stepfather and maintained some enmity Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

9

COVER STORY

SOUTH AFRICAN SCIENTISTS

W

Written by : Evans Manyonga

e have compiled a list of 11 of

fever and also researched it intensively.

the most notable South African

His efforts brought it under control.

scientists and stated the aspects

that make them so unique and deserving to be on this exclusive list.

Dr Christiaan Barnard: For performing two groundbreaking ‘firsts’.

Alan MacLeod Cormack – For making us say CAT and scanner in one sentence and winning a Nobel Prize.

Cormack’s research led to the development of the CAT scanner.

The world renowned surgeon, Barnard, transplant and the world’s first success-

Joseph Albert Mokoena: For showing Africa how awesome Mathematics is.

ful human heart transplant at the Groote

Mokoena was a Maths genius. He

Schuur Hospital in Cape Town in 1967.

ensured the African continent appreciated

performed the country’s first kidney

Mathematics through his empowerment

Professor Himla Soodyall: For discovering more about our roots.

and promotion efforts.

Highly respected for her groundbreak-

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

ing research in genetics her studies have opened new doors into understanding the early history of humans.

Shuttleworth inspired the nation and now

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

promotes STEM among South African

Brenner studied molecular research and

Eric Merrifield and Aubrey Krüger: For keeping the sea away from the shore.

discovered programmed cell death.

learners.

These two individuals invented the dolos,

Aaron Klug: For discovering something smaller than a micro cell and being a Nobel Prize winner.

a concrete block piled with others to create breakwaters and stop water from eroding the shore.

His macromolecular research broke new

10

ground in molecular research.

Henri Johnson: For taking the anger out of sport.

Max Theiler: For killing yellow fever and being a Nobel Prize winner.

Johnson developed sports tracking tech-

Theiler developed new vaccines for yellow

all have easier decisions to make.

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

nology and now the referees and empires

DST

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN 2015 - 2016 The DST Budget Vote

T

he Department of Science and

project.

Technology (DST) held its Budget Vote in Cape Town on Thursday, 21

The Council for Scientific and Industrial

May 2015. To reflect on the financial year

Research (CSIR) – R827,7 million

that has passed and celebrate the achieve-

The CSIR provides facilities for research

ments of last year’s budget allocation, a

in Science and Technology. Research con-

display of DST’s entities were presented

ducted at the CSIR is also developed and

to the Minister of Science and Technology,

introduced to the market as a consum-

Naledi Pandor, in The Company’s Gardens.

able product. Focusing on set research

HSRC

ASSAF

TIA NRF

areas, the ultimate aim of the council is to The DST has been given an amount of R7,

improve the lives of South African citizens.

CSIR

482 billion for the 2015/2016 financial year. Of this amount, a total of 92.2%

The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) –

has been allocated to entities supported

R385,2 million

by the DST. Furthermore, R2, 534 bil-

The TIA takes great ideas and turns them

lion will be transferred to six entities as

into sustainable businesses. Individuals

and to improve skills in the field of Space

Parliamentary grants.

with innovative ideas on technologi-

Science.

SANSA

cal advancement can apply for financial

The entities that will benefit from the grants:

assistance through the agency. Along with

The Academy of Science of South Africa

funding comes mentorship and support in

(ASSAf) – R22,991 million

The National Research Foundation (NRF) -

business-related planning.

ASSAf represents South Africa in international Science communities by rewarding

R885,9 million The NRF supports the discovery of new

The Human Sciences Research Council

scholarly achievements and communicating

information and funds research in the

(HSRC) – R288,7 million

with stakeholders and the general public

fields of Science and Technology in

The HSRC performs research related to the through media platforms.

the aim of improving the quality of life

public and the development of a country.

for South African citizens. Nationwide

Although the council is not directly relat-

research facilities are available to

ed to Science and Technology, it carries

researchers, including Hartebeesthoek

out studies that explain Social Sciences

Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO),

and aids learning.

iThemba LABS, South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), National Zoological

The South African National Space Agency

Gardens of South Africa (NZG), South

(SANSA) – R124,4 million

African Environmental Observation

Established in 2010, SANSA is all about

Network (SAEON) and South African

Space Science and Technology. The agency

Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB).

attempts to influence policy-making in the

The NRF also administrates the SKA SA

country according to research outcomes

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

NRF to fund 14 880 postgraduate research students

DST

Flagship Projects MeerKAT:

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

Technology Localisation Programme:

Indigenous Knowledge:

Supported 20 PhDs & 39 Master’s students

R524 MIL

Created 133 jobs; established 2 agro businesses

Since 2011, 140 manufacturing companies have benefited.

Signed intellectual property agreements with L’Oreal, Nestle, Kalahari and Nativa R70 million invested in HIV, AIDS, TB and malaria, as well as drug development

Encourage innovation

Research and infrastructure

product quality TECHNICAL SKILLS Knowledge creation

Development of human capital

cost-savings PRODUCTIVITY energy efficiency

The DST’s key priorities for 2015/16:

Supporting SMEs improves:

waste management innovation JOB CREATION

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

13

PROFILE

AGE IS NOT A BARRIER Academic excellence Written by : Evans Manyonga

D

r Previn Naicker completed his

University of KwaZulu-Natal when he was

PhD at the age of 23. His academic

18. After taking a gap year in 2010 he came

excellence saw him jump grades 7,

back to complete his Masters and PhD

9 and 10. He was born in Durban, South

degrees by 2014 when he was just 23 years

Africa in 1991 and is the youngest of

of age.

three siblings. He grew up in a close-knit family which he acknowledges as always

He believes that skipping grades 7, 9 and

having been a strong support structure.

10 gave him a good head start ahead of his peers. “I had the same knowledge base

Dr Naicker completed high school at the

of those starting undergraduate studies

age of 14, completed his BSc Biomedical

with me however I was at least 3-4 years

Science degree at 17 years of age and

younger. This will translate into me hav-

went on to complete a BMedSci Honours

ing more experience than most of my peers

degree in Medical Biochemistry at the

in my field by the time I am 35 which will

PROFILE

hold me in good stead for future oppor-

of funding and Dr Naicker had a par-

ematics and science Olympiads and at high

tunities. On the other end, it also forced

tial scholarship from the University of

school there were extra classes offered to

me to make big decisions quite quickly.

KwaZulu-Natal during his undergraduate

cover the content of the Olympiads which

When I took breaks from studying in high

studies while his parents had an educa-

were part of his extracurricular academic

school, I tried to use as much of my time

tion policy to cover the rest of the tuition.

programmes. “At University there is not

to think about what I wanted to pursue as

However all his postgraduate education

much extra time for extracurricular aca-

a career,” he explains.

was funded by the National Research

demic programmes and at the level of a

Foundation (NRF).

PhD ones research project becomes the

“This is one of the biggest decisions of one’s life and although researching vari-

centre of your academic life,” he explains.

At school he took part in numerous math-

Dr Naicker joined CSIR and is now based at

ous careers helps with the decision, you will never know what is right for you until you experience what different careers are truly like,” he adds.

Despite his young age he got along well with his older peers and also managed to relate to them at university. “I never felt that I was treated differently at university so I don’t feel that I had a challenge that was unique to me.”

Dr Naicker believes the personality of the student, the support of their family and guidance at school play a strong role in equipping students to enter tertiary institutions emotionally and mentally ready these days. “I think in general career guidance in schools is not given enough attention. A lot of the time when there are career guidance talks, some industries are over represented and others under represented. The reality is that this has a lot to do with money and the materialistic society that surrounds us. For example, the banking sector in South Africa can afford much more marketing and will create far more jobs than the Biotechnology industry which is still slowly growing,” he says.

Dr Previn Naicker

A lot of studying also requires a lot Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

15

PROFILE

diagnostics and vaccine matching for livestock diseases. This is a multidisciplinary project and requires a team with a variety of molecular biology skills. Moreover, the outcomes of the project will have a positive socio-economic impact.”

When looking at his short and long term career goals Dr Naicker would like to successfully complete his post-doctoral research and make positive contributions to the projects he is working on. He also wants to develop into the position of a senior researcher within the next two years and thereafter, he wants to be a top researcher on multidisciplinary projects that have a direct impact on society. “In the long term I would like to take on managerial and implementation driven positions and help develop emerging researchers,” he says.

Dr Naicker advises young people who want to follow STEM career paths to familiarise themselves with all the industries they find

Dr Naicker in the lab

interesting. He also advises that students should research the relevant topics in detail

their head offices. “I discovered the CSIR

to add to my repertoire of molecular biol-

and try to shadow or seek advice from

when I was researching work opportuni-

ogy knowledge. Moreover, the CSIR is the

people who are actively working in those

ties during my undergraduate studies.

place to be in Africa for contributing to

particular industries.

During my PhD I collaborated with Dr

Science which has a direct impact socially

Stoyan Stoychev at the CSIR, to perform

and economically.”

“Also understand that if a topic is receiving global attention it may not be receiving the

protein dynamics studies using one of their mass spectrometers. This was a suc-

One of his research projects involves the

same attention locally which will have an

cessful collaboration in which I learnt a

development of magnetic particles for

impact on job prospects, so try and under-

great deal,” he says.

biochemistry research. These particles

stand the local market as well. Find out

where originally developed at the CSIR

what skills are truly required in that indus-

He got an opportunity to study towards

but are now sold commercially by Resyn

try and if there are gaps in the industry

his post-doctoral research at the CSIR

Biosciences and distributed to researchers

to inform your decision on what to study.

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

around the globe.

Think wisely before you commit to studies in a specific field.”

projects I work on now give me insight into product development, applications of

“I am currently trying to optimise some of

“However don’t be afraid to change career

mass spectrometry and diagnostics and

the products which will be used for sam-

paths if you have reconsidered simply

vaccine implementation for viral diseases.

ple preparation in protein biochemistry.

because all your life’s experiences will

These are skills which I was quite eager

My other project focuses on improving the

assist you in the long run,” he advises.

16

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

DHET

DHET BUDGET VOTE The future of education

I

artisan and they will contribute meaningfully in the overall economic growth of our country,” he said.

Youth Development Programmes The Deputy Minister spoke about creating

n May this year, the honourable Deputy

our robust and frank engagements with

skills opportunities for the youth, especially

Minister of Higher Education and

employers to open up their workplaces

those who live in the rural and remote

Training gave a strong budget vote

for our artisan learners to gain workplace

areas and those who are underprivileged.

speech that had a message to the coun-

exposure going uninterrupted,” he said.

“Sector Education and Training Authorities

try and the youth. We believe within the speech, there is a direct message to you,

There were also 21 young South Africans

(SETAs) are making sound interventions in

our Science Stars readers.

who attended the tabling of the budget

poor communities by skilling young people

vote. These students will be going with

so that they can gain employment. In the

He explained that last year, the depart-

the Deputy Minister to Brazil in August

last financial year, a total number of 175

ment launched and declared 2014-2024

this year, to compete against other young

562 young people entered into learning

as the ‘Decade of the Artisan’, the aim

people from over 72 countries, competing

programmes. These are young individu-

being to create a skilled nation of quali-

in 19 artisanal skills areas.

als who would have otherwise been dis-

fied artisans, who can play a crucial role in

gruntled but they have since regained their

growing the different areas of our emerg-

“These young people were selected at

confidence and many of them are now

ing economy. “We remain steadfast in our

our inaugural ‘World Skills South Africa

in employment. A further 244 069 young

work of elevating the status and profile of

National Competition’ that took place in

people will be trained over the next year

artisans in the country, our conviction to

Cape Town in January this year. These com- through the SETAs.”

see our TVET colleges become institutions

petitions are another way of harnessing

of first choice remains unfazed and so is

our energies towards the decade of the

He also mentioned that in the 2014/ 2015 financial year, the department took over 130 interns from universities and colleges and they plan to take another 160 over the 2015/2016 financial year. This is a good sign for our Science Stars readers. We hope you will utilise the opportunity by finding out more from the department’s website.

HIV/ AIDS The department is also continuing with its Higher Education AIDS programme. “We will continue in the upcoming year with activation programmes of promoting HIV testing and screening of TB targeting our rural and township university and college campuses.

In the last financial year, we managed to Deputy Minister, Mr Mduduzi Manana

test over 101 000 students and staff for HIV and screened another 92 000 for TB and 81 000 for STIs,” he said.

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

17

DHET

He also explained that this coming year the department has targeted testing and screening 170 000 students and staff and giving treatment, care and support to those who test positive.

Apply Now The department has now started with the 2015 leg of the ‘Apply Now’ campaign.

They have started visiting rural and township schools across the country, speaking about the need for matriculants to apply in time to institutions of higher learning and also offering career advice to Grade 9-12 learners. To achieve this they are currently training life orientation teachers and also distributing ‘APPLY NOW booklets’, and I am happy to report that this policy

E-Learning

to all Grade 12 learners across the 6000

will be finalised this year and will provide

The Deputy Minister also explained that

high schools in the country. So make sure

the impetus to a single coordinated ser-

in 2015 the department will start with the

you find out all the details about this pro-

vice,” he said.

piloting of e-learning at selected teaching

gramme from your school.

and learning delivery sites as part of their

Disability

response to a wave of dynamic education

One of the Deputy Ministers guests was

Last year, the department launched the

sector reforms, which are mostly looking

Nosipho Ndlovu who wrote a letter thank-

Social Inclusion Policy Framework. The

at adopting educational technologies to

ing him in March this year. In the letter

framework will, amongst other social

enhance teaching-and-learning practices,

she says, “Deputy Minister, it was only after

issues, ensure there are disability units

education management, research and

your visit to our school at Diepsloot in

in all post-school education and training

administration.

May 2013 that I got encouraged to apply

institutions and also address the impor-

on time to three universities as per your

tant issues of reasonable accommodation

The Deputy Minister concluded by thank-

advice. I got accepted by the University

and access for students with disabilities.

ing the President for having confidence

of Cape Town and I’m now pursuing my

in him, the Minister of Higher Education

second year in Civil Engineering funded by

Guests

and Training Dr Blade Nzimande and the

NSFAS. I really wasted no time and thanks

Some students who have been assisted

department.

to DHET for making my dream come true.

financially for their studies by the government through the NSFAS programme were

“To Dr Nzimande, thank you for the guid-

Career development

also guests of the Deputy Minister at the

ance and teamwork that we continue to

The department is also working towards

budget vote.

demonstrate. Indeed, our leadership success

establishing a national career develop-

The students were Motheo Lengoasa

will be measured in how this department

ment system to help the youth gain

from the University of Cape Town, Ntombi

creates an environment for children from

guidance and also assist them in gaining

Gijana from the University of the Western

poor households on the farms and those

employment. “Last year, Cabinet approved

Cape, Buyile Matiwana from the Cape

in rural areas and townships, imagine and

that the Department of Higher Education

Peninsula University of Technology and

realise endless possibilities for a better life,

and Training lead the process of the devel-

Sibusiso Xabangela from the North link

free from poverty and social deprivation,” he

opment of a Career Development Policy

TVET College.

concluded.

18

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

SCIENCE NEWS

SCIENCE NEWS This year’s winner of the Intel Interna Fair (ISEF) designed a way for imp tional Science and Engineering rerouting the airflow, which will alsroved air quality in aeroplanes by borne disease amongst passenger o reduce the transmission of airs. The 17-year-old Canadian boy walked away with the top prize of ove r R750, 000.

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia might soon be listed under UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites that are in danger. Australia has been given 18 months to plan ways in which it will protect the famous reef from the effects of climate change. oi, has siness School, Grace ChThe Bu rd rva Ha the m fro nt . keup A stude lop a way of printing ma used 3D printing to deve ich Choi hopes to launch later this FDA-approved printer, whto print colours for makeup types such year, will allow its users e shadow. as lip gloss, blush and ey ets, has been studied Pluto, formerly considered one of the plan five moons appear using the Hubble Space Telescope. Pluto’s erns said to be caused to be following unpredictable orbital patt o and its largest moon, by the shifting gravitational fields of Plut Charon.

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

Central University of Technology A Mechanical Engineering graduate from with a disability when he (CUT) in the Free State, assisted a studenthnology Station (PDTS) at CUT. approached the Product Development Tec ld not drive. The team at PDTS Due to his stunted growth, the student cou ted extended pedals for a car followed the student’s suggestion and creas and rubber. using steel plate, carbon fibre, canopy clip Students of Duke University in the USA have developed a mobile app dedicated to ‘selfies’. The ‘selfie’ craze has taken the digital world by storm and Ego displays a collection of images posted by its users.

ENTREPRENEURS

MOULDING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS The cost of following your dreams

Entrepreneurship comes at a heavy cost. More work is required over a broad spectrum and the financial load is often unbearable for the average individual. Certain institutions have recognised these common obstacles and have set up a structure to support entrepreneurs.

Here are a few entities that provide assistance to budding entrepreneurs in South Africa

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

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

Funding is granted to successful candidates who submit their creative technologybased ideas. A special fund called the Youth Technology Innovation Fund (YTIF) is dedicated to proposals from persons aged between 18 and 30 years old.

Visit the website (www.tia.org.za) for more information.

National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

With a heavy focus on providing mentorship to the youth, the NYDA also offers development programmes to those who want to pursue an entrepreneurial lifestyle. There are various programmes run by the NYDA ranging from starting a business to growing an existing business. Individuals from the age of 18 qualify for these programmes.

Visit www.nyda.gov.za for further details.

Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)

Aimed at assisting job creation and economic growth in South Africa, the IDC funds and invests in new or existing businesses within the industrial sector. Businesses that might benefit from the IDC include those focused on metals and mining, machinery and equipment, agro-processing and agriculture, as well as industrial infrastructure.

The IDC has set out minimum requirements for businesses seeking funding.

The applying business must:

• Comply with international environmental standards; • Shareholders need to make a financial contribution; • The business must be profitable and sustainable; • Re-financing of fixed assets is not provided by the IDC.

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

21

TECHNOLOGY

HOW TO DEVELOP AN APP Written by : Evans Manyonga

D

id you know that over one million

publish as many apps as you want to the

people a day purchase a smart-

app store each year.

phone and more than a billion

Fun Facts • 91% of all people on earth have a

mobile phone; • 56% of people own a smart phone; • 50% of mobile phone users, use

mobile as their primary Internet source; • 80% of time on mobile is spent using apps; • 72% of tablet owners purchase online from their tablets each week.

applications (Apps) are being downloaded

Step 4

every single day.

How to wireframe your app and how to

Starting and creating an app is not as

buy code.

complicated as it may seem. We have

You now have two options to complete

decided to give you a step by step guide

Step 6

the app development work.

Hiring a great app artist.

on how to publish an app on the iPhone and iPad apps on iTunes.

When making your app, having art and

OPTION 1 – Buy source code;

design that looks good is one of the most

There are lots of sites on the web where

important things you have to do. People

you can buy iPhone source code. Just

browsing in the store will judge how good

Do market research in iTunes to find out

google “iPhone source code” or similar and

your app is based on how great it looks.

what people want to buy.

you will find a lot.

So unless you are a professional graphic

Step 1

The app store has a lot of categories from This is the cheapest and fastest way to get kids games, racing games, action games started making apps.

designer, it’s really important to hire an artist.

and adventure games to productivity, medical and entertainment sections.

OPTION 2 – Make source code;

You will have to look at the top free and

Step 7

Make the app from scratch. You can use

Uploading your app to the store.

top paid charts in those categories. You

Appcooker to do this and you can get it on

Once you have completed your app, the

can be looking at the specific areas of

your iPad as well.

next stage is to upload the app to iTunes.

interest to you like games, music etc. After seeing what is highly popular you can come up with some good choices.

Step 2 Read the customer reviews in iTunes.

This is something your developer will do, or

Step 5

alternatively you can do this yourself if you

Now you need to hire a great iPhone app

have a mac with your Apple developer certs

developer . You can post online to get

set up. After you upload the app to Apple,

some good responses. That way you can

you now have to wait between 7 and 10

choose from a wider variety of applicants.

days for Apple to review.

Now you can look at the specific apps that are popular in your chosen category.

For each app you can read the reviews and see what customers liked and didn’t like about the app. This will provide some important information about what features you can put into your app.

Step 3 Sign up to the Apple developer program.

To publish apps you need to sign up to the Apple developer program. You can do this on the Apple Developer site for about $99/year which is about R1 200 a year.

Once you are enrolled this means you can 22

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

PROFILE

JAY TIP T hembelani Gina is a Scientist striving for greatness, but what does this hip hop lover do when the

pressure of the academic world reaches

Photo credit: Tseliso Monaheng

boiling point? He wins over the ears of music lovers.

This first year Physics part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is not your average lecturer. In addition to completing his Master’s Degree in Nuclear Energy, Themblani (popularly known in the music world as Jay Tip) produces music and recently won the ‘Back to the City 10k challenge’ in Johannesburg.

Growing up in Jozini (eMadonela) and

Academic by day, musician by night

Esikhawini in KwaZulu-Natal, he became the first person in his family to pursue studies in the field of Science – dreaming of making his contribution to the technological advancement of the country.

Q A

What is the meaning behind the nick-

Q A

How did you manage to gain followers by campaigning online?

I used social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud) to ask people

to follow me or vote for me. I always try

name ‘Jay Tip’?

to have a personal connection with my

The Jay came about through a late

followers just to show that I value their

family friend who used to call me Jr,

support.

Science.

Q A

Who is your hip hop idol and why do you idolise them?

I don’t really have any specific hip hop idol, that being said, I think both Mr

Sean Carter (Jay Z) and Mr Andre Young (Dr Dre) are doing very well for themselves,

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

both as artists and as businessmen. I like

in between.

how they took advantage of their position in the music industry to create stable busi-

Q A

ticipated in the National Science Week.

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

Q A

Q A

A

requests from underground artists to work

ing on you for some ground breaking inno-

thing to divert from your routine, and

with me, I have managed to tell people

vations and global competitiveness. Let’s

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

about my academic research. Not only was

leave our mark and let the next generation

of like a hiding place.

it good for music but it was also good for

read about our great contributions.

Were you part of any Science-related societies while at varsity?

Yes I was a member of the UCT Astronomy Club and I have also par-

Do you think having an unrelated hobby assists individuals in their

careers?

I think it does indirectly like when your career gets to you, like your

stress levels are too high, you need some-

nesses.

Q

Do you have any advice for young people studying towards a career

in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths?

How has your life changed since winning the beat-making challenge at the

‘Back to the City music festival’?

First let’s get rid of the stereotype that Mathematics and Physics are difficult,

they just require us to work hard and smart.

Besides the increase in the number

Know that you will not only benefit yourself

of followers on social networks and

and your family, but the country is depend-

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

23

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

REMOTE SEN SIN

Y ENGINEER C EN

SPACE WEA TH

RADIO FREQ U

NS TECH TIO NI A C ER

N IA

SATELLITE O P

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

G

CHER SEAR E R

ORECASTER F ER

WeWe useuse communication communication satellites satellites every every dayday when when we we watch watch Digital Digital Satellite Satellite television television (DStv), (DStv), access access thethe internet internet or use or use ourour cellcell phones. phones.

Navigation Navigation apps apps useuse GPSGPS satellites satellites to accurately to accurately steer steer youyou to your to your requested requested destination. destination.

Spacecraft Spacecraft areare launched launched intointo space space on rockets on rockets andand need need to be to be monitored monitored along along thethe way. way.

SANSA SANSA provides provides launch launch support support andand recently recently assisted assisted twotwo Mars Mars launches launches – NASA’s – NASA’s Mars Mars Science Science Laboratory Laboratory andand India’s India’s Mars Mars Orbiter Orbiter Mission.

Mission.

Weather Weather in space in space cancan damage damage satellites satellites andand interfere interfere with with ourour technology technology likelike GPS, GPS, cellcell phones phones andand internet. internet.

SANSA SANSA keeps keeps a a close close eyeeye on space on space weather weather to protect to protect ourour technology technology in in space space andand on Earth. on Earth.

Images Images from from satellites satellites are are used used to develop to develop maps maps andand monitor monitor natural natural disasters disasters likelike floods floods andand droughts. droughts.

South South African African National National Space Space Agency Agency

Tel +27 Tel 12 +27 844 120398 844 0398 | Fax| +27 Fax 12 +27 844 120396 844 0396 EmailEmail information@sansa.org.za information@sansa.org.za | Website | Website www.sansa.org.za www.sansa.org.za

INFOGRAPHIC

TOTAL STUDENT SPENDING FOR 2015 INCREASE OF 7,95%

2015

2014

R2702 PM R32 424 PA

R2503 PM R30 036 PA

Where does the money come from?

86%

PARENTS/OTHER FAMILY MEMBER

30%

PART TIME/FULL TIME JOB

15%

BURSARY/SPONSOR

11%

OWN BUSINESS

Where does the money go?

Electricity, rates, TAX

Take-aways, movies, club

12%

8%

10%

Technology

7%

45%

8%

10% Other 26

Toiletries

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

Gifts

Jewellery & watches

MOTIVATION

MOTIVATION Hard work and dreaming big Here are her tips for success:

grades 11 and 12. This will help with

To achieve big in life, you need to firstly

acceptance at tertiary level and obtaining

and most importantly, have self-esteem

bursaries.

and believe you have what it takes to reach your goals. You need to remember

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

that everything is possible through hard

ter what family you come from, whether

work, determination and consistent faith.

rich or poor. Your background does not limit

Without self-motivation, it is hard to start

you as a young woman or man in pursu-

a career in any field, as any career comes

ing your career dream – whether you wish

with its challenges.

to become a doctor, engineer, scientist or mathematician.

Hard work pays off

Secondly, when considering a career in

All you need to do is be focused, vigilant,

Science, Technology, Engineering and

willing to excel in all you do and use every

nce upon a time, there was a

Mathematics (STEM), the hard work starts

opportunity that comes your way to suc-

young girl in grade 10 who had a

in high school. You need to choose sub-

ceed. Always remember deep within you

big dream that everyone around

jects that are important for your tertiary

there is that powerful inner voice remind-

O

her could not contain. She saw herself as a education. Volunteering in Science and doctor, a qualified Medical Scientist, work- Technology clubs and societies will help

ing you that you can do it. You have got

ing towards building a healthy nation. She

you discover where your best qualities,

keep dreaming big.

had dreams of inspiring young women to

career goals and passions lie in STEM.

follow their dreams and never lose hope,

Thirdly, you need to work very hard and

By Caroline Pule

and to see people live their lives by being

consistently, be smart and run-the-extra

PhD Candidate/ Medical Scientist at

the change they want to see in the world.

mile to get good marks, especially in

Stellenbosch University

what it takes to succeed so take charge and

Along the way, her journey became tough.

Even though her dream seemed unattainable because of her difficult study background, her need for funding and the gruelling 9 years required to study for the degree. Instead of giving up she worked hard, ran the extra mile and persevered.

Despite these obstacles, she passed her matric year with flying colours majoring in Mathematics and Science, got accepted at a good university and pursued her dream.

After 7 and a half years, she is now a second year PhD student in Medical Sciences, has won multiple awards and is seeing her dream becoming reality.

Caroline Pule as a Medical Scientist

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

27

CAREERS

So you want to…

Written by : Shani Rhoda

C

reate the latest addiction?

Subjects that are crucial in the study

If you have a mobile phone, you

of the environment are Life Sciences,

have most likely downloaded or

Physical Science, Mathematics and

heard of an app before. Mobile apps

Geography.

provide instant information, education and entertainment to mobile phone and

Give a dog a bone?

tablet users. Because of the confusingly

Or the appropriate medication to treat any

great amount of handheld devices on the

injury or illness? Becoming a veterinar-

market, developing these apps takes time,

ian takes a great deal of hard work and

testing and re-testing.

an unconditional love for animals – the choice between wild love in the bush-veld

A career as a Mobile Application

or a more tame preference for domestic

Developer requires one to design and

animals is yours.

develop a way of solving public problems (such as the Eskom load shedding app)

A Veterinarian or a Veterinary Surgeon is

and providing users with hours of enter-

basically a Doctor for animals. These “ani-

tainment (this may include social media

mal doctors” need to have a wide knowl-

platforms like Instagram).

edge of the various animal species and diseases that affect them and the emo-

Prevent the world from ending?

tional strength to do what is best for the

Then you should be an Environmental

animal. Maths, life sciences and physical

Chemist. If you’re good enough, your name

sciences are essential subjects. Languages

might be recorded in history for coming

are important too (remember you need to

up with a way to stop or regulate the

be able to communicate with the owners

negative effects of pollution on the envi-

of these animals).

ronment. The field is broad so you need to do some digging to find your preference.

Enter the mind of a computer?

Being a Software Developer requires

Being an Environmental Scientist includes

patience, hard work and the ability to

all things natural – from the depths of the

understand the language of cyberspace.

ocean to the soil that aids crop produc-

You need to be good at Science, Maths

tion to the wild animals that roam the

and any computer-related subjects that

open plains of the Kruger National Park.

are offered at your school. Due to the tran-

28

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

CAREERS FEATURE

structure.

as artificial limbs and organs

who are capable of installing cyber security

Save a life?

Be a millionaire?

and avoiding cybercrimes.

Doctors are typically seen as the life-sav-

You need to:

ers of society but we often forget to give

• Discover what you are passionate about

Design modern infrastructure?

credit to those who are working behind

during high school – research the various

Architects do not only sketch dream houses

the scenes. Life as a Biomedical Engineer

careers that exist, attend career expos to

for families, they create a vision that is

includes combining Engineering principles

see what is possible and choose your sub-

illustrated in the streets of major cities

and scientific techniques to come up with

jects accordingly.

where skyscrapers are the metaphorical

pressing Medical problems.

• Study hard every day to ensure that

ladders to success.

Biomedical Engineers need to research

exams are a breeze and you receive out-

Along with building a single structure

the best ways of addressing health prob-

standing results.

comes planning – urban, town, city and

lems and design devices and instruments

• Apply early for university and make sure

regional planning. Building a structure that

that can help health practitioners in the

you pass all your courses and ask for help

is envisioned as permanent will have to be

fields of Biology, Medicine, Dentistry and

as soon as you realise you need it.

thought of thoroughly and the impact of

Veterinary Science. Some examples of

• Find a job you love and keep working

this structure will have to be considered

work done by these unseen heroes include hard. Success should not be an end goal, it

with regards to the environment around the

heart-lung machines, pacemakers, as well

sition from print to digital platforms, many businesses are seeking teams of individuals

should be an ever-present way of life.

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

29

DST FEATURE

Technology for Rural Education Development (TECH4RED) Efforts by a partnership between Anglo Platinum, the Young Engineers and Scientists of Africa (YESA) group and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), have resulted in an educational programme.

From this programme, a total of 3 500 primary and high school learners in Cofimvaba have been educated on the science of fuel cells.

Minister Pandor with some pupils

DST EMPOWERS THE EASTERN CAPE

Schools equipped with standby power

W

Success stories from other countries, like Japan, indicate that active public-private partnerships are critical in supporting the uptake of emerging technologies The TECH4RED project aims to install two solar systems and a biogas system.

Additionally, the project will supply learners

ith power shortages becom-

initiative as essential to improving living

with portable rechargeable batteries. This

ing an everyday problem, the

conditions in society.

will allow those who do not have reliable

Department of Science and

access to electricity to continue with their

Technology (DST) noticed a need for

“The knowledge and experience gained

homework. Technology is becoming increas-

action in providing schools with alterna-

from the Cofimvaba pilot project and oth-

ingly important in education and efforts are

tive sources of energy. Teaming up with

ers taking place throughout the country

being made to ensure that those involved

private sector companies Anglo American

will not only promote awareness of the

in the TECH4RED project have access to

Platinum, Air Products and Clean Energy

technology, but will assist in creating a

tablets for their Science and Maths e-Learn-

Investments, the DST launched the pilot

market for technologies that are being

ing. In addition to information and com-

project in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape.

developed through the Hydrogen South

munication technology (ICT), other improve-

Africa (HySA) Programme,� said Minister

ments include nutrition and agri-teaching,

Pandor.

water and sanitation and health.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology has been implemented to support basic energy requirements, for example, charging stations for tablets, fax machines and computers. Schools that have benefitted from this project include Arthur Mfebe Senior Secondary School, St Marks Junior Secondary School and Mvuzo Junior Secondary School.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, highlighted the importance

Minister Pandor cutting the ribbon

of private involvement in the Cofimvaba Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

31

UNIVERSITIES

THE CAMPUS CRAZE An unranked list of the best universities

S

tudents will admit it and high school pupils will hear

University of the Western Cape

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

UWC is a place where a game of dominoes is the best therapy in

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

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

tive outcry of why certain universities are better than others

university plays hard but works even harder.

(according to students). Of course studying is the main reason why we attend varsity, but we might as well enjoy our free time

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

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

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

according to floating comments.

academic opportunity, this university offers a balanced life and a casual support structure to ensure that your student days are

University of Cape Town

enjoyed to the full.

Perched on a mountain, UCT is a vison that perfectly complements Cape Town’s natural splendour. From Lower Campus

Rhodes University

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

Prospective students from the Eastern Cape and beyond flock to

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

Grahamstown, chasing a legacy that Rhodes University has cre-

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

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

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

boasts the highest staff to student ratio in comparison to the

the baby blue shuttles.

other universities in South Africa.

University of Stellenbosch

University of the Witwatersrand

Under the historic oak trees of beautiful town of Stellenbosch

One of the largest fossil collections in the southern hemisphere

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

and roughly 28, 000 students make up what is affectionately

squad and internationally-recognised qualifications, this univer-

known as Wits University. The research advancements made

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

at Wits have received international accolades and is the ideal

where everything is basically in walking distance. Being a Matie

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

turns you into a smartie.

individuals and as academics.

QUIZ

QUIZ How clued up are you on social media?

1

5 6

How old is Facebook this year?

A. 10 years old B. 12 years old C. 11 years old D. 9 years old

2

Instagram has over 300 million users nationwide.

True False The______________ serves as a short piece of metadata to describe what your Tweet is about.

What are the top 5 most popular social media platforms in

A. YOLO

South Africa?

B. ROFL

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

C. Hashtag

B. Facebook, Mxit, Twitter, WeChat, WhatsApp

D. BFF

C. WhatsApp, Facebook, Facebook messenger, Google+, Twitter D. WhatsApp, Facebook, Mxit, Instagram, Twitter

3

7

Which of the following social media platforms is mainly focused on images?

A. LinkedIn

Which of the following is not a social media platform?

B. YouTube

A. Pinterest

C. Instagram

B. Snapchat

D. Facebook

C. QQ D. Vibe

4

Which social media platform is represented by the following logo?

A. WhatsApp B. Snapchat C. Pinterest D. WeChat

Lost in Translation

UNIFORMS

Stand in a uniform line!

Lost in Translation is produced by Roswika Media Science Stars Magazine Youth Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

33

PUZZLE Â

SUDOKU

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

2 3

6

6

3

1 7 6

3 3

9 3

4

8 7

2

7

6

4

3 1

6

8

8 6

4 8

4

7

1

5

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

DOWN 1. The biggest part of the brain is?

2. Which animal is referred to as the ship of the desert?

3. Which African country has Cairo as its

2

capital city?

1 4

3 2

3

4. Which country has a flag that is not rectangular?

5. Which company is owned by Bill Gates?

6. Entomology is the study of?

ACROSS

5

1. Which desert covers much of

4

Botswana and parts of Namibia?

2. What colour would Coca-Cola be if you were to remove the artificial colour6

5

ing?

3. How many claw/toes does a dog have?

6 7

4. Filaria is caused by?

5. Which chemical element has the symbol K? 6. Which car company produces the Accord and the Civic?

7. What is the instrument that enables a submarine to see underwater?

34

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

ANSWERS

ANSWERS Scifest magazine

WORD SEARCH

WORD SEARCH

SCIENCESTARS

E

Special Edition | May 2015

AS FAST AS LIGHT

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

QUIZ 1. A form of energy that travels in 3

waves

T

2. Prism

H 2 1

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

35

Stellenbosch University.

What sets us apart?

YOU UNLIMITED www.maties.com

Branding | www.gstudio.co.za

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

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

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

Then Stellenbosch is the place for you.

GAMING

GAMING IS NOT CHILD’S PLAY The future of the grown-up kid

E

ver dreamt of being a world-famous

Gaming is a recreational activity that

soccer player, a porcupine running

many choose as a way to relax after a

around in a costume or a guitarist

Fun facts:

hectic day at school or varsity. Sure, some

• In 2011, consumers in South Africa

performing live on stage in front of a roar-

people occasionally decide to bunk that 8

spent a whopping R1.3 billion on gaming;

ing crowd of fans?

o’clock lecture because of a late night in

Game consoles to the likes of PlayStation

front of the PC, but if you have ever played

female gaming presenter;

and Xbox make these unusual yet com-

Pacman, you would understand the addic-

• League of Legends was recorded as the

pletely normal dreams an electronic real-

tion.

most played online game in April 2015.

• Pippa Tshabalala is South Africa’s first

ity.

Gaming expos and events allow gamers to The Electronics and Gaming Expo (EGE)

unite in their common interest – whether

held in Cape Town in May 2015, was home

it be dressing up as a famous cartoon or

to excited gamers - some even dressed up

gaming character or competing with the

for the Cosplay competition. An advanced

best players in a regulated LAN (Local

display of the latest electronics and

Area Network) gaming competition.

games, EGE is the leading event in South Africa’s growing gaming industry.

Some upcoming gaming events to look out for: rAge Expo UCON Anime and Gaming Expo Organised Chaos

Whether you enjoy playing the latest

DAZLAN

mobile and computer games, or you have

FRAG LAN

What’s the big deal anyway?

fond memories of playing Snake on your

Ground Zero

Moving away from the nerdy stereotype

dad’s Nokia 3310 or Mario Brothers on

attached to gamers, the gaming industry

your TV-game console, games are a part

transforms all sorts of people into wide-

of growing up (and allowing you to revisit

eyed, couch potatoes.

your childhood every now and again).

Mayhem

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

37

UWC

STEPPING INTO THE DEEP END Students teach children to swim drownings are constantly highlighted. These drownings can be prevented if all individuals are taught the basics of swimming – how to stay afloat, how to control your breathing and how to move towards safety.

I

n a world full of obstacles, we get so

Africans do not know how to swim.

Many meetings and hours spent strategis-

caught up in our own problems that Students enrolled in the Faculty of

ing were rewarded when a group of 12

much greater ones. Students at the

Economic and Management Sciences at

orphans from the Rainbow of Hope house

University of the Western Cape (UWC)

UWC were presented with a task. Their

in Goodwood attended their first swim-

recently took a minute (or a couple of

aim was to develop a cost-effective com-

ming lesson at the university. The children,

months, rather) to step back and have a

munity-based project within a given time

between the ages of four and thirteen, were

look at the world around them.

frame. Each student had to pitch an idea

introduced to the swimming pool by the

and the best one was chosen for the team

university’s swimming coach, Keith Dankers

to execute.

and student coach Khanyiso Zase.

we often forget about those who have

The Western Cape is known for its beautiful scenery and tourists from all over the

Bonginkosi Jack realised that a large

“These lessons have opened opportunities

During the summer months, the beaches

amount of people in the Western Cape,

for these children. We were able to show

that outline the edge of Africa are occu-

and in the country as a whole, are unable

them around the university and show them

pied by masses of holiday-goers, but the

to swim. Although some may think swim-

that tertiary education is possible for them,”

sad reality is striking – too many South

ming is a recreational activity, reports of

said Jack.

world visit the province all year round.

38

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

BOOK REVIEW

WHEN I WAS A FISH Tales of an Ichthyologist

I

Written by : Oswald Kucherera

took the challenge of reviewing

From Rhodes he went to Lake Sibaya,

Professor Mike Bruton’s book titled

nestled in KwaZulu-Natal where he estab- when he came face to face with a giant

‘When I was a fish’ because I realised

lished a research centre. He made some

kingfish.

that I know very little about fish apart

fascinating discoveries and this research

I highly recommend this important volume

from relishing delicious meals at home.

centre become a hub of information. It

rich in scientific knowledge written in

I was captivated by Bruton’s catchy and

was to be frequented by people from

accessible language by this amazing fish

thought-provoking title. In this volume,

across the country including Professor

biologist whom James Clarke, author and

Bruton, a field fish biologist provides

John Skinner, Director of the Mammal

columnist said of ‘To study fish Prof. Bruton

us with a detailed and well-researched

Institute at the University of Pretoria,

became a fish’.

account which expounds some profound

accompanied by groups of young mam-

research on fish with the special interest

mologists.

in the coelacanth (a large four-legged fish

Sibaya. And the bravery of Bruton himself

When I was a fish is published by Jacana Media and can be purchased for roughly

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

Bruton also shares humorous anecdotes

R240. The book can be found in print at

believer in the cross-pollination of ideas,

such as the situation experienced by the

nationwide bookstores such as Exclusive

traversed the world sharing knowledge

researcher Pete Ashton when he was

Books and Bargain Books, as well as online

and advocating the conservation of the

chased by a hippo along the shore of Lake at www.loot.co.za for R180.

coelacanth.

After finishing his postdoctoral research in London, he was appointed as Senior Lecturer in Ichthyology at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. It is while he was here that he helped launch the ICHTHOS newsletter which he edited thereby creating the opportunity for people from various fields and walks of life to contribute articles with the aim of promoting fish and fisheries.

TOP 10

Top 10: South African firsts

T

he below-mentioned inventions and developments have put South Africa on the worldwide map of innovation.

Solving the everyday problems faced by individuals as well

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

novations

g in World changin

1

CAT scan - South African physicist, Allan Cormack and English, Godfrey Hounsfield were awarded the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize in Physiology or Medicine for inventing the

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

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

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

particular order of impact:

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

2

Heart transplant - South African cardiac surgeon, Chris Barnard, made international headlines when

he performed the world’s first successful

3

Speed gun - “I don’t like cricket.

Oh no, I love it!” Some sport lovers will remember this popular

anthem that was chanted on the side of

4

Kreepy Krauly - The Kreepy Krauly is the reason why some swimming pools remain clean and clear. It is

also the reason that small children fear

heart transplant in 1967 at the Groote

cricket fields by eager supporters. Henri

getting into the water – with its fast-

Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Despite the

Johnson invented the Speedball, a device

moving, slurping tentacles that stick to the

successful operation, the patient passed

that accurately measures the speed and

floor and glide over your feet. A hydraulic

away 18 days later due to pneumonia.

angle of an approaching cricket or tennis

engineer who immigrated to Springs in

ball. Invented in 1992, the device is still

Gauteng, sold the first commercially suc-

used by teams and individuals for training

cessful automatic pool cleaning unit in

today.

1974.

5

Pratley Putty - A part of South Africa was taken along on the world’s first visit to the moon in 1969. Pratley

Putty, developed by an Engineer from Krugersdorp, is a glue-like substance that was used to hold parts of the Apollo XI mission’s Eagle landing craft together. The adhesive was also used in maintaining the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in the USA.

7

8

6

Dolosse - The majesty of the ocean is spilt onto the shoreline by waves that eventually cause erosion along

harbour walls. Eric Merriefield, a Harbour Engineer in East London, came up with a way of breaking up wave action using dolosse which are huge concrete block that protect the shoreline. Each dolos can weigh up to 20 tons.

to have affordable treatment. Using the

9

plant at the Tygerberg Hospital in Cape

patient’s own skin, doctors perform a skin

device, used for eye surgery has a frozen

Town in 2014. During traditional initiation

biopsy by cultivating the skin externally in

tip which is inserted into a cut in the eye.

ceremonies, young men are required to

a laboratory. The Tygerberg Burns Unit has

The pencil-shaped device releases a freez-

endure a circumcision which sometimes

already successfully treated two patients

ing gas that assists in removing cataracts

leads to health problems.

using this technique.

from the eye.

Penile transplant - Addressing a problem that affects many South Africans, doctors performed the

world’s first ever successful penis trans-

Skin grafting - Doctors at Tygerberg Hospital developed a new technique that would enable burn victims

Retinal Cyroprobe - Percy Amoils, a South African Ophthalmologist and Biomedical Engineering Inventor,

invented the Retinal Cyroprobe. This

10

Lodox x-ray scanner - Developed by mining giant, De Beers, to prevent diamond theft, this x-ray machine was featured in an episode of the popular American TV-series Grey’s Anatomy. Since its initial use, the x-ray machine has developed into a medical device that deals with traumatic

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

ZULFEST

O

nce upon a time, the people of Zululand gathered in a celebration of Science. Sharing in the excite-

ment of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s only Science festival, presenters from the United States of America, Japan and Australia joined over 3000 South Africans at the Zululand Science Festival (ZulFest).

Activities and workshops were arranged by the University of Zululand (Unizulu) Science Centre for all to attend. Local schools were surprised as the ZulFest lit up an average day in the classroom with interesting activities.

Fortunately, this story has a happy ending… because ZulFest will be back again in 2016 boasting the theme ‘Science in the Making’.

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

41

PROFILE

THE CODING GENIUS Geniuses come in all forms and sizes Written by : Evans Manyonga

A

t just thirteen years of age Sam

puter coding one on one in his office. And

guarantee by using QR codes. The app is

Berger has achieved more than

Sam’s interest in coding grew from there.

said to save insurers up to R300 million a year. It also lessened the turnaround time

many individuals thrice his age.

of repairs and maintenance. He is develop-

Widely known as the computer “whizz kid,” Berger has been coding programmes since the age of seven.

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

ing other apps as well.

The main focus for now is for Sam to perfect his applications. However one thing

“I think I played around with my first com-

is certain. Sam Berger will be coding for a

puter when I was six or seven and every

He has since created his own patented

second Saturday, we would go out and

geyser app designed for home insurance

very long time and the world will undoubt-

programme robots to make them do little

companies in South Africa. This application

edly greatly benefit from his endeavours

tasks at the science centre and I really

calculates whether geysers are in or out of

and expertise.

enjoyed that. Just seeing how we could make the robots do small tasks made me realise we could do a whole lot more,” he says.

“From the age of two or three his mother and I noticed that he liked electronics.

And at about five he would ask me a lot of questions about electronics and science. I eventually decided to take him for classes at our local science centre. He got in a class of about 30 other kids and he was the youngest there,” Larry Berger, Sam’s father reflects.

After some time the Program Director decided to stop the classes. However he

Sam Berger and his father Larry Berger

specifically requested to teach Sam com-

42

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

3527

“

At my math and science. And it paid off.

SANRAL’s scholarship programme is helping me to pay for my schooling to pave the way for my success.

”

Seokedzi Mothokwa is just one of the 179 learners that SANRAL’s scholarships from 2012-2013 is helping to realize his dreams of doing well and going on to study at university.

It’s an investment for us, for him and for our country. Who knows what he may become – but we know that better education means more opportunities, and that means a better nation for us all.

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

SS NEWS

SCIENCE STARS NEWS Out and about

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

Carl Wastie at CPUT

C

PUT Open Day

Social Media

Since the last published issue of

We have all become so used to our cell

Science Stars magazine, the team

phones that it is difficult to imagine a

has been busy with various outreach proj-

day without our earphones on the bus, or

ects to engage with the readers.

without hearing the famous (and some-

We attended the annual Open Day held

times annoying), Samsung whistle tone.

at the Bellville campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Science Stars has become so used to University open days are a great way to

engaging with our audience that we have

visit the campus and for students to judge

decided to add another social media plat-

if they see themselves being able to spend form to our list. the next couple of years there.

Follow us on Instagram (sciencestarsmag), CPUT, among other universities, invites

to see pictures of what we are up to when

prospective students, their parents and

we are not publishing the magazine.

other interested parties to a display of the

Also, keep liking our Facebook page

courses offered through the institution.

(Science Stars Magazine), follow us on

The Science Stars team handed out maga-

Twitter (@ScienceStars2) and visit our

zines and spoke to eager pupils about

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

their future plans.

latest news.

44

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

KIDS’ COMMENTS

S T N E M M O C ' S ID K The grey weather is perfect for this time of year when exam preparations and application stress are getting pupils down. Science Stars took to the streets to find out how high school students from grade 9 – 11 are coping and what they plan on doing after completing matric.

We asked: 1. After high school, what do you want to study?

2. Which university or college do you plan on attending?

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

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

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

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

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

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

45

ACTIVITY

REMOVING SALT FROM SALTWATER

What you need:

1. Mix some boiling water with salt –

3. Place the baking sheet on the tray;

• Baking sheet

• Black paper

you can use a jug or bowl to mix the

4. Place the black paper on top of the

• Salt

• Water

two together;

baking sheet;

• A tablespoon

• A medium-sized tray

2. Keep adding salt and stirring until

5. Pour some salt water onto the black

the salt no longer dissolves;

paper using the tablespoon;

• Boiling water from a kettle or a pot • A jug/bowl to mix the water and salt in

6. Place the tray somewhere warm (in summer, you can leave it outside in the sun and in winter, you can leave it inside by a window); 7. Watch what happens over the next couple of days and record your observations once all the water is gone.

What will happen?

Once all the water has evaporated, salt crystals will be left behind on the black paper.

46

Why does this happen?

paper. The concentration of salt left

Water molecules evaporate when they

behind on the black paper increases, caus-

are exposed to heat and the colour black

ing the salt to recrystallize into a solid

absorbs all frequencies of visible light

once again.

(which causes black objects to heat up quickly in the sun, for example). As the

This method of separating salt from water

water evaporates from the black paper,

is used internationally to collect large

salt particles will be left behind on the

amounts of salt from seawater.

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

Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference

DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E

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

ANYBODY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH DONATING THEIR TIME, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESOURCES.

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

gardening / landscaping

sports / recreation

minor renovations

educational resources

feeding schemes

educator admin

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN EDUCATION! Visit www.adoptaschool.org.za/get-involve/backtoschoolfortheday/ for help in identifying a school to support and for more information on how to plan a successful corporate volunteering event for Mandela Day.