AK NPC and SADTU joint training programme for science club practitioners at Cape winelands and Overberg schools
In the first school term of 2025, the
South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU)
held meetings with
AK NPC
to discuss the advancement of science and science education in schools and how these two organisations could collectively assist schools to provide learners greater exposure to science and technology. After deliberations between members of
AK NPC and SADTU
, it was decided to respond to the many calls for assistance to develop science clubs from the stakeholders (subject advisors, education officials, principals and science teachers) of two Western Cape Education Department (WCED) districts, namely Cape Winelands and Overberg. This initiative stems from the members of Advancing Knowledge NPC's long-standing involvement in establishing science clubs at schools in these districts.
For example, in
2004 the first science club competition
was arranged at Cape Winelands Education District Office in Worcester where science clubs from more than 20 schools (including primary and secondary schools) participated. The science club competition has since been held annually in Worcester and in the year
2025,
AK NPC will be hosting its
21
st
annual science club competition
. The members of Advancing Knowledge NPC annual STEM Roadshows to rural schools across the country
mostly consisted of teachers from Cape Winelands and Overberg
schools. The road shows formed part of the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation's National Science Week during which time science shows, science exhibitions and science club activities were held for learners and teachers who were continuously encouraged to develop science clubs at their schools. In 2024, Advancing Knowledge NPC held a
training programme for science club practitioners
of the West Coast and teachers from Cape Winelands and Overberg region served as facilitators in the training to share their experiences as champions of science clubs.
Prof Shaheed Hartley as Director of Advancing Knowledge NPC together with Garden Cities Archway Foundation (GCAF) and Western Cape Education Department (WCED) have to date constructed a total of
28 brand new science laboratories
(14 primary and 14 secondary) at Cape Winelands and Overberg districts schools – a further 4 science laboratories are currently constructed in Overberg.
This two-day training was held on 15 and 16 May 2025 at Bonnievale Primary School near Swellendam. A total of 65 teachers from 33 schools of the two education districts attended the training on each day. The training programme was opened by SADTU representatives Jonita Philander and Russel Sampson who encouraged teachers to use the skills and knowledge gained over the two days to establish their science clubs. Prof Shaheed Hartley (Director AK NPC) provided an overview of the establishment of science clubs in the two districts, provided teachers with a guide on how to create and advance science clubs at their schools and how to successfully sustain the science activities conducted in the science club. Safety precautions and procedures when working with science activities were especially emphasised.
Teachers were divided into three groups to attend the three parallel sessions prepared for the science club training namely physics, chemistry and technology. One of the venues was the science laboratory (STEM TLC) built by the partnership between AK NPC, GCAF and WCED. The training programme was alternated over the two days to allow everyone to attend each of the three parallel sessions. In each session teachers were faced with demonstrations of interesting activities by experienced facilitators and then allowed hands-on participation in the activities ready-made to be transferred into their science clubs. The three sessions were led by facilitators Mark Ogilvie (York Road PS) and Dr Gillian Arendse (iThemba Labs) in physics, Robert Solomon (CPUT) in technology and Gert Marero (Ashton HS) in chemistry. They were supported by co-facilitators and experienced science club practitioners Danie Burger (AK NPC), Analida Malies (Dagbreek PS), Evelyn Johnson (Bonnievale PS), Joanne Lindeboom (Oker PS), Abigail Joseph (Langeberg HS), Devon Espin and Recobin Conradie (Ashbury PS), Mira Snyman (Le Chasseur PS), Lucinda van Wyk (Kenwyn PS), Saadiqah Fraden, Yura Joubert and Somila Dlakavu (AK NPC interns) and Melissa Petersen (AK NPC projects coordinator).
The 2-day programme was an opportunity for science and other interested teachers to participate in training on how to establish a science club from scratch and/or to renew, reinvigorate and advance existing initiatives in this regard. Teachers were taken by hand and showed how to start with elementary science experiments, investigations, exhibitions and activities and to expand on it in terms of the level of difficulty and complexity. During the training emphasis was laid on safety and the use of elementary everyday products to illustrate science concepts, principles and procedures. All three sessions had teachers 'oohing and aahing' while cheering and applauding the flow of engaging activities and outcomes that challenged their scientific knowledge and understanding. This was interspersed with the regular controlled huge explosions and loud bangs, and a spectrum of coloured flames as Gert Marero and his chemistry colleagues took teachers to areas of greater possibility, while Mark and Robert's teams took turns to fetch water rockets from the school's upper-story roof.
A final session consisting of a science show by Dr Gillian Arendse (iThemba Labs) and members of the AK NPC team of facilitators rounded off proceedings. The overriding idea of the training was for teachers to translate the gained knowledge and skills to their learners in a science club at their schools and for the science club to participate in the science club competition of the two districts. The Cape Winelands-Overberg Science Club Competition will take place on
02 October 2025
at the
Cape Winelands Education District Offices
in Worcester.
EVALUATION
The following are some of teachers' perceptions of science club training expressed in their evaluations:
This science club training added so much value to my development as a science club practitioner because I did not learn this stuff at university. There was a lot of concepts and information that I did not know before but now I can share this new knowledge with my learners in the science club and in my science lessons.
I learnt that science is fun. The practical activities done increased my skills and knowledge. I have learnt to teach a concept in a variety of ways to learners especially practically so that they can explore especially in the science club.
A science club is the first thing I will start with my learners. I need to let them do things on their own but also guided by me. Thank you SADTU and AK NPC. This was the best workshop for me to attend. More please.
Yes new knowledge and skills were gained but also how to use everyday products and materials for experiments.
Absolutely loved this training. It was exciting, exhilarating, scary, fun, entertaining and knowledge-bearing. Oh so much knowledge and skills on how to do experiments using simple products that you get everywhere. I cant wait to implement this in my science club but also for NST (natural science and technology).
I can't wait for the booklets that you guys are going to e-mail us so that we can do some of the experiments. In the meantime I have so many videos that I took of every activity I witnessed. Thanks Prof and the guys, this was well worth attending.
If only all the workshops could have this kind of entertaining and interactive basis instead of the boring meetings that one is forced to attend. You guys kept our attention and concentration, not because you asked us but because we wanted to be part of everything that was happening. We did not want to miss anything.
The information we received was sometimes overwhelming. I can understand the limited time we worked with but you actually needed 2 days for each of the physics, chemistry and technology sessions. I look forward to receiving further information by e-mail.
Yes it emphasised that one can practice a kaleidoscope of experiments in a variety of ways while having fun. It made us look at it from the viewpoint of our 'naughty learners' who push the boundaries due to curiosity. Even after having a science club for the past ten years, this has opened by eyes to new presentation techniques.
Yes it made me more excited to do more science in class as well as the STEM club. I want to expand our club more and make it more fun. Learners nowadays must learn in a more practical manner given our large class numbers. This workshop just kickstarted that element for me.
Organisations that want to contribute and partner in this initiative to empower and capacitate science clubs to build a critical mass of future STEM practitioners in rural schools are encouraged to make contact with the Director of AK NPC, Prof Shaheed Hartley (
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
20 hours ago
- The Herald
First-ever mass vaccination of poultry in SA to combat bird flu
Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen on Thursday announced the first mass vaccination of poultry in the country to protect the local flock from avian flu. He also announced that the department had also ordered vaccines to combat foot and mouth disease. 'Our vaccination team, comprising poultry specialist vets from the University of Pretoria, along with the Agricultural Research Council, has received a list of farms to be vaccinated from the poultry industry and is prioritising high-risk areas and commercial flocks to contain the virus and prevent further culling,' Steenhuisen said. He said the country had secured a vaccine supply, ensured cold chain capacity and was building traceability and reporting mechanisms as part of a wider preparedness strategy . In addition, 50 animal health technicians were appointed on short-term contracts to help with the vaccination rollout. Their induction and refresher training was expected to start next week. Steenhuisen said the department had also ordered foot and mouth disease vaccines to cover KwaZulu-Natal, while assessment, as well forward and backward tracing of the outbreak in Gauteng, was ongoing. More than 900,000 doses of vaccines were ordered and the first batch is expected to arrive next week. 'These plans are not only about responding to outbreaks, but also about building permanent infrastructure to manage future risks. 'More broadly, we are establishing a biosecurity council that will bring together the police, veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority and industry. We are rolling out a farm-to-fork national traceability system for livestock,' Steenhuisen said. He said Onderstepoort was being upgraded to restore vaccine self-sufficiency and rural veterinary services and emergency response were enhanced. The dip-tank model in partnership with traditional leaders was also being introduced. Steenhuisen praised Karan Beef for its quick response to the foot and mouth outbreak in its Heidelberg facility d uring a virtual meeting on Wednesday night with the company and departmental officials. The agriculture department said there were still signs of active virus circulation in the disease management area (DMA) in KwaZulu-Natal, with some outbreaks detected outside the DMA. A system has been put in place to assess the level of biosecurity on individual farms, with the intention of aligning the control measures to the biosecurity risks. TimesLIVE
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
Pioneer in nuclear medicine: Prof Mike Sathekge receives honorary doctorate from NWU
Professor Machaba Michael 'Mike' Sathekge. South Africa should invest more in nuclear research if it wishes to remain globally competitive and fulfil its responsibility to meet the diverse needs of its communities. This was Professor Machaba Michael 'Mike' Sathekge's message when he received his honorary doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Philosophiae Doctor, Honoris Causa) from the North-West University (NWU) on Wednesday, 4 June. He emphasised that the wide-ranging benefits of nuclear research in areas such as medical science, energy production, agriculture, food security and environmental sciences should be regarded as a national priority. And he would know. A towering figure at the forefront of nuclear medicine, Prof Sathekge's career has reshaped the clinical and research landscape of cancer and infectious disease treatment in South Africa and beyond. His contributions are both technical triumphs and deeply human victories. Prof Sathekge was raised in Tembisa and later became a standout scholar in Soshanguve, where he achieved the best national results in mathematics. He trained as a medical doctor at Medunsa. He also earned his master's degree there and began his career in nuclear medicine. A scholarship then took him to Belgium, where he obtained a PhD in molecular imaging in TB and HIV. On returning home, he became Head of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Under his leadership, a number of firsts have been achieved, including pioneering the use of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for liver cancer in South Africa, to introducing novel therapies for prostate and neuroendocrine cancers using Lutetium-177 and Actinium-225. His work with PSMA-targeted therapies has gained global recognition, putting South African oncology research at the forefront of international clinical trials. As President of NuMeRI, he leads the continent's only dedicated nuclear medicine research infrastructure, aligning science, health and policy. A prolific academic and dedicated mentor, Sathekge has supervised dozens of post-graduate students and authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications. Awards and widespread respect have been bestowed on Sathekge, who exemplifies how locally rooted research can have a global impact. By fusing compassion with cutting-edge science, he has transformed South Africa's nuclear medicine capabilities and, crucially, improved patient outcomes. He has also challenged conventional care norms, introducing novel radiopharmaceutical theranostics, while maintaining an ethos of healing and academic integrity. Through these efforts, he has changed the way cancer is approached and treated. Prof Sathekge is married to Dr Rachel Sathekge, an orthodontist, and the couple has two sons. The NWU's honorary doctorate recognises not only his achievements, but also the future he continues to shape. • Follow the link to the article here: • Watch an interview with Prof Sathekge and a video of the event
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
Beyond the bin: Rethinking bioplastic waste for a circular future
Bioplastics are made from renewable sources, which sounds ideal, but some are compostable or biodegradable only under certain conditions. Now Stellenbosch University has found that enzymes may be the solution.. Photo: Sustainable Seas Trust Plastic is everywhere. From packaging our food to building our homes and medical equipment, we've come to rely on it for nearly everything. But our dependence on plastic has come at a cost that the environment can no longer bear. We now know that plastic pollution is choking our oceans, polluting soils, harming wildlife, and posing a threat to human health. That's why this One solution that has garnered considerable attention is bioplastics. These materials resemble regular plastics in appearance and function but are made from renewable sources, such as corn or sugarcane, and often are certified as biodegradable or compostable. It sounds like a dream: plastic without the pollution. But the reality is more complicated. Not all bioplastics are created equal. Some are biodegradable, meaning they can break down naturally, but only under specific conditions. Others are compostable, but only in large-scale industrial composting facilities, not your backyard compost heap. Still others are bio-based versions of conventional plastics and don't degrade at all. Another key issue is that evidence suggests certifications are not aligned with real-world outcomes. Authorities are now addressing this through a review process, specifically to bring the EN13432 compostable certification — a European standard that defines the requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation — closer in line with real-world end-of-life scenarios. The bottom line? These materials are often misunderstood by consumers, companies and even governments. Many people assume that tossing a bioplastic item into nature or a regular bin is fine, but without the right conditions, most of these materials don't degrade within the timeframes for which they were certified. Even worse, if they're sent to waste management facilities already processing other waste streams, such as PET recycling facilities that handle polyethylene terephthalate — a strong and durable plastic — they can disrupt and jeopardise these processes. Above all, when bioplastics are mismanaged, we lose valuable carbon that could have been recovered and reused, thereby undermining the very purpose for which these materials were created. The truth is that our waste systems are not designed to handle bioplastics, at least not now and not at scale. Take Italy, for example. The country has made significant progress in encouraging the use of bioplastics, even mandating their use for shopping bags, takeaway containers and the collection of organic waste. These bioplastics are legally required to be sent to organic waste management facilities, such as composters and anaerobic digestion plants. Despite good intentions, much of the bioplastic-containing waste is pulled out at the start of the treatment process, along with other large or 'unusual' items, and sent to incineration instead. Why? Because old treatment plants weren't designed to handle large quantities of bioplastics. This leads the facilities to believe that the risk of disrupting their processes is just too high to treat bioplastics properly. The problem isn't with bioplastics themselves; they can and should be a big part of the portfolio of solutions to combat plastic pollution. It's that existing waste management systems weren't built around them. Moreover, in the developing world, most cities lack proper industrial composting or anaerobic digestion facilities. There's little public awareness on how to dispose of bioplastics correctly. And our recycling technologies haven't caught up with the complexity of these new materials. As a result, the promise of bioplastics is falling short. But it doesn't have to be this way. At This means that less bioplastic waste is sent to landfills or incinerators, but also that we get as much value as possible from bioplastic materials before they are composted. It's a system designed not just to clean up plastic, but to recapture carbon — the most valuable currency in the world — and keep it cycling in the economy where it belongs. Of course, new technologies are only part of the solution. Public education is just as important. Most people still don't understand the difference between biodegradable and compostable, or how to identify a bioplastic in the first place. Clear labelling, public awareness, consistent regulations and accessible disposal systems are essential. It's also time for governments to step up. There is a need for investment in composting and recycling infrastructure, as well as extended producer responsibility laws that hold companies accountable for the waste their products generate. Additionally, incentives are necessary to encourage better product design and effective product management after use. Crucially, we must be honest about where bioplastics make the most sense. They're great for short-lived, disposable items, such as food packaging or compostable liners, where collection and treatment can be controlled. But they're not a blanket replacement for all plastic. In some cases, reusable options or better recycling systems offer more environmental benefits. Bioplastics won't fix our waste crisis overnight. They're not a silver bullet. But, with innovative design, responsible production, as well as proper disposal and waste management systems, they can be part of a much-needed shift toward circular, sustainable materials. And that's the future we need. One where resources aren't wasted, ecosystems aren't harmed, and people, businesses and governments work together to protect the only home we have. Consumers, too, have a role to play. Start by reading labels carefully. If something is labelled 'compostable,' it usually means it needs the high heat and controlled conditions of an industrial composting facility — not your backyard bin. So, compost carefully, and where possible, check if your local waste system accepts compostable plastics. If not, advocate for better infrastructure. Try to reduce single-use items altogether and support companies developing genuinely sustainable alternatives. Every action counts. When we work together, scientists, citizens, companies and cities, we can shape a future where waste is not just managed but transformed into a resource. Dominique Rocher is a co-tutelage PhD researcher at Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of Padova. Dr Wessel Myburgh is a post-doctoral researcher at SU and the University of Padova. They are co-founders of Urobo Biotech, a waste-to-value spinout focused on enzymatic solutions for bioplastic-rich waste streams .
