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Mail & Guardian
6 days ago
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
NWU takes science to Kuruman with message of innovation
Prof Bismark Tyobeka addresses learners, educators and community members. 'You are not too young to invent. You are not too rural to innovate. And you are certainly not too poor to dream big.' These were the words of North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka as he addressed learners, educators and community members during the third annual Vice-Chancellor's Science Day in Kuruman on 6 August 2025. Held under the national theme: 'Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone', the event brought science out of the laboratory and into the community. Hosted at the Thabo Moorosi Multi-Purpose Hall in Mothibistad, the outreach initiative aimed to expose learners in under-resourced communities to science careers and innovation tools. 'We are not just building a smarter nation. We are building a fairer one,' said Prof Tyobeka. 'A nation where science does not speak to people, but with them.' Supported by Anglo American's Kumba Iron Ore, the Science Day featured robotics demonstrations, science exhibitions and career conversations between scientists and school learners. The event forms part of NWU's broader effort to build inclusive education ecosystems and inspire the next generation of scientists. Citing national economic data, Prof Tyobeka emphasised the urgency of the initiative. 'South Africa's unemployment rate is around 32.6%. The bottom 40% of the population earn only 11.5% of the national income. The situation is not good, but we must continue to work harder to address these problems.' He said innovation should not be limited to urban centres. 'The learner in Kathu, Kuruman or Kimberley is no less curious than their peer in Cape Town or Cambridge. But access to scientific tools, mentorship and exposure makes a world of difference.' He also called for science policy to reflect the voices of marginalised communities. 'Real progress means making sure every child, no matter where they come from, has a fair shot at success.' Executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof David Modise, added that the event was about changing perceptions. 'We aim to reverse the trend so that learners from here are motivated to gain basic scientific knowledge,' he said. 'This knowledge will enable them to use it to learn further in colleges and universities and come back here to plough back into the communities.' Neo Mosala, a learner from Tshireletso High School, thanked Anglo American and the NWU for making the Science Day possible. 'Science is like magic,' he said, highlighting the event's impact. He added that Science Day inspires learners to pursue science, develop problem-solving skills and explore innovation. 'It boosts our confidence and shows us that we belong in the world of science,' said Mosala. He emphasised that such events motivate learners to dream bigger and aim higher. As part of National Science Week (4-9 August), the NWU Science Day forms a deliberate step towards bridging the divide between science and society. 'Let this not only be remembered as a day of speeches and selfies,' Prof Tyobeka said. 'Let it be remembered as the day science came home.'
The Herald
13-06-2025
- The Herald
Vehicles worth R1m used to commit offences forfeited to state
In another order, a silver Hyundai Sonata vehicle valued at R110,000 and R7,500 in cash were forfeited after a significant drug seizure in Upington. Police recovered: 9,315 Mandrax pills valued at R931,500; eight packets of tik valued at R603,600; and four packets of cocaine valued at R554,400. The drugs were found in the presence of the driver and a passenger. In the third matter, a bronze Toyota Corolla 1.3 Prestige, valued at R132,000 and held at the Philipstown SAPS, was forfeited to the state after being used to transport narcotics. The vehicle concealed drugs inside a tyre, including Mandrax valued at R30,000 and dagga valued at R631,800. A white Mercedes-Benz valued at R306,300 which was seized in Springbok was forfeited after being used to transport dagga mixed with hydroponic cannabis. The drugs were valued at R80,000. An Isuzu truck valued at R275,000 was seized and forfeited after it was found transporting illegal gambling machines in Kuruman. Six foreign nationals were arrested, including three Chinese and three Tanzanians. All six were found to be in the country illegally without valid travel documentation. 'These forfeitures mark a decisive and strategic intervention by the NPA and its AFU in disrupting the economic infrastructure that sustains criminal enterprises.' He said by targeting the vehicles, cash and other assets used in or acquired through criminal activity, the AFU was not only weakening the operational capabilities of organised crime networks but also removing the financial incentives that fuelled repeat offending. TimesLIVE
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Tribal communities stage protest demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category in the U.T.
Members of the Puducherry Adhikudi Kattunayakan Tribal People's Movement staged a demonstration near the Anna statue on Friday, demanding inclusion of the Kattunayakan, Kuruman, Malaikuravan, and Yerukala tribes in the Scheduled Tribes category in the Union Territory. The demonstration was led by president of the Puducherry Tribal People's Federation and president of The Puducherry Adhikudi Kattunayakan Tribal People's Movement. The protesters urged the Central and the Puducherry governments to recognise the tribes under Article 342(2) of the Indian Constitution and include them in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category for reservation. According to Mr. Ramkumar, protests, rallies, and meetings have been held consistently for over 40 years, demanding the inclusion of these tribes under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. The inclusion would grant the community access to various benefits and concessions crucial for their development. They further added that the relevant files in support of the demand have been sent from Puducherry to the Centre multiple times, but have been denied and returned.
