Making science visible: media, public engagement and national science week

Science communication, broadly, is the use of relevant skills, media, activities and dialogue to build public awareness, interest and understanding of science. In South Africa, cultural and linguistic diversity, high levels of illiteracy and poverty, and unequal access to resources and information – particularly in remote rural communities – make effective science communication urgent and challenging. These constraints mean that a single communication strategy cannot effectively reach the whole population. South Africa is emerging as one of the most technologically advanced countries in Africa and is striving to solidify its standing among the world’s leading nations in science and technology. Despite numerous challenges, there is a strong interest and belief that South Africa can make a significant contribution to scientific advancement and technological change, both in Africa and globally. Realizing this vision requires a concerted effort to foster a scientifically literate and engaged society. The South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) is committed to promoting participation in STEM and cultivating such a society.