The Department of Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently went on a community engagement in Hluhluwe, Northern KwaZulu-Natal as part of the annual National Science Week (NSW).

The outreach which went to seven schools, located within 30km from one another, provided 210 matric pupils, and 450 pupils from grade 10 and 11 with practical demonstrations on scientific experiments.

According to Dr Phumlani Mdluli, senior lecturer from the Department of Chemistry, the experiments conducted were relevant to the syllabus of the learners and helped in the development of understanding scientific concepts.

“The live demonstration of things like the solar train, solar robots and one pistol engine were inspiring and overwhelming to the students and they wanted to understand the mechanism of operation for such devices.  There is no doubt that we had a wonderful opportunity to instil the love for science to learners to a number of high schools in Hluhluwe,” said Dr Mdluli.

The NSW is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and is a countrywide celebration of science involving various stakeholders and/or role players conducting science-based activities during the week.

Dr Myalo Sabela, a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, highlighted the thriving partnership they have developed with local schools as vitally important in the implementation of such initiatives.

“It is worth noting that this tour and science week was not going to be successful without the help of the local teachers and senior management of high schools, whom collectively were very supportive with the necessary on-site resources and other formalities,” said Dr Sabela.

Laboratory technician, Sandile Sithole said the department’s participation added value to the development of the future scientists.

“We feel that such activities have to be done on a regular basis to try and reach out to mainly the disadvantaged communities and schools with limited or no access to scientific infrastructure,” said Sandile Sithole, Chemistry department Laboratory Technician.

Pictured: Dr Myalo Sabela doing science experiments for high school pupils during the National Science Week.

Sandile Lukhozi