The Student Recruitment unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a spectacular Science Show for Grade nine to Grade 12 learners at the Ladysmith Indoor Sports Centre in uThukela District Municipality on Thursday, 12 September 2024.
The DUT Science Show 2024 was aimed at encouraging learners to choose STEM subjects at school, highlighting their potential for high demand career opportunities.
DUT’s Student Recruitment team has visited all 12 districts in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and continues to take the DUT brand to other provinces and neighbouring countries. uThukela District became the second District to host the DUT Science Show after it was hosted in the King Cetshwayo District last year.
Sipho Sikhakhane the Acting Chief Education Specialist on Special Needs Education Services Career from uThukela District said by hosting this event, they wanted to demonstrate to the learners the numerous job opportunities available in field related to mathematics and science.
Sikhakhane expressed his gratitude to DUT for its continued support in ensuring a bright future for the learners. “In April 2024, we hosted a Grade 12 career expo, and DUT was our sponsor, providing essential support. We are very thankful for that,” he said.
DUT Student Recruitment Officer and Project Leader for the event, Michael Zulu emphasised the importance of promoting STEM subjects.
“We are concerned about the dropping number of learners who take mathematics and science at school. Another concern, are learners who do mathematics and science at school but as soon as they go to university, they run to other courses that do not require mathematics and science,” he explained.
Zulu further explained that the DUT Science Show seeks to encourage and show learners that science is fun and doable.
DUT alumnus Sibusiso Maphumulo, a professional Mechanical Engineer, shared his personal experience, encouraging learners to persevere in mathematics and science studies. “Mostly jobs that are in a high demand require someone who has the background of mathematics and science,” said Maphumulo.
He further explained that mathematics and science offers many skills including problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, innovation and many other skills that companies require before they hire someone.
DUT student, Ntombenhle Ndovela, who is currently studying her Bachelor of Education in Economics Management Sciences, encouraged learners to stick to mathematics and science because it will open many doors for them.
“Believe in yourself, do not listen to any negative comments from people. Keep on pushing until you get what you want in life,” advised Ndovela.
Zamani Mayeza from the Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT explained all the courses and their requirements under the Faculty that need mathematics and science. He was followed by Asanda Dzelwa from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT who explained the difference between the two faculties. She gave insight on the course under her faculty and their requirements which include mathematics and science.
Sifundo Cele, a successful business owner shared his journey with science studies, highlighting the development of his career and creating his own app called EGo careers that helps students with career applications, bursaries, accommodation and many other essential things. The event featured interactive demonstrations (the show stopper) by DUT’s Professor Megandhren Govender, showcasing the fun and practical applications of science. He showed learners that they can do many things with science and have fun through it. Prof Govender continues to demonstrate that he is a real asset to DUT. The demonstrations were not only insightful and inspirational but they were also entertaining.
Sibusisekile Mkhize, a Grade 12 leaner from Limehill High School expressed her newfound enthusiasm for science studies.
“The Science Show had opened my eyes; I now know that I will continue with science studies even at university because they have job opportunities. I won’t be unemployed after graduating,” said Mkhize.
The educator from Limehill High School, Mr T.M Gumede shared the experience he had on the Science Show.
“The Science Show was very useful to our learners as it was more practical, this will motivate our learners to do well in their studies. I just hope that they will excel on cultivating all science experiments in furthering them to Grade 12 and also Grade nine learners will have more options to select from,” said Gumede.
The Science Show received positive feedback from both learners and teachers hoping for similar initiatives in the future to inspire learners to excel in mathematics and science subjects.
Pictured: DUT’s Professor Megandhren Govender is showcasing the fun and practical applications of science with the learners.
Sinamile Sithole
