September 27, 2006
By Anish Abraham
THIS year's International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre promises to be bigger and better than before, even attracting several foreign delegations.
The exhibition, more popularly known as Insite, is hosted by the national department of science and technology, and will run from 24 to 27 September. It aims to "break down barriers between cutting-edge science, technology-hungry business, and society".
In all, over 40 experts from around 30 countries are expected to attend the Insite exhibition, which made a name for itself when last staged in 2004, at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
Over 7000 visitors are expected to pass through the various stands over the four-day exhibition period.
Mosibudi Mangena, Minister of Science and Technology, had earlier announced that Insite 2006 would not only expose visitors to the latest in technological advances, but also create a growing interest in South African youth to take up well-paying careers in the science and technology field.
The exhibition's theme is the role of science, technology and innovation as key drivers of economic growth and development, as well as enhancing the quality of life.
It will focus on areas such as the youth, strategic economic sectors and interventions, and sustainable development.
According to Cebisa Mfenyana, Insite project manager at Kagiso Exhibitions, events taking place on 25 September will be more youth-orientated, while proceedings on 26 and 27 September will focus on business and technology.
China has sent through a high-powered 56-person delegation to the exhibition, led by the country's vice-minister of science and technology, Dr Liu Yanhua. They have focused on business and technology, especially the exciting new science of nanotechnology.
In all, the Chinese will be bringing along more than 70 of the latest high-tech gadgets that the country has produced, all of which will be on display.
Another sizable foreign delegation at the exhibition hails from Germany, and includes several world-renowned professors. Included in the group are leaders of the Biota Africa biodiversity monitoring project and Inkaba ye Afrika, which is tracking 200 million years of the earth's history.
Other exhibitors who have come from places closer to home include Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Lesotho.
Also present at the exhibition will be the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Africa's largest research organisation, and the National Research Foundation, which funds most scientific research in South Africa.
Apart from just exhibiting the latest in scientific and industrial development, the two will also make representatives available to talk with members of the public about their exhibition.
"Side events include a Speakers' Corner, science shows, seminars and lectures. One of the lectures is on the Karoo Array Telescope, as well as on South Africa's bid to host the Square Kilometre Array," said Mfenyana.
To ensure that residents are given as much exposure to the latest developments in science and technology and that the digital divide is narrowed, entrance to Insite 2006 is free - and organisers are appealing to individuals, families, student groups and teachers to take part.
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