Learners and community members participate in science activities at Paledi Mall during the University of Limpopo’s Nelson Mandela Day outreach. Photos: Tlou Manaka
University of Limpopo (UL) upholds the spirit of service by bringing science closer to the community on Nelson Mandela Day
By Abba Armooh and Thabang Muthumuni – ulpublications@ulac.za
Through its Science Centre, in partnership with the UL Digital Hub and Sciethrive Impact, the University turned Paledi Mall into a science exhibition where learners, families and shoppers explored how science and technology are used in everyday life
The outreach formed part of National Science Month under the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone”, highlighting the importance of making science accessible beyond the classroom and laboratory.
Launching National Science Month earlier this month, Director of the School of Physical and Mineral Sciences at UL, Professor Hasani Chauke, said the campaign aligns the university’s science engagement activities with national priorities.
“National Science Month enables the university to strengthen partnerships, expand outreach programmes and create opportunities for students to participate in science and innovation. These initiatives position UL as a deliberate contributor to the increased uptake of science and technology in the country,” he said.
The university’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and UL Digital Hub demonstrated technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), including drones and Virtual Reality (VR).
Visitors watched live drone demonstrations showing how the technology is used in agriculture, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, disaster management and geospatial mapping. The demonstrations illustrated how drones can collect data quickly and safely in areas that are difficult to reach.
For many visitors, it was also their first opportunity to experience Virtual Reality. Learners used VR headsets to explore digital environments and learnt how the technology is applied in education, training and e-sports.
Commercialisation Officer Pontsho Mampuru, who works closely with the UL Digital Hub, said developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, deepfakes and immersive technologies create opportunities while raising important ethical questions. He highlighted, among other things, the importance of using technology responsibly.
“Technology should never advance faster than our understanding of its impact on people. As artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape society, they also introduce new risks relating to privacy, identity, cybersecurity, misinformation and equality. Communities should be equipped with the knowledge to use these technologies responsibly and recognise when they are being misused,” said Mampuru.
He said science communication and digital literacy are essential to ensure technology benefits society.
Sciethrive Impact complemented the exhibition with practical science demonstrations, giving learners and community members an opportunity to explore scientific concepts through hands-on activities.
Programme and Education Coordinator at Sciethrive Impact, Matipa Molomo said the initiative was about helping people understand the role science plays in their daily lives.
“Science communication is about helping people understand the science that influences their daily lives. It encourages critical thinking and enables communities to participate in discussions about the opportunities and challenges presented by scientific and technological advancement,” she said.
“National Science Month enables the university to strengthen partnerships, expand outreach programmes and create opportunities for students to participate in science and innovation.”
University of Limpopo and Sciethrive Impact facilitators demonstrate scientific equipment to learners and community members during the National Science Month outreach at Paledi Mall.