Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor has urged high school learners at Africa Engineering Week to consider taking maths and physical science to enable them to study engineering.
Speaking at the event held at the University of Johannesburg, Pandor expressed concern about the low number of engineers that the country is producing. South Africa produces approximately 1 500 engineers a year, however not all of them become practicing as engineers. Pandor believes South Africa needs to quadruple its number of engineers. She pointed out that although the number of students enrolling for engineering courses at universities and technikons have increased, it is not by a significant amount. “The future of our country lies in engineering. South Africans, especially our youth, need to understand the extent to which engineering, science and technology have benefited the economy,” said Pandor. “We have to have more qualified engineers and project managers.”Africa Engineering Week
Africa Engineering Week is a collaboration between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). The main objective of Africa Engineering Week, which runs until September, is to educate the youth and the general public about the significance of engineering in their lives. The week-long event is themed “Engineering is a life changer” and will be filled with activities ranging from educational workshops and public awareness events, to mentoring activities and even women’s events. (adapted from SAnews.gov.za)
