The Sasol Foundation’s TechnoX that provides an immersive and hands-on experience for learners was launched in Sasolburg, Free State on Tuesday.
TechnoX, which showcases the diverse disciplines and exciting career opportunities offered by STEAMI (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and innovation), will run throughout the week.
It also aims to help young people discover their passions and shape their future.
Welcoming guests at the launch was the famous Ndlovu Youth Choir, which had learners and educators on their feet.
In his address to learners, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Buti Manamela said the integration of STEAMI disciplines provides a powerful set of tools that can be used to answer questions, explore the answer, and change the world.
“We should not have limits to our dreams. It is only if we remove the barriers that we can be able to achieve, innovate, create and build a better country,” said Manamela.
He urged matriculants to apply for courses that will enable them to help move South Africa forward, and commended Sasol for empowering young people with information to make career choices that meet the needs of the country.
Gao Mothoagae, vice-president: social impact at Sasol, said for the past 21 years the company has hosted TechnoX to inspire passion in the youth for the potential of STEAMI disciplines.
“We are as passionate about Sasol TechnoX today as we were in 2002, but we have expanded our focus to include arts and innovation,” said Mothoagae.
“The complex social, economic and environmental challenges our world faces don’t only need technical solutions, but also an approach that integrates empathy, creativity and human judgement.”
She said it is Sasol’s aim to inspire young people to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond, saying education is the key to addressing unemployment and unlocking the potential of young people.
Katleho Mokoena, a grade 11 learner at Curro Academy, said the initiative by Sasol encourages young women to take the space in the STEAMI industry.
“We definitely need more women in this space, which is said to be a man’s world,” she said.
Another learner Kiasha Sookai said the workshop had been an eye-opener.
“This has given me so much hope for my future,” said Sookai.
“I am looking forward to acquiring more knowledge and excited to see how things will turn out for me in a workspace after completing my studies.”
Different companies also showcased their stalls as a way of giving learners various options of study at university.
Speaking on behalf of Osizweni Science Centre, Hanna Mposhomali said the centre offers various programmes to both learners and teachers.
“We specialize in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Mposhomali.
“We offer career guidance, robotics and coding to students. We work closely with schools in Secunda and also offer bursaries to students.
“In order for one to qualify for our programmes, they have to be doing maths and science in school.”
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