SAEON Snippets - November 2005

African Global Change Research Workshop (Africaness)

During an international meeting held in Nairobi on 22-24 September 2005, scientists from throughout Africa called for a regional network to promote much needed research on environmental change and degradation in the region.

The aim of the network, initially called AFRICANESS (African Network of Earth System Science), is to provide a regional platform for the study of global environmental change -the combination of changes that are occurring throughout the world and which are having an impact at the global scale. Climate change is just one of the symptoms of global environmental change.

The network will also enable African scientists to speak with a unified voice on issues of serious concern in the region such as desertification and dwindling water resources. By coordinating their efforts they can more easily set collective research agendas and share data.

The meeting was organised by the Earth System Science Partnership (ESSP) and the International Council of Science (ICSU) with support from the US National Science Foundation, the New Partnerships for Africa 's Development (NEPAD), the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa, and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).

Joh Henschel (jhenschel@drfn.org.na) of NaEON (Namibian Environmental Observation Network) who represented ELTOSA and Robert Kriger (rskriger@nrf.ac.za) who represented the NRF, were elected to the steering committee.

For more information about the Africaness proposal, or to arrange an interview, please contact Professor Eric Odada, Director of the Pan African START Secretariat (PASS), Kenya National Academy of Sciences, University of Nairobi, Tel: +254 20 444 7740, Fax: +254 20 444 9539, Email:  pass@uonbi.ac.ke

SAEON welcomes plans for major new National Park

Plans have been announced to create a major new National Park in Pondoland in the Eastern Cape as part of a Wild Coast Conservation and Development Programme.

Some serious degradation over the past few years as a result of unplanned and inappropriate development, resource overuse and invasive species has impacted not only on the sensitive ecosystems but also on the long-term economic prospects for the communities of Pondoland. As a result the eco-tourism potential of the Wild Coast is a key component of the province's 10-year Strategic Framework for Growth and Development.

“A new national park in that region, where difficult access has prevented environmental research in the past, will now require extensive monitoring that could add significantly to SAEON’s coastal-inshore observation base,“ says SAEON head Johan Pauw. “If the long-term impact of different eco-tourism ventures and the effectiveness of conservation policy and management regimes in relation to the current status quo could be monitored, it will contribute to the development of best practice for sustainable economic development,” he added.

The Vuxeni Drama Group – the learners adopted by the NRF

- Sibongile Mokoena

The Drama Group of the Vuxeni High School in Namakgale Township outside Phalaborwa was adopted by the NRF after their stunning performance during the Ministerial Launch of SAEON and the SAEON Ndlovu Node in September 2004.

Since the adoption SAEON, on behalf of the NRF, has continuously sought opportunities to create a platform for the promotion of the talented learners of the Vuxeni Drama Group.

The organising committee for the prestigious NRF President’s Awards Dinner recommended that the Vuxeni Drama Group perform at the function and that SAEON co-ordinate the school’s performance. The theme for the function - Challenging new frontiers/ Conquering new frontiers - and the brief was discussed with Ms Mary Raganya, the teacher responsible for the Group.

The night of the event the performance of the 10 girls and 3 boys was entertaining, informative and well received by the guests. The theme was well researched and excellently portrayed. The performers were confident and seemed to enjoy what they were doing.

The NRF President, Dr Khotso Mokhele was full of praise for the group. Congratulatory messages from the guests included the following:

“That was really fantastic, particularly the kids from Phalaborwa.” - Murunwa Makwarela, Reseach Leader: Genebanks, ARC-VOPI

“Congratulations on an excellent function. Comments from a seasoned function-goer in the private sector: ‘This is an absolutely rare experience -  it’s combined excellent music, superb food, fabulous dance and theatre and intellectual stimulation.’ “ - Dr Tessa Marcus, Executive Director - Knowledge Fields Development, National Research Foundation

An exciting educational programme was put together for the benefit of the group during their visit to Gauteng. They paid a visit to Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and Museum of Africa in Johannesburg. Dr Rob Toms from the Transvaal Museum, a scientific adviser to the SAEON Education Outreach Programme, arranged a visit to the Transvaal Museum, which was concluded with a lively music concert by the choirs of the Transvaal Museum and Vuxeni. The group was accommodated at the Pretoria Zoo. They were treated to a braai and a night tour of the Zoo on their last evening there.

The inclusion of the Vuxeni Drama Group in a high profile event such as the NRF President Award Dinner demonstrates the NRF’s commitment of taking science to society. The examples used by the drama group in their performance were mostly drawn from their interaction with the SAEON Outreach Programme. This is an indication of the impact the programme is making and the level of awareness that has been created among the learners in Phalaborwa.

The relationship with Vuxeni and other schools in Phalaborwa has certainly been a rewarding experience, for the NRF and for SAEON.

No match for Eva

The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) and SAEON celebrated National Heritage Day with a special cultural luncheon. Guests, who ranged from virtually all corners and cultures in South Africa, were invited to dress in their traditional costume.

Among the brightly attired attendees, Eva Mudau, SAEON Office Coordinator, stood out in her striking Venda outfit. She was awarded first prize for the best traditional costume at the event.
 
Congratulations Eva !