“Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) inspires young people to generate new technologies and ideas that are crucial to developing sustainable solutions to real-world challenges,” said doctoral researcher Rivalani Baloyi from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). 

Baloyi and other researchers were engaging learners and encouraging them to take up careers in science during the 2022 National Science Week (NSW) which ran 1 to 6 August 2022. NSW is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation that aims to celebrate science and its role in society.

Baloyi said that science and technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. “Science is everywhere around us and young people need to embrace it as part of their academic and professional journeys. STEM allows us to open scientific and technological avenues which enables us to move towards a knowledge-based sustainable economy,” she said.

Baloyi joined the CSIR Biorefinery Industry Development Facility (BIDF) in 2021 and is working on the beneficiation of textile waste. During NSW, she exhibited the process of recycling textile waste into regenerated fibres for use in new clothing and other high-value products, such as composites.  “Recycling textiles has long-term societal benefits, which include local income and employment-generation through the setting up of recycling plants and production of high-value products from the waste. Recycling also assists in mitigating environmental impacts generated from waste in landfills,” said Baloyi. 

On 3 August 2022, the CSIR hosted its annual career day to expose over 400 learners from townships and rural schools to various opportunities in STEM. During the event, CSIR researchers conducted science-based activities aimed at promoting public understanding of science and showcased careers in selected STEM fields, covering the areas of cyberinfrastructure, manufacturing technology, biogas and compost processing, and mining.

Thandiwe Mchunu, one of the beneficiaries of the CSIR bursary programme with an MSc in chemical engineer in the BIDF and an emerging farmer, shared some of her knowledge about turning organic waste materials into composites with the learners.

Mchunu said her project was a clear demonstration of how young people can use their scientific knowledge to thrive in today’s world. “Turning organic food waste into fertilisers reduces the amount of organic food waste that accumulates in landfills. Learners should start thinking about starting agriculture at a young age. We need to make farming an attractive and viable option for them to contribute to the economy of the country and stimulate entrepreneurial skills,” she added.

CSIR senior researcher Dr Zanele Ntshidi said events such as the CSIR career day are critical to the development of learners from disadvantaged schools. 

"I am from rural Eastern Cape and completed my Matric in a disadvantaged school where we did not have access to computers or information on different STEM careers. The CSIR Bursary programme had a major impact on my life as my family was not well off to send me to university. The CSIR is my cheerleader, and it is good to see the CSIR supporting the next generation of young researchers and scientists," she said.

The CSIR concluded its science and public engagement initiatives with virtual series of talks called STEMIflix and chill, and panel discussions. Microbiologist Dr Veshara Ramdas, Biotechnologist Dr Ghaneshree Moonsamy, Geophysicist Dr Michael Van Schoor and Researcher Charles Maphanga shared their career journey and engage with the public through a question-and-answer session.  Panel discussions were focusing on the modernization of the mining industry; and the role of teachers, parents, children, and community in curbing cyberbullying.