Thousands of students will be enthralled by the fascinating world of mathematics, science and technology at this year’s Sasol Techno X. The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries and government officials, saw students captivated by modern technology and experiments on exhibition, such as the Kalahari Scientist, entertaining Grade 9 – 12 students with mild explosions, chemical reactions and cool experiments.

MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Small Business Enterprises, Msebenzi Zwane, said that he is honoured to be part of the 14th Sasol Techno X. “I am inspired by the proactive and strategic leadership that Sasol is taking, in response to the challenges associated with youth development. As a science literate society, future generations continue to improve upon modern advances that benefit everyone,” he said.

Jonathan Hartley, an educator who holds a Bachelor of Science, gets into his Kalahari Scientist persona to share scientific knowledge taking an interesting and different approach. “I love to see the students’ faces after the demonstrations – a look that I experienced many years ago, when my passion for science started,” said Hartley. Another attraction is Doctor Know More, a robotic, talking skeleton who answers scientific questions. For students who would like to pursue a career in aviation, there is the Realflight 2000 – a simulator that utilises both physical and emotional senses. Students also have an opportunity to attend a career guidance lecture to gain insights into various careers such as flight engineering, ground crew operations and air traffic control.

Techno X, Sasol’s flagship career expo, is the largest career guidance exhibition of its kind in the country. It attracts over 24 000 visitors from seven provinces and students as far as Lesotho. The aim of the expo is to encourage students to explore the wide range of exciting disciplines and career choices that mathematics, science and technology offer. According to Louis Fourie, Senior Vice President: Sasol Sasolburg, Sasol Techno X visitors will play an important role in the development and growth of the country. “We want to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects and inspire the next generation of leaders. The Sasol Techno X is a platform that will not only benefit Sasol, but the community and industry as a whole,” he concluded.

Sasol Techno X takes place until 15 August at the Sasol ChemCity Eco Industrial Park in Carl Bosch Road, Sasolburg. The exhibition is open from 09:00 – 16:00 from Monday to Thursday and 09:00 – 14:00 on Friday.