"We are playing a key role in long-term environmental observation. We need to make predictions with regards to our environment." What does the future hold for our protected flora and fauna and the people who manage these vital areas? Hector Magome of South African National Parks speaks to Sharon van Wyk
Traditional medicine in South Africa could face severe shortages of raw materials because of stubborn seeds. Not only are these seeds unable to be stored effectively, but the traditional medicine market is causing these plants to be over-utilised and this could lead to extinction.
If you are too young to have learnt to spell the word “science”, don’t worry – Sasol SciFest has a special programme for children aged four to eight. Called the Playfair, participants can expect a different science experience each morning, from chocolate-making workshops to building radios.
By far the most popular attractions each year at Sasol SciFest, the exhibitions are set to outdo themselves this year with the return of old favourites, some fresh young blood and the winners of last year’s best exhibit awards. Running each day of the festival, the exhibitions are open from 9am to 5pm. Entrance is free.
The idea that the French respect their intellectuals dies hard among the British. And when you wander around the streets of any French city it’s easy to see why. Rues Voltaire, Hugo and Racine tend to recur just round the corner from the equally conventional Rue Bonaparte.
There are a mere 1 000 Cape Parrots left in the wild, and the forests where they live are fast disappearing. Flying the Cape Parrot flag high at SciFest 2005 will be Professor Mike Perrin from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
For years scientists have been researching and developing methods to treat cancer. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immuno-therapy are the primary means of treating the disease but new methods of improving existing methods are being discovered. A chemistry professor is dyeing to treat cancer.
Nearly 20 000 people could lose their jobs in the next two months, trade union Solidarity said on Thursday. Solidarity is currently negotiating with 25 companies against the retrenchment of 18 293 workers, mostly in the mining, chemical, telecommunications and metal industries.
South African President Thabo Mbeki, who has been mediating in the conflict in Côte d’Ivoire, has called all sides to an ”urgent meeting” this month in South Africa. ”This urgent meeting is to be held during the month of March,” though no specific date has been set as yet, said Amadou Coulibaly, an official in the Rally of Republicans opposition party.
A lot of the Dorsbult regulars lost interest in popular music when Perry Como retired, so when somebody called Mel Botes assured us this week in a television advert that he’d be performing at the 46664 concert in Fancourt, the manne didn’t have a clue who he was. A quick web search revealed him to be a jazz muso; but not before it demonstrated a funky penchant for literary ad-libbing.