Science Day in Bizana Highlights How Science Can Boost Local Food Production

The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, in partnership with Walter Sisulu University, the National Research Foundation, and the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF/SAASTA), hosted a Science Cafe event at the Bizana Civic Centre, Ward 1, on 21 November 2021. The event focused on observing how science can be used to advance food production.

The event brought together stakeholders from Walter Sisulu University (WSU), including Prof Cishe from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the National Research Foundation, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF/SAASTA), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Mayor Mafumbatha, and the Principal of Ntukayi Senior Secondary School, Dr MH Mdunjana.

Mayor Mafumbatha, in her welcoming address, said that on behalf of the people of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality, they are happy to be part of the partnership. She added that they value their collaboration with WSU because, even when they cannot attend in person, they always send representatives who understand the education needs of black communities in nearby areas. She also emphasized the importance of cultivated land, saying that when an agriculture programme begins, it means using the farm fields that already exist and learning how to make the best use of them. The mayor emphasized the importance of food security.

She said she is looking forward to this programme and believes more programmes like this will continue in the future.

Professor Nomabandla Elphina Cishe from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at Walter Sisulu University stated that the purpose of the event was to bring light on food security and nutrition in Bizana, emphasizing that science can be used to improve food production. She emphasized the importance of educating people on when to plant vegetables like spinach and how to cultivate them to reap good results.

“We are trying to educate young people that to be employed, you don’t necessarily need to go to school; they need to learn to be independent,” Prof Cishe said.

She also mentioned that they are in the process of establishing a new initiation program, named Institute for Children’s Rights. They will be doing research, programmes about children’s right also to end the words from children “We have our rights” but forgetting that they have responsibilities.

One of the exhibitors from Walter Sisulu University showcased a project called” Asake Wake”, which involves producing reusable underwear. The purpose is to decrease student poverty by producing an affordable alternative to sanitary pads, as they believe that reusable underwear is more affordable than buying pads. The team behind the Asake Wake also aims to reduce environmental impact, such as water pollution.