Determined to spread his message beyond his youthful audience, Ntlathi hosts the Technology Communications event every year, inviting the public to participate in talk labs held at the Institute. Again, the objective is to immerse them in science; this time by proposing topics – such as the role of science in economic development – for research. Formal, talkshow-style debates are then held to discuss the various aspects of these issues. “Our goal is to make people realise that science isn’t something that is ‘out there’ and applies to other people. Science is when you make a cup of tea or start your car, or clean your house.”
The Institute has made enormous inroads in changing people’s perceptions to science. Since this is one of Ntlathi’s key objectives, the Institute keeps careful track of the 120 000 members in its database, measuring factors such as attitudinal change. Ntlathi notes that most of these members are aged between six and thirty, indicating that the Institute is indeed reaching its target audience.
That said, he is not one to rest on his laurels, and is constantly on the lookout for ways to improve the Institute’s offerings. For instance, obtaining accreditation has proved a major stumbling block, since most of the programmes were not accredited when they were first introduced. Since then, however, a number of universities have requested that the programmes be formalised. The Institute is now gearing up for this.
Added to this, as it prepares to celebrate its first decade, the Institute is reviewing its strategy and mapping a way forward which will make them less reliant on government funding. This striving to become self-sustaining has led to plans for the establishment of the Science and Mathematics Academy by 2015; the first school to specialise in mathematics and science for grade 10, 11 and 12 learners in Africa.
Ntlathi and his team have invested a great deal of time in conducting research about youth and youth culture in order to make this venture a success – and they are putting their findings to good use by supplying clients with statistics and figures pertaining to this all-important sector of the population. “This research is extremely valuable for industries wishing to target this market; for instance, telecommunications companies with a new cell phone package specifically for the youth. The research we provide is immensely useful in helping these industries track trends.”
Ntlathi points out that many first world countries, such as Finland, have noted significant economic upliftment following an investment in science and technology – proof indeed that these disciplines are critical for a country’s development. “We believe that if a country possesses these valuable skills, then its success is guaranteed,” Ntlathi states – a valid point, given that if these skills are absent, they must be imported; a major financial drain on any economy.
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