The Department of Science and Technology's National Youth Service (NYS) has now been officially launched by the Minister, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, on Friday 27 June, at the SciEnza Science Centre, at University of Pretoria. The NSTF, as implementing agency and coordinator of the National Youth Service, on behalf of DST, was involved in the organization of this special occasion, and all the NYS volunteers appointed in the programme were present to celebrate the launch.

The Chairperson of NSTF, Prof Brenda Wingfield, spoke of the 'youthful energy' present among all the young people gathered there, and the nature of the project as giving much needed opportunities to young adults who have already studied in sciences, engineering and technology. To read her speech, follow this link:

http://www.nstf.org.za/siteworkspace/SpeechNYS-FESTOCLaunch-BrendaWingfield.pdf

This occasion was actually a double launch: the Federation of Engineering, Science and Technology Olympiads and Competitions (FESTOC), was also officially announced. Many organizers of national Olympiads and Competitions at school level, were present, and these are the first members of FESTOC. This launch is the culmination of a lengthy consultation process lead by DST, during which organizers of national Olympiads and competitions agreed on the need for such an umbrella body.

To read the Speech by the Minister at the NYS and FESTOC launch:

http://www.dst.gov.za/media-room/speeches/speech-by-minister-mosibudi-mangena-at-the-launch-of-national-youth-service-and-festoc

* Visit the Science Centre where the Launch of the National Youth Service took place!

SciEnza, at University of Pretoria:

http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=2051