Kwalata Game Lodge, Hammanskraal – 26 August 2025
From 4 to 7 August, the Kwalata Game Lodge in Hammanskraal became a hub of discovery, innovation, and environmental awareness as it hosted the 13th Science Unlimited Expo. The event welcomed 980 learners and 22 teachers from seven surrounding schools, offering an engaging, hands-on experience in science, environmental education, and conservation.
Organised under the visionary leadership of Dr. Richard Chernis, founder and coordinator of Science Unlimited, the expo aimed to bridge the gap in science education between urban and rural communities. Dr. Chernis, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through science, was honoured for his decades-long contribution to advancing science literacy and fostering collaborative learning experiences.
This event was made possible with the support and permission of the Department of Education.
Highlights of the four-day event included:
● The official launch of the TART Radio Telescope was hosted in partnership with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). The event featured keynote addresses by Dr. Bernie Fanaroff, a founding figure of the SKA project, and Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of SARAO, who also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. We were also honoured to welcome Prof. Oleg Smirnov from SARAO, whose presence underscored the strong scientific collaboration behind the initiative.
● A dynamic programme of live science demonstrations, interactive workshops, and environmental education sessions led by renowned scientists and experts such as “Prof” Barry Meyer (chemistry), Dr. Marianne Fletcher (mathematics), and representatives from SARAO, Inqaba Biotech, SANBI, PETCO, Maropeng, and others.
● Participation from organisations including Plastic SA, MetPac-SA, GDARD, Dinokeng Game Reserve, and DHL, who contributed to recycling education, conservation awareness, and logistics support for rural learners. The expo successfully promoted STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers, ignited curiosity, and emphasised the role of science in everyday life — from water purification and recycling to biodiversity and astronomy.
“This was more than just an event,” said a participating educator. “It was a transformative learning experience that empowered our learners and connected science to their lives and future aspirations.”
The next Science Unlimited Expo is scheduled for 4–6 August 2026, promising another impactful gathering of learners, educators, and science advocates.
Visit the Kwalata Community Development Initiative website.
Visit the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) website.
For inquiries or more information, please contact: Neo Makhafola on 064 868 2265 | cdi@kwalata.co.za
Media release supplied by the Kwalata Community Development Initiative.
