Media Statement
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
For Immediate Release
City of Joburg celebrates National Science Month while inspiring young minds.
The City of Johannesburg, through Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), joins the nation in celebrating South Africa's inaugural National Science Month (NSM), an important milestone in advancing science, technology, and innovation as drivers of sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Previously observed as National Science Week, National Science Month marks a significant expansion of the country's science engagement programme. The month-long initiative was officially launched by the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at the Vaal University of Technology's Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng.
Celebrated under the theme "Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone," National Science Month seeks to make science accessible, fun, engaging, and relevant in everyday living.
The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, will host a series of exciting science engagement events aimed at inspiring young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The programme will take place as follows, with additional information to follow in due course:
-
28 July 2026: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens Environmental Education Centre – 360 Grade 9 learners
-
29 July 2026: Johannesburg Zoo – 480 Grade 9 to Grade 12 learners
-
30 July 2026: Dorothy Nyembe Environmental Education Centre – 300 Grade 7 learners
All events will run from 09:30 to 13:00.
The programme has been designed to expose learners to exciting career opportunities in science and technology. Learners will engage with experts on topics including artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental science, and technological innovation. They will also receive guidance on subject selection, tertiary education pathways, and the practical application of science in solving real-world challenges.
Science and technology play a critical role in transforming the City of Johannesburg into a smarter, more sustainable, and resilient metropolitan city for its residents.
Johannesburg's parks, a botanical garden, and the Johannesburg Zoo also serve as living laboratories where science supports conservation, environmental education, and climate resilience. By investing in science and innovation today, the City is helping to build a greener, more inclusive and globally competitive Johannesburg capable of responding to the challenges of urbanisation, climate change and economic transformation.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo believes that nurturing scientific curiosity among young people is essential to developing the skilled workforce that South Africa requires for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond. Through initiatives such as National Science Month, learners are empowered to become innovators, critical thinkers, and problem-solvers who will shape the future of the city and the country.
The City of Johannesburg encourages schools, educators, parents, and communities to support National Science Month activities and to inspire young people to explore the limitless opportunities that science, technology, and innovation offer.
Ends
Issued on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Media enquiries can be directed to: Jenny Moodley, Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo: 082 803 0748, E: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com.
Noeleen Mattera, Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, 069 007 1982 / nmattera@jhbcityparks.com
Molie Moonyane, Environmental Specialist, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, 071 8686 916 / mmoonyane@jhbcityparks.com.
