Pretoria — The 2007 National Science Week (NSW) launched Monday ahead of the actual event is aimed at persuading the youth to pursue careers in the science field.

The annual week-long event from 12 to 19 May is themed "Tomorrow's Science and Technology are in our youth's hands."

"The event is aimed at persuading the youth to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology while highlighting the important role that science plays in everyday life," said the Department of Science and Technology.

Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena officially launched the NSW at the Tshiya Education Resource Centre, in Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State.

This year's event, the eighth since its inception, also targets primary school learners with a view of encouraging them to develop interest in science related fields.

"NSW is part of the department's integrated strategy to establish a successful National System of Innovation (NSI) through which social and economic progress can be achieved in our country.

"This is why education and training, and research and development are among the central elements of the NSI," the department said.

Reinforcing the focus on youth in 2007, Minister Mangena in his address emphasised the need to take science awareness to greater heights.

"We are proud of the growing stature of the NSW, given the fact that our main focal goal during this is to promote science and technology across the entire nation.

"Although high school learners have been attending NSW activities, a special attempt has been made to attract more primary school learners this year," the minister said

During the NSW, exhibitions will be held throughout the country showcasing science and technology products.

The NSW was more than just a week dedicated to science awareness, he said, but also an intense period of awakening and mobilisation.

The week will also highlights South African's Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) by showcasing provinces in terms of their unique geographic and knowledge advantages.

Ongoing collaboration between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and traditional healers is just one example of a benefit-sharing agreement in the area of IKS.

This partnership has led to the development of a natural method to repel mosquitoes as well as the establishment of a factory that employs a local community.

In Africa, where malaria is a life-threatening disease, such developments show how science is relevant to solving socially important problems faced by millions of people worldwide.

South Africa's 3000km long coastline, which is ideal for research in marine sciences, is an example of the country's unique scientific and geographic advantage.

In this regard, a high-tech storage facility which houses the largest collection of African fish on the continent has been opened at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, earlier this year.

The facility serves primarily as a reference for scientists to study the identification and conservation of the fish biodiversity.

During the NSW emphasis is placed on the youth as well as society which play a role on the career choices of learners.

Minister Mangena encouraged the young and old to take part in the activities on offer at more than 43 sites countrywide.

"Encourage your friends, family members and neighbours to join you in this exciting journey," added Minister Mangena.

The week will be filled with exciting opportunities for learners, teachers, students, academics, parents and the public.

They will get an opportunity to do science based activities like teacher and learner workshops, science competitions, fun runs, career exhibitions and learner outreach programmes among others.