After two years of hosting Scifest Africa virtually, South Africa’s national science festival is returning to its live format in Makhanda from 7 – 13 September  2022! 

Since 1996, Scifest Africa has been a doorway into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) for the people of South Africa. Since its inception, Scifest Africa has hosted hundreds of international speakers and workshop leaders, and has enlightened and entertained well over a million attendees of all ages, becoming the largest of such an event on the continent.

Our theme for 2022 is “Back to the Basics”, inspired by  UNESCO’s “International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022”. In 2022 we will be highlighting  the crucial role of basic sciences (physics, chemistry, maths & biology) for sustainable development, and emphasising their contributions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Says Festival Manager Fredy Mashate, “In 2021 we celebrated our Silver Jubilee and looked back on our growth over the past 25 years. This year we’re stripping it “Back to the Basics” focusing on the goal of making science accessible to all. The role of Scifest Africa is to promote STEM and science engagement to the people of South Africa – we’re excited for a return to live to reach new audiences.”

We are currently accepting applications to present in our workshop programme, events and exhibitions. We are offering a 10% early bird discount  to early applicants until Friday 29 April 2022. The deadline for final submissions is Monday 23 June 2022. More information on the process can be found at https://www.scifest.org.za/presenter-information/

The full programme will be released electronically at www.scifest.org.za in early August.

Please do not hesitate to contact Steph Dvorak at media@scifest.org.za should you require any additional information. We look forward to welcoming you to our celebration of science!