The Cost of Mobile Data in South Africa – A Hindrance or an Opportunity?

The cost of mobile data in South Africa has been the subject of much scrutiny of late, with movements such as #DataMustFall fiercely campaigning for a reduction in these fees. Currently, South Africa has the fourth most expensive data in Africa while it places second when compared to its developing world counterparts. In addition to these figures, South Africa’s average download speed clocks in at a sluggish 119th place globally.

Given these Global Statistics, are the Complaints Justified?

After analysing the figures, it’s immediately apparent that the answer to this question is purely a matter of perspective. If you happen to own or work for a […]

Researchers Urgently Needed to Drive Innovation

The Faculty of Applied and Computer Science hosted its very first public lecture: “Growing the next generation of researchers: The National Research Foundation (NRF) perspective” on 21 June at the VUT auditorium 100. The guest speaker of the day was Dr Makobetsa Khati: Executive Director of the Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence (RCCE) directorate at NRF.

The topic was said to be articulated from the NRF’s vision for 2020 which encourages the renewal of the academic research enterprise and the absorptive capacity of Universities through critical engagements. The aim is to build a critical mass of skilled and capable researchers and create a more nuanced and focused funding instrument for bursaries and […]

4 Facts You Need To Know About The Future Of Food

Engineering, information technology, and the natural sciences are always considered at the forefront of scientific development. This is not so true, considering the most recent scientific progress regarding the study of human physiology and health. Unbeknownst to the people who don’t wear lab coats, we are entering a new age of science whereby in the next few decades we will develop medicines and new methods of medical treatment that will significantly slow the ageing process.

Food science has contributed to this scientific movement, as humans are producing cleaner, non-toxic and sustainable foods that are not only healthier but also easy to manufacture and tasty to boot. Here are […]

 Human Ageing and Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of modern medicines and medical advances. Not known for much practical use, as most advancements are halted in their infancy or bear too great a cost to develop for mass use, pharmacology does have its benefits. The development of cutting-edge medical advancements owes the study of pharmacology for its very existence. One new development being made by the Buck Institute is a particularly good example.

Molecular Advances 

Scientists and researchers at the Buck Institute in the USA (you can visit their website here) have been involved in biochemistry and pharmacology for many years, developing new and inventive ways of restricting the ageing process in humans. They have identified a particular molecule, […]

The Need for Technology in African Schools

Last year was the first year in which a number of schools in the Gauteng area in South Africa began a year without books, pens, pencils and exam pads. Instead, children would work off wireless, mobile tablets, facilitating the inauguration of the first smart schools in the country. Access to all educational content is made available via school-wide wifi coverage, and children are taught all subjects through their mobile devices.

This much-needed change helps to satisfy the need for technology in South African schools. South Africa needs to step-up the technological migration if they hope to contend with the educational systems of other developing/BRICS countries. Additionally, the migration […]