CIVIL society, academics and scientists from around the world joined the second annual Global March for Science on Saturday 14 April, to celebrate the important and significant impact that science has had, and continues to have, in improving and advancing knowledge of the world and the quality of all aspects of people's lives.
The Durban chapter of the March for Science was co-ordinated by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the South African Medical Students Association(SAMSA), the Centre for the AIDS Programme of South Africa(CAPRISA), and Global Laboratories. Around 1000 academics, scientists, students, and members of civil society joined the march in Durban.
Convenor of the Durban chapter of the march and UNAIDS Special Ambassador of Adolescents and HIV, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, said: “South Africa and indeed scientists from Durban, have made notable contributions in all spheres of science that has contributed to scientific discoveries and improving the lives of people. The march this year again provided an opportunity for scientists, academics and students to popularise science and to highlight the impact that science has on societies through profiling the substantial and significant contributions made and that continues to be made.”
Last year Abdool Karim led the inaugural global march for science in Durban which generated widespread interest and this year there was an increase in the number of the public joining the march to express their appreciation for the improvements that science has made to their lives.
Musa Mthembu, President of SAMSA, said: “'I stand for the March for Science because I strongly believe that science is a gift to humanity. It knows no country, no race, gender or age, because knowledge belongs to humanity and it is the torch that illuminates the world. This wonderful gift should be shared with all because like wine and vintage cars science gets better with age. The generations before us have done amazing things with their discoveries it is now our time to take the baton and take science to the next level.”
