Development of a Proposed Geo-science Train

The proposed Geo-Science Train (GST) facility will promote scientific research, science advancement, accumulation of scientific knowledge, service delivery of a geoscientific nature and training as its main objectives. It will attempt to reach South Africans from all walks of life strengthening the Public Understanding of Science Engineering and Technology (PUSET) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), but special attention will be given to rural areas and communities. The facility will be a mobile geological survey and science centre, strengthen the science awareness program of DST through the network of science centres, by hosting science exhibitions on board that will move with the train from town to town. More children and adults will be reached who would otherwise not have had the means or opportunity to view these science exhibitions. Training of students (to PhD level) through Research and Mapping of areas visited by the Geo-Science Train will contribute directly to education and economic development of the rural areas in South Africa. The Geo-Science Train will create an avenue for international research consortiums (e.g. Inkaba yeAfrica and SAMTEX) to make direct contributions towards the training of South Africans by promoting the understanding of the resources of South Africa. Services by the Geo-Science Train will be geared as training and service delivery. Day to day problems of rural communities and municipalities, such as clean drinking water, sources of suitable local building materials and the placement of waste sites and cemeteries will also be addressed from this facility. The train can provide access to a post box of the Department of Home Affairs, making it possible for persons in the rural areas to do applications for documents (I.D., birth certificates etc.). The contents of the post box will be delivered to the Department upon the return of the Geo-Science Train to Pretoria, approximately once every 3 months. Funding should be from government and industry.