Flow PR client, the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), in keeping with its commitment to remain up to date and properly reflect the SA scientific community, is forging ahead with the revamp of its image, inside and out.
The new SACNASP corporate identity was unveiled at a breakfast at Gallagher Estate on 13 March 2012.
“SACNASP scientists are at the forefront of scientific thought in South Africa,” said Dr Rolf Becker, executive director of SACNASP. “Our updated image represents our commitment to continuing to serve our registered scientists and all South Africans moving forward into the 21st century.”
Dr Phil Mjwara, director general of the Department of Science and Technology, was the guest of honour and delivered the opening address.
Mjwara has served as the director general of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) since April 2006. He is responsible for all policy development in the science and technology sector in South Africa, as well as the portfolio management and governance of South Africa’s systems of government laboratories. Prior to his appointment at DST, Mjwara was the group executive of Research and Development, Strategic Human Capital Development at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
“As an organisation, SACNASP can certainly be described as venerable – and it has gone from strength to strength since its humble beginnings 30 years ago,” said Mjwara. “It started as a voluntary organisation when registration was made obligatory in 2003, and the organisation, I am pleased to say, is not only growing in membership, but also in stature and influence. The Department of Science and Technology has always recognised and appreciated the value of natural scientists and the role they play as a major economic pillar of any developing economy.”
Dr Danie Vermeulen of the University of the Free State gave the keynote address that outlined the pros and cons of fracking.
SACNASP also recognised the service of its registered scientists, presenting certificates for service to three past presidents Dr Stroebel Hofmeyr, Dr Nok Frick and Professor Pieter Marais, as well as four founding scientists, Dr Albert Smith, Dr RRM Maud, Professor P H Stoker and Dr WJ Rossouw.
“As SACNASP grows and develops, we recognise the base that was built by these distinguished scientists and honour them for their contribution to the registration and development of natural scientists in South Africa,” said Dr Rolf Becker, executive director of SACNASP.
The event was complimented by the natural scientists who attended, with Dr Becker receiving several congratulatory e-mails. And when our client is happy, we’re happy!