Promoting the upcoming National Science Week, while also raising awareness about healthy living, the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) held a fun run at the weekend.
The university has been selected to host this year’s Department of Science and Technology’s annual National Science Week.
More than 500 people participated in the Amazing Mission Race, which started and ended at the Missionvale Campus and was also used to promote health awareness.
Tests were done on participants for diabetes, blood pressure and heart monitoring at the end of the race, inside the campus’s indoor sports centre.
Event organiser for the National Science Week Fun Walk, Michael Zoetmulder, said: “By launching National Science Week at the Missionvale Campus, we were aiming at creating community awareness.
“It also went hand in hand with the launch of the university’s new logo.
“We also did some health tests, as Diabetes South Africa and the department of health were there.
“It was a matter of getting the community involved in campus-related activities, while also trying to promote health and the importance of education to the students and the people of Missionvale.”
Also to take place at the University’s Second Avenue Campus is the Point of Human Origin exhibition – an exhibition displaying, in a contemporary and engaging way, the groundbreaking findings of researchers from 20 universities worldwide.
Officially launching National Science Week next week will be Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor who will be accompanied by Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle and NMU’s vice-chancellor, Professor Derrick Swartz.