Welcome
To UNIZULU
Science Centre A University of Zululand division which aims to encourage and promote Learn All About It

Welcome
To UNIZULU
Science Centre A University of Zululand division which aims to encourage and promote Learn All About It

The Science Centre (Exploratorium) forms the base for all activities with more than 200 interactive experiments on display for visiting school-learners, in addition to a 200 seater, state-of-the-art auditorium. Most of the learners in our contact area have no access to scientific equipment, and gain at best a theoretical knowledge of the subject. The Science Centre seeks to provide a “hands-on” experience of Science for these learners. The Science Centre is visited by up to 30 000 learners each year, mostly from severely disadvantaged, rural schools. Visitors enjoy a science show, science workshop, time with exhibits and a visit to the adjacent career guidance centre. Exploratorium State-of-the-art
Auditorium career
guidance
centre Award
Winning South Africa Kwazulu natal Richards Bay USC has an inflatable planetarium – in which up to 60 learners can enjoy a perfectly accurate depiction of the night skies. Various programmes revolve around this, involving sundials, telescopes and optics. Planetarium Sundials telescopes
and optics Inflatable
Planetarium 60 learners ancient times astronomical object USC has a dedicated Early Childhood Development Centre opened in 2011 with funding from BHP Billiton and a donation of exhibits from Graz in Austria. It is the only dedicated children’s museum on the continent of Africa. Early Childhood Development Centre Cognitive
and
Intellectual gross
motor skills Architecture writing and drawing identifying shapes. jumping or running The UNIZULU Science Centre has pioneered the Australian “Science on the Move” programme in South Africa, setting up mobile exhibits in rural schools and taking shows and educator workshops out of the Centre. These mobile exhibits (which were developed in-house) have toured several schools. Mobile exhibits Educator
Workshops Rural schools Science on
the Move South Africa Kwazulu natal KwaDlangezwa Regular special events and focus weeks (like National Science Week in August) are held each year to maximise media coverage and impact on the surrounding communities. Since 2015, Zulfest, the Zululand Science Festival, has been held in May each year, attracting the best of local and international presenters to USC. Special Events and Festivals Zululand
Science Festival best of local
and international
presenters National
Science Week innovation Zulfest Est. 2015 Worldwide Exclusive Many three-day and one-day courses are run for Science educators annually to consolidate and broaden their skills, in conjunction with the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME). These courses provide vital in-service training for educators in Science, Mathematics and Biology. USC has also provided science and maths teacher training in 4 educational districts for the Department of Education. Educator Enrichment Courses Centre for the
Advancement
of Science and
Mathematics Education Vital in-service
training Three-day and
One-day Courses innovation CASME Worldwide Exclusive Competitions are run for learners to generate enthusiasm for the subject. These have included Bridge Building, Water Competition, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Astronomy Quizzes and Essay Competitions. Competitions Astronomy
Quizzes Essay
Competitions Eskom Expo for
Young Scientists innovation Zulfest Est. 2015 Worldwide Exclusive A resource centre of equipment, audiovisual aids and reading matter has been set up in the new Richards Bay Centre (run by CASME) to allow educators access to these vital teaching-aids. Resource Centre Audiovisual Aids Reading Matter Equipment innovation Zulfest Est. 2015 Worldwide Exclusive Science Workshops focusing on skills in preparation for the final exams are presented twice a year to over 5000 matric students at 11 rural venues. In 2020, owing to the COVID Lockdown, a series of videos (Essential Skills for Matric Science) was made so that these workshops could be accessed virtually:- over the internet or from memory sticks Matric Workshops Essential Skills
for Matric Science Final exams
Preparations 5000 Matric
Students at 11
Rural Venues innovation Zulfest Est. 2015 Worldwide Exclusive Key Activities university of zululand 0{{current_slide_index}} / 0{{total_slide_count}}

Second Girls in Control Workshop News In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the University of Zululand’s (UNIZULU) Department of Mathematical Sciences recently hosted Continue Reading UNIZULU hosts the informative Seminar on Indigenous Knowledge Systems News The Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) has been used as the melodic instrument to tune some cords in the society. The IKS refers to local knowledge and information that is unique to a given culture or society. This awareness includes all Continue Reading UNIZULU Staff Member Excelled In Postgraduate Studies News Cytochrome P450 enzymes play a key role in producing secondary metabolites or natural compounds. Secondary metabolites are widely used in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. Many bacterial species are known to produce secondary metabolites. However, the role of Continue Reading UNIZULU Keeps Empowering Educators in the District to Improve Maths Pass Rate News The University of Zululand (UNIZULU), on Tuesday and Wednesday (16 and 17 May), hosted its annual mathematics convention for educators working within the King Cetshwayo District in an effort to improve the pass rate of school learners in the district. The Continue Reading Girls In Control For Zululand News Professor Syamala Krishnannair, a specialist in Automation and Control in the Department of Mathematical Sciences coordinated    the first ‘Girls in Control’ workshop .This notable event  took place at UNIZULU Science centre on 25 July 2022 . The first session of the Continue Reading Record 30000 Visit UNIZULU Science Centre News The UNIZULU Science Centre ended the year 2017 on a high note, having reached a record number of 30 008 visitors during the course of the year. “With schools closed and the goal agonisingly close, special public events this week ensured Continue Reading

FOCUSING ON
SKILLS IN
PREPARATION visited by up to 30 000 learners
each year, mostly from severely
disadvantaged, rural schools Essential Skills
for Matric Science consolidate

and

broaden
their skills run for
learners
to generate
enthusiasm A resource centre
of equipment,
audiovisual aids
and
reading matter what matters most is Early
Childhood
Development
Centre what matters most is dedicated
children’s
museum what matters most is 4 educational districts what matters most is the Department
of Education Science on the Move Allow Educators Access to these Vital
Teaching-Aids At A Glance

For school bookings and more information contact the Science Centre on:

Mrs Philisiwe Hlongwa 035 902 6993 Hlongwap@unizulu.ac.za 076 398 1071 silindilemthembu1@gmail.com

I Have A Warrior's Heart, But I Am Not Unmoved By Your Words

035 902 6991 Dr Derek Fish Director 082 452 8566 FishD@unizulu.ac.za

I put the brains and brawn together and now look at me. Best of both worlds.

035 902 6905 Nsikelelo Malinga malingan@unizulu.ac.za Projects Officer

The only way to know how strong you are is to keep testing your limits

035 902 6990 thambarand@unizulu.ac.za Diloshni Chetty HIV AIDS Manager Get in Touch

BOOKINGS

Come Explore the Wonders of Science With Us

We are here to help and answer any question you might have. We look forward to hearing from you.

mobile/telephone
Optional
Example: user@website.com

Organizing a Visit to UNIZULU SCIENCE CENTRE 2026

Visit South Africa’s best science centre, 40 years old this year, and enjoy a four-hour experience for only fifteen rands (R15) per visitor.

What’s included in your visit: Four Engaging STEM Experiences:

1. Science Shows:

  • Term 1: “Science of Farming” – learn all about agriculture!
  • Term 2: “Science of Soccer” – as South Africa prepares for the FIFA World Cup!
  • Term 3: “The Fire Show” – a chemistry show where you’ll learn how things burn!
  • Term 4: “Life in Space” – take a trip to space and enjoy our planetarium!
  • Optional shows offered throughout the year: Digestion show ‘From Gums to Bums’, Light Show, Maths Show and a Planetarium Show
  • For Grades 10-12: Opportunity to select a curriculum topic or prescribed experiment for presentation. NB: Grade 12 students visiting will each receive a free “Essential Skills” Exam Preparation booklet, with videos for the teacher.
  1. Explore over 200 Interactive Science Exhibits from across the globe, including some from the London Science Museum.
  1. Hands-on Workshops, Games and Extra Programs
  1. Career Guidance Session at the adjacent Zululand Careers Centre presented by a qualified career counsellor.

Entry fees: Local schools and visitors will be charged R15 per learner. Visitors from outside our designated area will be charged R20 per learner (the actual cost to us is R85 per learner). There is a minimum fee of R450 for local groups of fewer than 30 people and R600 for groups of fewer than 30 people located further away. Payable as cash on arrival or via EFT.

Maximize Your Visit: We recommend a full four-hour visit, preferably from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, to ensure your learners enjoy a comprehensive experience, including a break. If you cannot arrive by 9:00 AM, please make special arrangements with us. Although you are welcome to shorten your visit by excluding some activities, the fee remains the same. Please contact us for further details.

Booking Instructions: Please note NEW PHONE NUMBERS

  • Call or Whatsapp us on the Science Centre phone: 0763981071
  • Use 0824528566 if you can’t get through on the number above
  • email us on: mthembusi@unizulu.ac.za
  • Message us on our Facebook Page (Unizulu Science Centre)
  • Contact us through our website: sciencecentre.unizulu.ac.za

We look forward to welcoming you for an enriching and unforgettable experience!

Beyond
the scheduled shows and interactive exhibits, UNIZULU Science Centre continues
to expand its vision of science engagement by blending innovation with
real-world inspiration. As learners explore the principles behind motion, sound,
and energy, they are introduced to a broader understanding of design precision
and human curiosity—qualities that drive both scientific discovery and
technological craftsmanship. This same pursuit of excellence resonates in other
creative domains, such as precision engineering and horology, where every detail
reflects dedication and purpose. Within this shared spirit of innovation, the
concept of the superclone
rolex oyster perpetual becomes a symbol of mastery—showcasing how science
and artistry can coexist to create enduring experiences. Just as the Centre
inspires young minds to experiment and question, these finely crafted creations
remind us that progress is born from understanding the delicate balance between
form, function, and imagination. Together, they celebrate a world where
education, design, and precision connect seamlessly, shaping the inventors and
innovators of tomorrow.

REMEMBER FEBRUARY VISITS ARE FREE! (For one group per school)

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