It is not often that one gets to meet a high profile personality but the Iimbovane project team was recently honoured when the Minister of Science and Technology, Ms. Naledi Pandor visited their laboratory on 21 February 2012 to engage with the Iimbovane team.

The team used the opportunity to explain to the Minister how the project uses ants in educating learners and educators about environmental change, biodiversity and invasive species. The also team showed the Minister the educational materials designed by the project to help educators to carry out independent research with their learners.

One of the highlights of the visit was when the Minister took a peak through the microscope. She was very excited to see the features of an ant from close up. Ms. Pandor was fascinated by the Iimbovane ant reference collection and acknowledged the precision and dedicated work that goes into the maintenance of such a collection.

She was very impressed with the work Iimbovane is doing, as was the guests that accompanied her. Guests included Dr. Albert van Jaarsveld, President and CEO of the National Research Foundation (NRF), SU Rector Prof. Russel Botman, the acting SU Vice Rector: Research Prof. Douglas Rawlings and Faculty of Science Dean Prof. Eugene Cloete.

The Minister gave thumbs up to the Iimbovane project team and urged them to continue with the excellent work of equipping educators and learners in previously disadvantaged schools with important research skills they need.