SOUTH AFRICA AND BOTSWANASOUTH AFRICA AND BOTSWANA|
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Click
on the map for a map of South Africa and surrounding countries
This web site is a brief record of our trip to South Africa and Botswana in September/October 2000. Clicking on most photos will bring up a larger version of the photo.
The
biennial meeting of the South African Chemical Society meeting
was held at Potchefstroom University in the city of Potchefstroom,
southwest of Johannesburg. Approximately 350 people attended,
mostly from South Africa but some were from other African nations.
The plenary lecturers were from the U.S. (Warren Hehre and Jim Navratil, and JCK) and from Germany (Hans-Gunter Smalz and Deitrich Breitlinger). The organizers of the meeting included Professor Ernst Breet (6th from left) and Chantre Viviers (4th from the right).
One
particularly enjoyable experience was to visit the Sediba program
run by Corrie du Toit. This program is intended to raise the skills
of black African science teachers. The students in the program
use our textbook, and many asked to have their books signed.
While
in Potchefstroom, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at a guest house
run by the Fourie family. The organizers of the meeting treated
us extremely well, with a reception hosted by the city council
and a banquet sponsored by Sasol. We also participated in a tour
of the deep shaft gold mine.
Following the meeting, the plenary lecturers and spouses were the guests of the meeting organizers at Bakubung resort in Pilanesburg National Park, a game reserve northwest of Johannesburg.
Web site developed by J. Kotz, October 2000