The Institute for Satellite and Software applications near Grabouw in the Western Cape opened its doors to President Thabo Mbeki today. The five-year-old institute has become a leading training ground for young scientists.

This is where the young brains of tomorrow refine their skills to create a new, better world for all. Besides sharpening new skills, it is also about research and application in the real world. Inside the virtual reality lab, Derrick Sonanzi, an intern, explained a software programme that he has developed. The programme will enable high school pupils to see experiments done in a virtual lab. The president was clearly impressed. Learners say they are privileged to study at the institution.

This was the president's first visit to the institute. Sonanzi got the chance to explain how the virtual reality lab works. Learners are also encouraged to become entrepreneurs and to create jobs. Mbeki hailed the efforts of the institution in sharing knowledge with the rest of the continent. He said institutions such as these would be meaningless if they did not offer solutions to the problems facing the entire African continent. So far the institute has turned out 290 young Einsteins and most of them are women.