Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, has argued that Africa’s path to an independent research agenda begins with strengthening Maths and Science education in public schools.
Speaking at the opening of the Science Forum South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday, he noted that the continent’s youth has the potential to lead globally, but the fear of these subjects must be tackled.
Nzimande has further stressed that government needs to prioritise Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as key pillars of development.
“If my colleagues were here, they wouldn’t like what I am about to say. We still have the challenge of convincing governments themselves to be able to embrace Science, Technology and Innovation, including my own government. Much as it has done … but its a continuous struggle, especially when there isn’t enough money,” says Nzimande.
Minister of the #DSTI Prof. Blade Nzimande said that “Science Forum South Africa has become Africa’s foremost platform for strategic science, technology, and innovation dialogue”
Ketamine seems to be everywhere — from the nightclub to the psychiatric clinic. Among its growing number of users is Elon Musk, who says he takes ketamine every two weeks for depression as prescribed by a doctor. He’s far from alone: More and more Americans are turning to ketamine for relief for their mental health […]
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/cherry-blossoms-bloom-at-montreal-s-botanical-garden.jpg?id=58372870&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=45%2C0%2C45%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're planning your next spring getaway, you don't have to travel all the way to Japan to experience breathtaking cherry blossoms. As per Skyscanner's latest <a href="https://www.skyscanner.ca/travel-trends/botanical" target="_blank">travel trends report</a>, Canada has its own stunning cherry blossom hotspots, with Montreal earning a spot among the top destinations for fans of the flower in 2025.</p><p>The report, shared in an email with MTL Blog, highlights that 71% of Canadians enjoy visiting gardens on vacation, while over half (55%) are eager to see cherry blossoms this year. This aligns with Skyscanner's 2025 "horti-culture" travel trend, as travellers increasingly seek out picturesque natural escapes.</p><p>Typically, cherry blossoms in Montreal bloom between April and May, but warmer temperatures could lead to an earlier showing.</p><p>With that in mind, here are a handful of the best places to experience cherry blossoms in Montreal this year, according to Skyscanner.</p><h3>Parc Jean-Drapeau</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMyyWKlAdr/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c3db41d3-b11c-4cc7-be22-40f0f296c92f" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Located on île Sainte-Hélène and Notre Dame Island, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/parc-jean-drapeau" target="_blank">Parc Jean-Drapeau</a> offers a breathtaking springtime display of cherry blossoms that line its scenic paths and waterfront views. Whether you're jogging, biking, or just strolling along, you'll find yourself surrounded by delicate pink blooms creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.</p><h3>Montreal Botanical Garden</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCWsYrLtUS/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>One of Montreal's most beloved spots, the Montreal Botanical Garden boasts a dedicated Japanese Garden where cherry blossoms bloom beautifully each spring. Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the immaculately designed garden, soaking in the tranquillity and beauty of nature's seasonal show.</p><h3>Westmount Park</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAlrr86DKG1/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=2b2123c2-87f4-4ce5-9948-704387dabe63" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Nestled in one of Montreal's most picturesque neighbourhoods, Westmount Park offers a lush urban oasis with cherry blossom trees that enhance the park's elegance. The quiet, relaxing vibe makes it a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy a picnic under the blossoms or capture the perfect Instagram shot.</p><p>Other popular cherry blossom hotspots in Canada included:</p><ul><li>Toronto, ON: High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, University of Toronto St. George Campus (April–May)</li><li>Ottawa, ON: Commissioner’s Park, Major’s Hill Park, Dominion Arboretum (April–May)</li><li>Victoria, BC: Butchart Gardens, Beacon Hill Park, Government House Gardens (March–April)</li><li>Halifax, NS: Halifax Public Gardens, Point Pleasant Park, Dalhousie University (April–May)</li></ul><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
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