For an industry that's built on science, the technology world sure has its share of myths.

What is innovation if not our ticket to every business interest in the world? It's the ticket to solving the world's problems - the energy problems, the pollution problems, the global warming problems. If it isn't for science and engineering, how will we compete in the new world?

The key to understanding my career is that I was never into technology. From the beginning, I brought an outsider's point of view, which is why I write for a layman's publication.

Indeed the SALT project has become an iconic symbol for what can be achieved in Science and Technology in the new South Africa.

Theory provides the maps that turn an uncoordinated set of experiments or computer simulations into a cumulative exploration.

My little self-analysis is that consumer technology is the closest thing we have to magic. You push a button and something happens at your command. The things that get me fired up the most have always been the things that seem the most magical.