Ekurhuleni learners shine at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists
A total of 580 learners from across the country gathered at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, which ran from October 5 to 7.
The Eskom International Science Fair (ISF) is the culmination of 35 intensive regional competitions held in all nine provinces, in July and August, when these young scientists presented their scientific ideas and research projects to a panel of judges.
The three-day Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) is South Africa’s largest school-level science fair and is also a national initiative.
This year 488 of the most outstanding projects by 580 participants were on display in 24 different categories.
These categories ranged from Agricultural Science right through to Sustainability.
The Expo presents a platform for the youngsters to showcase their talents, at the same time encouraging them to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) fields.
The expo also teaches learners internationally benchmarked scientific methods, their importance and the application thereof required at university level.
By actively encouraging young people to pursue STEMI careers, Eskom aims to address the country’s shortage of skills in the fields of science and engineering.
The learners competed for medals and prizes, such as bursaries, laptops, gadgets and trips to other international science fairs.
This year, the grand prize was a full scholarship valued at R1-million, to study engineering in Germany, sponsored by Siemens.
Eleven science students from Ekurhuleni schools participated.
Bronze medal winners from the region are Erin Lewis, Bongani Matea, Stefan van Niekerk, Ameer Khan and Cameron Giliomee.
Although Siyabonga Mbuyisa, Qudsia Patel, Annas Patel and Masego Mekoa were not awarded medals, their projects were highly commended.
Sfiso Yende received a Siemens prize for science and Ameer Khan and Cameron Giliomee received an innovation prize for Africa.
Grade Seven learner Junior Montshiwagae, from Vryburg, called his project “Trike Bike”.
The learner designed and created a tri-cycle that is made up of steel and powered by a lawnmower generator.
“My aim in creating this project, called a Trike Bike, is to improve tricycles which are commonly powered by the human legs,” Montshiwagae said.
Parthy Chetty, Eskom Expo for Young Scientists executive director, said: “South Africa is reaffirming itself as the hub of scientific research and excellence on the continent by hosting young scientists from Africa, and beyond.
”The Eskom Expo provides a unique platform for these self-motivated, inquiring minds to explore the many possibilities of the scientific world and, more importantly, the value of engaging in scientific research.
”To maintain this momentum and to ensure our competitive survival on a global scale, South Africa relies on unique initiatives, like the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, that creates and supports an environment and a platform and innovation.”
S’nenhlanhla Dlamini, from Ongoye Secondary School, walked away with the grand prize.
Her project was titled “Smart home energy saver” in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation category.
