All in the name of science, future leaders from across Ekurhuleni showcased their innovative solutions to possibly solve environmental and societal issues at the Eskom Expo Ekurhuleni regional finals last Saturday.
The young scientists convened at the Germiston City Hall and presented their projects to judges knowledgeable in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) fields.
Science communicator Tshepiso Maroga, from the Sci-Enza Centre at the University of Pretoria (UP), lined-up the entertainment with science experiments learners could practice at home.
Guests were also informed about higher education opportunities in Stem at UP and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
After a long day of presentations and judging, Nyeleti Mashele, a Grade 11 learner from Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School in Kempton Park, was awarded Eskom Expo Best Female Project.
She received a prize sponsored by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and a hamper from TUT.
She created what she called a “Carbon Eater”.
A device designed to absorb carbon dioxide in the air thereby reducing the amount that reaches the atmosphere.
Other top performers on the day included Daniella Isele and Samukelo Sibeko, Grade 12 learners from Shangri-La Academy in Kempton Park.
Their group project, titled the “Self-Esteemed Turbine”, earned them the award for the Eskom Expo Best Innovation Project and gold medals, respectively.
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The “Self-Esteemed Turbine” device can apparently be used to reduce power production in power stations and reduce pollution by supplying factories with self-sufficient electricity stored in a powerful battery.
Grade Eight learner from Rhodesfield High School, Fernando Fernandinho, was awarded Best Energy Efficiency Project for his project the “Versatile Street Light”.
The Best Development Project was awarded to Nhlanhla Makofane, a Grade 10 learner from Phulong Secondary School in KwaThema, for her project called “An Electric Wireless Controlled Excavator”.
“The regional finals of the Eskom Expo are always an exciting and incredible display of how innovative the young people of this country are,” said Pieter Pretorius, chairperson of the Eskom Expo board of directors.
“With such great passion and enthusiasm, learners take on the challenge of looking at the problems they see around them – in their homes, schools, local communities and in South Africa more broadly – and find solutions to these problems.”
Learners who participated in the Ekurhuleni regional finals also competed for a chance to participate in the International Science Fair (ISF) to be held in Johannesburg from October 2 to 5.
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At the event, learners will compete for prizes including university bursaries from Eskom, gadgets, cash prizes, as well as the coveted chance to represent South Africa at prominent international science fairs in the United States, China, Taiwan, Turkey, Zambia and Kenya.
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