More than 400 learners from Ehlanzeni participated in the regional final of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists at the University of Mpumalanga on Saturday August 5.
Regional expos are held around the country between July and August to pave the way for learners to compete for participation in the International Science Fair (ISF) to be held in October. The Regional Science Fair’s director, Innocent Sibitane, said the expo is one of 35 expos held annually across all provinces. A total of 336 scientific projects were exhibited this year by learners from different schools.
ALSO READ: Lowveld Mighty Men hold a conference aimed at changing lives
“This year, the highest number of entries was in the engineering category, 121. There was also a significant number of entries involving energy, 61. Learners who participated stand a chance to win prizes and bursaries to a total value of more than R5m. They may also be selected to embark on an international tour across America, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa,” he said.
ALSO READ: Furious action at Wolves Academy KFS Jock in Mbombela
Sibitane thanked all the schools that participated and the educators who mentored the learners.
He believes that with the expo and Eskom’s assistance, the country will produce great scientists. Learners have welcomed the expo and were grateful to have participated, and many of them are intending to pursue a career in science. They told Lowvelder they had been exposed to many opportunities in the science field.
“We realised there is a lot we can do in science, and with such exposure, we are going to take what we have learnt here and in our schools further to become scientists. We are grateful for what Eskom and the Department of Education have done for us,” they said. A total of 50 learners received bronze medals, 46 were awarded silver and 35 gold, and some were selected to represent the region at the ISF.
