Innovative plans for water purification and solar street lights rewarded
Two of the three teams of the Barnard Molokoane Comprehensive School walked away with prizes at this year's Sasol Energy Innovation Challenge, presented by the Sasol Foundation for learners in grade four to 11.
The competition focused on raising awareness about renewable and alternative energy, stimulating innovation and developing science and engineering research skills.
The three teams represented their school at the Regional Expo in Sasolburg on August 17, where they won the top three positions. They then took part in the final Expo in Secunda on September 12, where two of the teams were among the best exhibitors in their distinctive categories.
The School’s A Team consisted of Rethabile Mokoena, Rethabile Maloka, Thandeka Zwayi and Bafentswe Ntsweleng who exhibited a Hydro Purification Power System (Hydrosol).
The B Team focused on Renewable Energy – Hybrid. The team consisted of Katleho Mokoena, Andile Malubela, Jabulile Gaza and Sarah Kubu.
The C Team consisted of Jabulani Nyelele, Bokang Mofokeng, Thabang Tladi and Rorisang Ramoliki who exhibited Carbon Capture & Storage.
The A and B teams were among the winners. According to their teacher, MG Tsuinyana (subject teacher for Coding & Robotics for Grade 8 and 9, and Engineering Graphics and Design for Grade 10 and 12) all the learners who represented their school, are in Grade 10. He says they were also part of the school’s Coding Club.
He explained that the winning A team’s HydroSol system addressed the challenge of integrating solar-powered water pumping, advanced water purification, and hydro electric power generation in a single, sustainable solution for clean water and renewable reliable electricity generated from hydro electric power, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
Prizes included R70 000 cash for the winner, R2000 cash for an individual learner in a team and the trophy as overall winner for 2024.
The B team’s Renewable Energy Hybrid solution was rewarded second place, demonstrating solar powered streetlights converting sunlight into electricity, ensuring reduced dependence on grid electricity, improved safety during outages and cost-saving in the long run. They won R50 000 cash and R1 500 cash for an individual learner in the team.
