LIMPOPO – Three young innovators from Mbilwi Secondary School near Thohoyandou came up with innovations they believe can address this year’s science week under the topic of climate change. These innovations were displayed during the official launch of Science Week, held at the Vuwani Science Centre last Monday.
National Science Week (NSW), is an annual event aiming to exhibit and communicate awareness in science. It is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), a countrywide celebration of science involving various stakeholders and role players conducting science-based activities during the week.
The theme for 2019 National Science Week is ‘Facing the harsh realities of climate change’.
A Gr 10 learner from Mbilwi Secondary School, Anopaishe Ramhungwe invented a dust collector which is used to collect dust in classes. She says the reason she came up with the dust collector idea was because dust is harmful to the environment and learners’ health.
“When teachers write on the board, this produces dust formed from calcium carbonate and sentimental rock. The dust may be harmful,” Ramhungwe explained.
She added that her innovation will help to reduce the dust, which will minimise the number of learners and teachers who have been suffering from various diseases caused by the dust.
The combination of yet another Gr 10 learner From Mbilwi Secondary School, Murendi Netshianane and Khutjo Makgakga saw them creating ‘Mr Picker’ which is used to collect waste material such as plastic, papers, cans and bottles.
“Our project helps to address land pollution that is currently existing in most of the schools,” Netshianane clarified.
“Through this innovation, we can pick up waste material for the purposes of recycling. The more we minimise pollution, the more we are fighting climate change.”
