Flora Park High School learners make waves in water solutions
Two learners have qualified for the national round of the 2024 South African Youth Water Prize competition.
POLOKWANE – Two learners from Flora Park Comprehensive High School (FCHS) gained recognition for their school by qualifying for the national round of the 2024 South African Youth Water Prize competition, hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
This competition, organised in collaboration with Xylem Water Solutions, Water Technology, the Water Research Commission, and other key stakeholders in the water sector, aims to select a project to represent South Africa at the 2024 Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden.
Jobling Moloto and Molatelo Molaudzi are Gr 10 learners who outperformed teams from various schools in the province to qualify for the national competition. Their task was to innovate a method for purifying or conserving water.
Their teacher, Mmotie Agnes Mabotja, explained to Review that they developed an advanced water filtration model using xylem cells and UV light.
“We presented our model and left, not expecting to win. I was surprised when I received a photo of our certificate from the coordinator; initially, I thought it was just for participation, but it turned out we had won,” she shared.
This victory motivated the team to prepare rigorously for the national competition.
They sought assistance from the University of Limpopo’s faculty of water and sanitation for extracting xylem tissue and testing water quality. The school also supported them by purchasing the necessary materials to build their model.
“The learners were so dedicated that they sacrificed study time for the June exams, often staying until after 19:00 to prepare for the nationals. As an English teacher, I found joy in learning more about science, growing as a teacher, and witnessing their development,” Mmotie said.
Although they did not win the national competition, finishing fifth nationwide was a significant achievement for the school.
The learners received laptops and university bursaries.
“For them to achieve recognition on their first attempt is remarkable. Beyond the prizes, they will work with the Department of Water and Sanitation for four years, after which they can pursue careers anywhere in the water sector,” she added.
