Middelburg is fast earning a reputation as a powerhouse for South Africa’s next generation of scientists.

After outstanding performances at two major national competitions, local learners have proven that world-class talent can start right in their own classrooms.

Wandile Mahlangu, a Grade Nine learner from Sofunda Secondary School, started her journey into high-level science with an online exam after her teacher spotted an opportunity through the Eskom Expo.

Among four learners from her school who sat the test, Wandile scored high and earned a spot at the prestigious South African Astronomy Olympiad Camp in Cape Town from September 25 to 28.

Recalling the moment she received her invitation, she said: “I was so happy because it was my first time going to Cape Town. I cried tears of joy.”

Astronomy camp opens new horizons

Wandile was accompanied by her natural science teacher, Lucy Sediba, and embarked on a transformative week-long itinerary packed with astrophysics lessons, hands-on tasks and visits to astronomical landmarks, including the Planetarium and Signal Hill.

According to Wandile, they delved into complex topics such as binary stars, telescopes, outer planets and Hubble’s Law, culminating in a research presentation and a final written physics exam.

“I got a chance to be exposed to astronomy. I didn’t know that South Africa was basically gifted in the field of astronomy. I learned how the universe was created and that stars actually have a lifetime,” she said.

Hamzah scoops R675 000 bursary

The 46th Eskom Expo International Science Fair, held in Gauteng from September 29 to October 2, had an initial pool of 18 000 entrants nationwide, but only 340 reached the prestigious final round.

Hamzah Loonat from Hoërskool Middelburg led the local triumph with his project, ‘The Solar Sharing Solution’.

His work earned him a bronze medal in the Energy category and the PERT Industries Computer Science Special Award, which comes with a R5 000 robotics kit.

Hamzah was also awarded a full Siemens Energy Higher Education Bursary worth R675 000.

The bursary will cover full tuition, accommodation, books, tech equipment and living expenses for any engineering degree at a South African university.

Middelburg learners secure medal haul

Middelburg learners also brought home an impressive collection of awards across multiple disciplines.

Sharista Heerlall from Middelburg Primary School secured a silver medal.

Aditi Singh from Hoërskool Middelburg took home a bronze medal in the Energy category.

Charlotte Emily Joubert from Hoërskool Middelburg won a bronze medal in Biomedical Science.

Nosicelo Innocentia Mtshweni from Mphanama Secondary School in Mhluzi claimed a bronze medal for her impressive project.