The future of science looks to be in capable hands following the Earth and Beyond Science Fair awards ceremony held at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens on June 5.

The fair is described as being a platform for learners to showcase research projects that address real world challenges. While the event celebrated outstanding scientific achievement, speakers repeatedly reminded learners that success is not defined solely by winning, but by curiosity, perseverance and a willingness to keep learning.

Read more: National Science week initiative at the Botanical Gardens seeks to inspire young minds

Environmental sustainability emerged as a dominant theme among the top projects. First place went to a team from Riverlea High School, while Roosevelt High School learner Oluwatomish Akerele secured second place and R7 000. Third place and R5 000 went to Felicia Karume for her engineering project, which focused on converting solid waste into electric power.

Encouragingly, all of the top three winners were girls whose projects addressed environmental challenges.

Among the many learners recognised on the day was Grade 12 learner Muhammad Hakim Meyer from RW Fick Senior School, who said the experience reinforced the value of hard work.

Also read: Roosevelt High School shines at Enviro Science Fair

“What I learned from this experience is that hard work is a way to get far,” he said.
For fellow RW Fick Senior School learner Sanele Methula, the event gave both inspiration and confidence.

“It felt very powerful,” he said, adding education shouldn’t be viewed as something we need to do, but something that inspires us and helps us discover our purpose.

Methula, who received a laptop among his prizes, hopes to use technology to help uplift communities in the future.

Another learner, Amogelang Mpuru from Thaba-Jabula Senior Secondary School, said the competition taught him that participation is about more than winning.
“Sometimes it’s just for the fun and the experience,” he said.

Amogelang, who dreams of becoming an orthopaedic surgeon, offered simple advice to future participants, “If something is said to be impossible, try to make it possible.”
For many learners, the greatest prize was not the awards themselves, but the belief that their ideas can help shape a better future.

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