Young scientists enjoy NKZN Regional Eskom Science Fair

The exhibition aims to encourage and recognise young people’s achievements in science and technology. Participating young scientists were pre-selected after participating in numerous Expo activities throughout the year, such as workshops, research and innovation camps, and district exhibitions.

Learners from grade 4 to grade 12 showed off their impressive projects with interesting and diverse topics ranging from “the doomed side of social media” and “the effects of cyber bullying” “to “harnessing the anti-bacterial properties of Artemisia for clean water.”

Science enthusiast and St. Dominics Newcastle Husna Docrat, was in attendance and was eager to present her project, ‘Are mushrooms the answer to environmental pollution?”

Though tired from her many academic feats, Husna was happy to attend. “I thoroughly enjoy being among my fellow learners and competitors. The judging is going so smoothly, and so far the whole day has been so good,” she said.

Regional Science Fair Director Manuel Govender stated that the fair’s tremendous success on July 26,, was due to the hard work of District Coordinators in Ladysmith and Newcastle, who spent days and lengthy hours reviewing, aiding, and upgrading learners’ projects.

“I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank each and every one of our committee members and coordinators for their sterling efforts. A special thank you to Mr Moola (Ladysmith) and Mr Avesh Singh (Newcastle) for their exceptional contributions and guidance of the learners. Thank you to our Eskom Expo Provincial Coordinator, Nalini Dookie – we couldn’t have done this without your guidance and support. Our event would also not have been as exciting for our learners without the kind sponsorships of Eskom as well as our local partners: McDonalds Newcastle, ITEC Newcastle, Standard Bank, Bawa’s Furbishers, Boss Auto Repairs (Newcastle), Food Sock (Newcastle), Old Mutual (Ladysmith) and Masons Auto Styling (Ladysmith). Their generosity enabled us to reward the learners for their hard work and gift the volunteer judges with tokens to show our appreciation. We wish to encourage more schools to take part next year; and for learners who did not receive any awards, to upgrade their current projects and come back with a new desire to win,” said Govender in a released statement.

The Social Sciences category received the most entries, with 57, followed by Engineering (44), Energy (28), Medical Sciences (27), and Agricultural Sciences (14).

Congratulations to the following learners who were awarded at the Expo.

Best female: Alouisé Van Loggerenberg, Gr 11, Ladysmith High School

Best innovation: Sohil Bharat, Gr 11, Newcastle High School

Best energy project: Sameer Rampersadh, Gr 12 ,Lincoln Heights Secondary School

Best development project: Nomvuzo Zondi Gr 12 ,Hlope Secondary School

Best Project Award in Engineering (Agriculture): Kriya Chowthee, Gr 11, St Dominic’s Newcastle

Best Junior Scientists: Ayetheba Ndlovu and Cebo Makhanya, Gr 6 ,Sipheni Primary School

Best Senior Scientist: Safal Ramdharee, Gr 11 ,St Dominic’s Newcastle.

See photos below:

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550)