Five of the brightest young scientific minds from Seiphemelo Secondary School in Ikageng recently took home the plaudits at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists at the Madiba Banquet Halls.
Sibusiso Xhakalashe took home the second place and will represent the Dr Kenneth Kaunda region at the International Science Fair at the Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg South Africa from 2 to 5 October this year. Andile and Mzwandile Seripe (2nd place), Tebogo Mokhele (2nd place) and Gofaone Makame (1st place) were the other scientific stars of the school with their clever inventions.
Sibusiso created an innovative wheel spanner/tyre changing system that works on the concept of a bicycle pedal, steering wheel and chain to rotate the nuts of a motor vehicle wheel. The user of this ‘mobile unit’ can then pedal to get the spanner into position. The steering wheel works with a chain system to loosen and fasten the four nuts at the same time. This invention wowed the judges in the innovation and inventions category and Sibusiso will now battle it out at a national level.

‘I saw a need in the community for such a tool as a lot of people struggle with tools to change tyres. One of the best parts of this invention is that you can “drive” it by using bike pedals and four sixteen-inch wheels. It makes it much easier to faster, loosen or change a motor vehicle tyre. I am excited that my project was chosen for the national final,’ he said.

The twins, Andile and Mzwandile Seripe, created an inexpensive microscope that works with the aid of solar power.
‘Many schools do not have microscopes, mainly because they are expensive. My brother and I focused on creating a microscope from renewable materials like paper maché for the body. The microscope uses solar-powered batteries and you can also charge your cell phone and laptops through the solar-powered microscope using a charger port,’ said Andile.

Tebego’s project focused on creating awareness of illegal connections in rural areas, their many dangers and drawbacks.
Gofaone’s project focused on environmental management with a specific focus on the problem of littering in the local rural areas and the various disadvantages like soil pollution, erosion and the health risks that occur.
Seiphemelo Secondary science teacher, Daniel Ralengole, is immensely proud of these learners who exhibited innovative projects of the highest order.
‘I am really proud of all of them for putting in a lot of effort and time to make a difference in the community and to think out the box. It shows that we produce quality academic achievers at the school,’ he said.