Young scientist wants to go America

eMBALENHLE – Siyabonga Nkosi’s science project of generating electricity from mud, qualified to represent the country in Pittsburg, Pennsylviania, America in May.

He is a Grade 12 pupil form the Kiriyatswane Secondary School and is also the president of the Learners Representative Committee.

This young scientist won a gold medal at the Provincial Eskom Expo for young scientists last year.

He said afterwards that he lacked the resources to prepare for the national competition.

However Siyabonga had the courage to attend the National Science Expo regardless of his challenges.

“It was not easy, because I needed a lot of cash and other resources to prepare for the expo, but through God’s grace I got a few sponsors.

“The competition was tough, but my project stood out.”

He was studying micro biology when he learned about energy and he decided to prove that electricity can be generated from mud.

Siyabonga has mixed feelings about going to Intel, International Science Engineering Fair 2015 because he still faces problems regarding resources and money.

He said Intel and Eskom will cover the tour costs, including airfare, accommodation and meals.

However he needs to have R7 500 at the stopover cities, for medical insurance and some meals during the official tour in America.

He also needs a laptop for presentations because the project is not allowed inside the plane.

Ms Ntibaleng Mpatlanyane, his teacher, thanked the school staff and those who sponsored Siyabonga.

She urged local business people and residents to help him make his dream come true.

“He is a talented young man we and we cannot allow his disadvantaged background to stop this opportunity.”

* Contact Ms Mpatlanyane at 082 344 5854 or 017 685 1077.

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