Eskom Expo in Mpumalanga will host regional expos in July and August

Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in Mpumalanga will host a number of regional science fairs around the province.

The regional expos will be the first physical science fairs since 2019, where learners will have a chance to show and discuss their own scientific investigations in different fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with judges, teachers and students from other schools, parents and with other interested people.

“The road to this year’s regional finals began with a series of workshops in the province, followed by research and innovation camps and then district expos where learners received valuable input from a team of experts to improve their research, prior to regional expos,” said Innocent Marume, Eskom Expo’s Mpumalanga provincial coordinator.

“Eskom Expo began the process of developing young scientists in the province by guiding them through the ideation phase of research, as well as assisting them on how to write a research plan, abstract and project report, along with how to identify potential ethics violations.”

Cecil Ramonotsi, Eskom Development Foundation chief executive officer, said: “As the funder of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, the biggest science fair on the African continent, moulding young scientists, especially previously disadvantaged learners and girls, remains vital in readying them to fulfil essential roles in the various fields of science.

“The regional science expos not only provide opportunities to celebrate our future scientists and showcase their talent but also to inspire more young learners to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Ramonotsi.

Eskom’s Group Executive: Government and Regulatory Affairs, Nthato Minyuku, said: “Eskom Expo has for more than 40 years sought to cultivate an interest in the sciences in young people, and through strategic support from Eskom, was able to provide a platform for future young scientists and engineers to be developed from school-level.

“The regional expos provide a platform where learners are able to exhibit their research and innovations, which aim to address not only challenges in their communities, but globally,” said Minyuku.

About 500 projects will be showcased in the province this year and young scientists will compete for a much sought-after chance to represent their regions and province at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), which will be held virtually in October.

Learners stand a chance to win prizes and bursaries, along with scholarships and various opportunities at the prestigious ISF event.

Learners also stand a chance to be selected to showcase their research or innovation at an international science fair in the United States of America, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa.

Regional expos will be held as follows:

Nkangala – Hoër Tegnies Middelburg – Project set-up will be on August 11 with the awards ceremony taking place on August 12.
Gert Sibande – Sasol Recreational Club, Secunda – Project set-up will be on August 12 with the awards ceremony taking place on August 13.

For further operational information, please visit www.exposcience.co.za or contact Innocent Marume: innocent@exposcience.co.za or phone 073 305 9698.