Gert Sibande young scientists showcase research
56 learners from the region met at the Sasol Recreational Club in Secunda on August 13, to display their research.
Numerous learners had the unique opportunity to present their innovative science, engineering and social investigations at the Gert Sibande regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
56 learners from the region recently met at the Sasol Recreational Club in Secunda, to display their research.
16 judges who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 45 projects on exhibition.
This was the first Eskom Expo physical science fair since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is one of 35 regional expos planned in all provinces across South Africa.
“This year, the most number of entries were seen in the Engineering category with 13 entries. There were also a significant number of entries in Social Sciences and Environmental Sciences,” said Innocent Marume, Eskom Expo’s Mpumalanga coordinator.
A total of 11 learners received bronze medals, while 12 received silver and 11 received gold.
The Eskom special award winners, who were awarded Bluetooth headsets, are as follows:
• Best Innovation: Jean-Roux Flack of Laerskool Standerton
• Best Energy Project: Stacy Ambat of Hoërskool Secunda
• Best Female Project: Vinnette Viljoen and Kaylee Harrison Uys of Hoërskool Secunda
• Best Development Project: Spesihle Gonya – Highveld Park High School
Regional special awards:
• Best General Education and Training (GET) Project: Jean-Roux Flack
• Best Further Education and Training (FET) Project: Zene Van Heerden
• Project with great development potential: Machava Sinenhlanhla
• Project with great Innovation potential: Sbusiso Nkosi
“As the funder of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, it has been a welcoming return to form to be able to host a physical expo in the region this year. It was impressive how learners, especially previously disadvantaged learners and girls, were able to develop such innovative projects while still at school, giving assurance that the future is in good hands.
“Eskom is investing in young scientists through Eskom Expo, which forms part of a broader Eskom strategy of skills development, investing in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) at school level,” said Cecil Ramonotsi, Eskom’s Development Foundation Chief Executive Officer.
Nthato Minyuku, Eskom Group Executive: Government and Regulatory Affairs, said: “Eskom is committed to nurturing South Africa’s brightest young minds through regional science fairs, where they can present their innovations and be exposed to the diversity of career opportunities in the scientific world. Eskom Expo remains one of our flagship corporate citizenship initiatives, through which we actively develop the innovation potential, presentation skills and competitive edge of our young scientists. Congratulations to all medal winners who we trust will make even greater strides at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF).”
Learners in the region who advance to the ISF to be held in December will compete against the best performing young scientists around the country.
At this prestigious event, learners stand a chance to win prizes and bursaries, along with scholarships and various opportunities. 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.
