SASOLBURG – Young boffins from Zamdela have shown they have what it takes to tackle some of the world’s biggest energy challenges.
Lehutso Primary School hosted the Fezile Dabi regional leg of the Sasol Energy Innovation Challenge on August 15, bringing together bright Grade Four to Grade 11 learners to showcase their science projects.
The competition gives pupils the chance to put their classroom knowledge into action by developing posters, prototypes and working models focused on renewable and alternative energy.
The Zamdela school made a clean sweep in the primary school category, bagging first, second and third place.
Dimpho Mokone and Lisakhanya Buxeka took the top spot with their project on producing biogas from food waste.
Kamogelo Malisa and Tsholofelo Khumalo finished second with their solar-powered air pollution controller and carbon absorber system, while Lethabo Legwabe and Ofentse Malale claimed third place for their wind-powered generator.
The winning teams were guided by their educator, Juliet Lehungwane.
In the secondary school category, Perseverance Motaung and Sphiwe Tyumbu from Barnard Molokoane Secondary School in Tumahole, Parys, took first place with a smart solar-powered automatic lighting system using piezoelectric floor tiles.
Relebohile Motlohi from Iketsetseng Comprehensive Secondary School in Zamdela came second with a smart navigating white cane.
Tebello Serathi from Kananelo Senior Secondary School in Phomolong, Kroonstad, claimed third place with a microbial fuel cell project.
The entries were judged on research, innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills.
The young scientists also had to face questions from an independent judging panel and impressed the judges with their knowledge and professional presentations.
According to Gao Mothoagae, Sasol Vice President for Corporate Social Investment and the Sasol Foundation, the challenge aims to strengthen STEM education and help develop future talent for South Africa’s science, technology and energy sectors.
This year’s competition has attracted a record 228 schools across Fezile Dabi, Gert Sibande and Gauteng North.
The regional winners will now head to the final in Sasolburg on 9 September, where the top three primary and secondary school teams from the regional competitions will battle it out.
