Pupil’s ideas causing a stir

Ekuphumleni grade 12 pupil Nzuso Cana Mpondwana from Whittlesea is currently at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) in Boksburg, Gauteng to present his invention of Artemisia afra ginger tea.

ISF selected pupils from 35 expo regions in SA to compete against top young scientists from around the country and the world from Thursday until Tuesday.

Mpondwana said he came up with the idea while he was preparing for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists at Rhodes University in August, where he won a silver award.

This was after his mixture of ginger and Artemisia afra (African wormwood) was approved by laboratory scientists in Centurion.

“We had to identify a problem and come up with a solution at the expo and I wanted to create something that would help people who suffer with common illnesses, such as coughs, stomach cramps, headaches and fever. I thought about Artemisia afra, known as umhlonyane in Xhosa, which does help for some of these ailments.”

He then came up with the idea of creating a mixture of ginger and Artemisia afra.

“I grated the two herbs, allowed them to dry for two days and used frost cloth as a container which I sewed to form a tea bag.

“The lab scientist then tested the product’s moisture, ash, sodium, protein, energy, carbohydrates and fat content. The value obtained by the analytical chemistry was approved which meant that everything about the product was good.”

Mpondwana said this unexpected outcome came as a surprise.

“I never imagined I would be standing in such a place today. I am happy this has taught me that I should not underestimate myself because of my background as it does not define who I am.”

He said wanted to be a doctor or pharmacist who specialised in research.

Ekuphumleni principal Lizwe Ngalo said the school was proud of Mpondwana.

“He has placed the school on the map. We hope he will do well in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. His invention is an indication that he is ahead of his time. He was able to bring something into existence.”

Picture: GUSSIE LUCKHOFF FOR NATURE’S SAKE: The Hangklip High School environmental club filled up dongas caused by erosion in the Lawrence de Lange Nature Reserve in Komani recently

Picture: SUPPLIED THIS LITTLE PIGGY: It was that time of the term again when Mini Minors Educare emptied the hungry piggy’s tummy. This term the school donated the contents thereof to the Round Table Cancer Drive. The little minors really did a wonderful job in fattening him up, collecting R1,074.70. Alecia Fourie, right, popped in to collect on behalf of the Tablers, with Ethan Ngqongwa handing over the money

Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA THINK TEA: From left, Ekuphumleni High School principal Lizwe Ngalo, Ekuphumleni grade 12 pupil Nzuso Cana Mpondwana and deputy principal Mzimkhulu Mdlangu at The Rep offices