Young scientists showcase research projects
The Ehlanzeni regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was a hive of excitement for scores of learners gathered at Hoërskool Nelspruit on Saturday August 6.
The expo was the first physical science fair in the region and enabled learners to showcase their science and innovation research projects.
A total of 403 learners from the region met at the high school on Saturday to display their innovative science, engineering and social investigations.
These projects were inspected by 53 judges who were educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories.
A statement by the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists said the regional expo was one of 35 regional expos planned in all provinces in South Africa.
Eskom Expo’s Mpumalanga co-ordinator, Innocent Marume, said in the statement that this year saw 116 entries. The highest number of entries was in the engineering category.
He said there were also a significant number of entries in social sciences and environmental sciences.
“A total of 80 learners received bronze medals, while 60 received silver and 22, gold. Learners from Sitintile Secondary School received the trophy for best projects,” said Marume.
The prize winners are as follows.
The Eskom Special Award winners:
• Best Innovation: Ann Chandy
• Best Energy Project: Makano Calvin and Gama Thando
• Best Female Project: Twala Nomzamo,
• Best Development Project: Siphosethu Mthembu and Tanele Thwala.
Regional Special Award winners:
• Best Intermediate Project: Maziya Thandalwazi - Mbuzini Primary School
• Best Senior Phase Project: Britalia George - Nelspruit Primary School
• Best FET Project: Hlabelo Mpumalelo Phuzulwazi Academy School
• School with Best Projects: Sitintile Secondary School
• Most Dedicated Educator/Mentor: BS Manzini
• Mentor Awards: Shube Bongani, Zinhle Sihlangu and Milles Thobela.
“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,” said Eskom development foundation chief executive officer, Cecil Ramonotsi.
“It was impressive how learners, especially previously disadvantaged boys 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.”
Eskom group executive of government and regulatory affairs, Nthato Minyuku, said the expo remains one of Eskom's flagship corporate citizenship initiatives.
“Congratulations to all medal winners who we trust will make even greater strides at the Eskom Expo International Science
Fair (ISF),” said Minyuku.
“Learners in the region who advance to the ISF, which will 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 in an international science fair in the United States of America, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa,” Minyuku said.