The top young scientists were honoured at this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Cape Town Regional Science Fair after impressing judges with their remarkable talents and scientific brilliance.
A total of 307 budding young scientists from the region presented 210 research projects at the event, which took place at the University of Cape Town from 13 to 15 August 2024. The projects on display were evaluated by 67 judges, which included educators, specialists, academics, and dedicated Eskom Expo supporters.
This Regional Science Fair was one of 38 events planned in all provinces across South Africa. The most popular categories were Social Sciences, Engineering, along with Physics, Astronomy & Space Sciences.
Eskom Expo’s Cape Town Regional Science Fair Director, Olga Peel said, “The Judges noted that the standard of the projects was the highest ever, probably due to the learners participating in the District Expos last term and upgrading their projects using the selectors’ feedback. This year was a special year, because the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis sponsored a part of the Expo and came to select winners of his awards. The learners loved interacting with him. The Volunteer Committee ran the Expo event with ease, and we are grateful to their employers for giving them time off work.”
The top young scientists were honoured with the prestigious Eskom Special Awards at the region’s awards ceremony. The award recipients, who received Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers sponsored by Eskom, included:
- Best female: Saleha Hamied, Grade 11, Star College Cape Town
- Best innovation: Kishan Murugan, Grade 6, Parklands College Senior Preparatory School
- Best energy project: Naeha Naidu and Connor Crighton, Grade 10, Parklands College
- Best development project: Salusiwe Mxayiya, Grade 11, Luhlaza High School
Senior top achievers in the 13 respective categories received power banks sponsored by University College Dublin (UCD), while junior top achievers received scientific calculators sponsored by Sharp.
Other Special Awards were presented, including:
| Award | Prize | Recipients | School |
| Best in category, Plant Sciences – Botany, Junior Grades 8 – 9 | Wildflower Guide and Botanical Society membership |
Kendall Kolesky Chloe Kolesky |
International School of Cape Town (HS) |
| Cape Town Science Centre award for projects in Physics or Engineering in Primary School | A voucher for a family of 4 to visit the Cape Town Centre | Ben Nieuwoudt | International School of Cape Town (Y6) |
| Kishan Murugan | Parklands College Senior Preparatory School | ||
| Shireen Bardien | Star College Cape Town | ||
| Mia Aston | Norma Road Primary School | ||
|
Taigan Gouws Ishraaq Charles |
Turfhall Primary School | ||
| Best Environmental Sciences Grades 8 -9 | Centre for Conservation Energy | Alexandra Pike | International School of Cape Town (HS) |
| Zariah Parker | Star College Cape Town | ||
| Best Biomedical project Grades 10 – 12 | WiZmed Suturing Learning Kit with Box of Practice Sutures valued at R1,000 | Chelsea van Niekerk | Star College Cape Town |
| Best Chemistry-related project in each of the three groups | Science-related books appropriate to the learners’ age | Joshua Masterson | (International School of Cape Town) |
| Erva Barut | (Star College Cape Town) | ||
| Helene Greeff | (Jan van Riebeeck High School) | ||
|
Aarav Desai Ketan Govan |
Bishops Diocesan College | ||
| Emine Inal | (Star College Cape Town) | ||
| Best in Category, Computer Science (and related), Senior Grades 10-12 | A Unique Experience: a personalised tour of South Africa’s biggest super computer | Furkan Aslan | Star College Bridgetown |
| Sinalo Nyamba | COSAT | ||
| The Green Chemistry award | Chemistry Science Experiment |
Taskeen Samsodien Zayaan Waggie |
South Peninsula High School |
|
Adam Samsodien Keaton Vigne |
Pinelands High School | ||
| Best Expo Teacher of 2024 HS as nominated by their learners | A laptop | Elam Neymbezi | Paramount HS |
| Best Expo Teacher of 2024 PS as nominated by their learners | A laptop | Nisrene Hendicks | Turfhall PS |
| Best overall senior project AKA The Kevin Rochford Award | A laptop |
Adam Gibbon Christopher Collier-Reed |
Pinelands High School |
| Best overall junior project AKA The John Crossland Award | A laptop | Yusuf Van Niekerk | South Peninsula High School |
| Best overall primary project AKA the Priscilla Moodley Award | A tablet computer |
Luka Reyneke Roch Angel |
Parklands College Senior Preparatory School |
| Top High School | A laptop | Salusiwe Mxayiya | Luhlaza HS |
| Top Primary School | A tablet computer |
Tanya Manjengwa Phraim Mbela Abolo |
St Agnes Primary School |
| Best overall senior project | Bursary to cover a full year’s tuition for a BSc at Rhodes University | Emine Inal | Star College Cape Town HS |
| Mayor’s Choice Award 1 | Trophy and a cash prize of R3,300 | Declan Saul | Parklands College |
| Mayor’s Choice Award 2 |
Trophy and a cash prize of R3,300 (A pair will share the prize) |
Mahirah Iqbal Fatima Tu Zahra Ebrahim |
Star College Cape Town HS |
| Mayor’s Choice Award 3 |
Trophy and a cash prize of R3,300 (A pair will share the prize) |
Malak Osama-Alkholy | Star College Cape Town HS |
A total of 39 highly coveted Gold medals were awarded at the awards ceremony, along with 64 Silver medals and 68 Bronze medals.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said, “The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists strives to inspire young minds to explore their passion in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI). By providing opportunities to develop their passion and enhance their knowledge, Eskom Expo plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders in these fields. We at Eskom congratulate all the young scientists and researchers who participated in this year’s science fairs. Your dedication and innovative spirit are truly commendable. We recognise that growing our economy requires more scientists, innovators, and engineers, and the Eskom Expo is instrumental in achieving this goal. Through your hard work and creativity, you are contributing to a brighter, more prosperous future for all.”
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty said, “Eskom Expo for Young Scientists has made a transformative impact on previously disadvantaged individuals (PDI) in South Africa by breaking barriers and expanding access to STEM subjects. These events provide all learners with exposure to cutting-edge thinking around problem-solving and inspiring role models from diverse backgrounds. By showcasing the practical applications of STEM in solving real-world problems, the Eskom Expo inspires confidence and enthusiasm among learners, motivating them to pursue science education and careers in these fields. Eskom Expo also facilitates networking opportunities with industry professionals and mentors, opening doors to internships, scholarships, and further educational pathways. By promoting inclusivity and representation in STEM, Eskom Expo empowers learners to overcome historical inequalities and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s socio-economic development through innovation, research, and technological advancement.”
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