The Waterberg/Mogalakwena regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists were a resounding success, and saw more than a hundred learners showcase their innovative science, engineering and social investigations.
Held at the EMPC Hall in Mahwereleng, Mokopane from 19 to 20 August, a total of 157 learners from the region gathered, while 24 judges who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 144 projects that were on exhibition.
This year, the most number of entries were seen in the engineering category with 48 entries. There were also a significant number of entries in energy with 28 projects and social sciences with 18 entries. A total of 50 learners received bronze medals, while 23 received silver and 12 received gold. Learners from Potgietersrus Primary School received the most number of gold medals and medals overall.
The Eskom Special Award winners, who were awarded Bluetooth headsets, were:
- Best Female: Ruby Fair, Grade 7 at Thorntree Private School
- Best Development Project: Matthew Pullinger, Grade 7 at Thorntree Private School and Madiba Kganya, Grade 7 at Potgietersrus Primary School
- Best Energy Project: Anna Ngobeni and Vanecia Thubakgale, Grade 11 at Phaladingoe High School
- Best Energy Efficiency Project: Lebogang Kekana, Grade 10 at Ramogabudi High School and Masenya Malose, Grade 11 at Phaladingoe High School
Eskom Development Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Cecil Ramonotsi, said: “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.”
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 are able to present their innovations and 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, 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.
For more information on the Waterberg region, contact: 0606784615
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