The Kalahari regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was a hive of excitement as learners gathered for the first physical science fair in the region to showcase their science and innovation research projects.
A total 59 learners from the region gathered at Curro Kathu on 12 August to showcase their innovative science, engineering and social investigations, while 17 judges who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 53 projects that were on exhibition.
This regional expo was one of 35 regional expos planned in all provinces across South Africa – the first Eskom Expo physical science fairs since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the most number of entries were seen in the Environmental Studies category with 18 entries. There was also a significant number of entries in the Energy and Engineering categories.
Eskom Expo’s Northern Cape Provincial Coordinator, Mr. Chris McCartney, said: “Although we had hoped for more entries, the overall standard of the projects entered was very good. Furthermore, this was the first time that the Kalahari regional expo was held at Curro Kathu, which was a lovely venue. We received excellent assistance from the Executive Head, Mr. Slabbert and teachers at the school.”
A total of 21 learners received bronze medals, while 15 received silver and 6 received gold. Learners from Curro Kathu received the most number of gold medals, and medals overall.
The Eskom Special Award winners were Mia Roos, who won the Best Project by a Female Learner. Santine van der Merwe won the Most Innovative Project award and Jana Strydom won the Best Energy Project. A group project by Keisha Mlebuka and Lesedi Stock won the Best Development Project Award.
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 Kalahari Region, contact Chris McCartney: chris@exposcience.co.za | 072 661 7251
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