The Mthatha 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 of 106 learners from the region gathered at Holy Cross High School on Friday, 19 August 2022 to showcase their innovative science, engineering and social investigations, while 44 judges who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 78 projects that were on exhibition.
This year, the most number of entries were seen in the Engineering category with 31 entries. There were also a significant number of entries in Biomedical and Medical Science and Social Sciences. A total of 18 learners received bronze medals, while 10 received silver and 8 received gold.
Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair Director in the Mthatha region, Nomaledi Mbambisa, said: “With more effort, dedication and support, our learners can do more wonders in research.”
The Eskom Special Award winners, who were awarded Bluetooth headsets, were_
- Best Female Project: Mbali Sinomzi and Linomthle Sithelo from Holy Cross High School;
- Best Energy Project: Lutho Tukuse from Khanyisa Senior Secondary School;
- Best Innovation Project: Hazel Mpakati from Khanyisa Senior Secondary School;
- Best Development Project: Lwanga Mabongo from Enduku Primary 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 Makhanda Region, contact Fredy Mashate: fredy@exposcience.co.za | Nomaledi Mbambisa: nomaledi@mweb.co.za
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