Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley buzzed with excitement as young scientists from the city gathered to showcase their scientific prowess at this year’s Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair.
A total of 116 budding young scientists from the region presented 94 research projects at the event, which took place on 17 August 2024. The projects on display were evaluated by 71 judges, which included educators, specialists, academics, and dedicated Eskom Expo supporters.
This regional science fair was one of 38 regional science fairs planned in all provinces across South Africa. The Social Sciences proved to be the most popular category at the fair, with 20 entries, followed by Engineering (16), Environmental Studies (10), Energy (9), and Plant Sciences (9).
Eskom Expo’s Kimberley Regional Science Fair Director, Odette du Plessis said, “We extend our heartfelt thank you to Sol Plaatje University for graciously hosting us and to our generous sponsors, Globeleq, Lesedi Power Project, Douglas Social and Economic Development Council (SEDC), Amasa Academy, the Northern Cape Department of Education, and Mine Safety and Environmental Compliance Holdings (MSECH) Occupational Health for their invaluable support. A special acknowledgment goes to the participating schools, learners, parents, judges, distinguished guests, and committee members. Your presence and contributions made this event truly memorable and successful. Thank you for being a part of this remarkable occasion. We look forward to celebrating the Region’s 30th anniversary in 2025.”
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: Cady Govender, Grade 10 at Northern Cape High School
- Best innovation: Chrishna Tefera, Grade 10 at St Patrick’s CBC School
- Best energy project: Mbuyiselo Jnr Madyo, Grade 10 at De Aar Hoërskool School
- Best development project: Labeba Elmokadam and Wavhuda Mashapa, Grade 11 at William Pescod High School
Additionally, Sol Plaatje University presented awards to the top achieving learners, including:
- Leruo Baletsang, Grade 10 at St Patrick’s CBC School
- Azania Small, Grade 7 at Bongani School
- Olerato Moakuhi, Grade 11 at Technical High School
- Leonardo Mouton, Grade 7 at Aalwyn Intermediate School
A total of 19 highly coveted Gold medals were awarded at the awards ceremony, along with 24 Silver medals, 24 Bronze medals and 17 Highly Commended certificates. The top 13 Gold medal recipients and top 13 Silver medal recipients received goodie bags containing scientific calculators, notebooks, pens, pencils, memory sticks and high lighters.
The top achievers in the respective 13 Expo categories were honoured with Category Awards. These included:
- Agricultural Sciences: Lisa-Mari Lombard, Grade 11 at De Aar Hoërskool
- Animal Sciences: Aziana Small, Grade 7 at Bongani High School
- Biomedical and Medical Sciences: Olerato Moakuhi, Grade 11 at Technical High School
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Re-El Esbie and Almaaz Ballim, Grade 11 at Kimberley Girls High
- Earth Sciences: Ziheng Haung, Grade 10 at St Patrick’s CBC
- Energy: Mbuyiselo Jnr Madyo, Grade 10 at De Aar Hoërskool
- Engineering: Chrishna Tefera, Grade 10 at St Patrick’s CBC
- Environmental Studies: Marco De Carvalho, Grade 10 at De Aar Hoërskool
- Environmental Studies: TC Markgraaf, Grade 12 at De Aar Hoërskool
- Mathematics: Cady Govender, Grade 10 at Northern Cape High School
- Physics, Astronomy and Space Sciences: Mackayla Kriel, Grade 9 at De Aar Hoërskool
- Plant Sciences: Adriano De Carvalho, Grade 9 at De Aar Hoërskool
- Plant Sciences: Lisa-Mari Sonnenberg, Grade 10 at St Patrick’s CBC
- Social Sciences: Oparna Maharaj, Grade 6 at Newton Primary School
All category winners received goodie bags containing a backpack, pencil case, stapler, paper puncher, dictionary, and a maths set; with the special addition of headphones and a power bank for the top four.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said, “We at the Eskom Development Foundation are ecstatic to see that learners are actively taking action to address the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations (UN), which was a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for us all. Regional science fairs not only provide a platform for young scientists to display their scientific ability, but also serve as a powerful source of inspiration for their peers. By witnessing the remarkable achievements of their fellow learners, more learners are motivated to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) fields, which will be beneficial to South Africa.”
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “STEM education empowers individuals to think critically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to a changing landscape of technology. It prepares our youth to become leaders in industries shaping the future, from artificial intelligence to renewable energy. Eskom Expo regional science fairs are crucial in advancing STEM education by showcasing grassroots innovations, scientific research and innovative solutions. These events inspire curiosity from the learners and spark an interest in STEM careers, which are in big demand in our country, as part of the National Development Plan 2030. As we embrace the opportunities of the digital age, investing in STEM education and supporting expos is not just a strategic choice but a moral imperative. It ensures that our nation remains at the forefront of innovation, competitiveness, and global leadership.”
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