The White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha buzzed with excitement as young scientists from the West Coast gathered to showcase their scientific prowess at this year’s Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair.
A total of 122 budding young scientists from the region presented 82 research projects at the event, which took place on 8 August 2024.
Eskom Expo West Coast Regional Science Fair Director, Ursula Boys said, “I would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, NPOs, teachers, and partners who contributed to the immense success of the 11th West Coast Regional Science Fair. A special word of thanks to Umoya Energy for sponsoring a laptop to our Top Project winner, as well as three tablets as special prizes. A highlight for our 2024 participants was the visit and educational activities led by the NASA team of astronomers. We extend our sincere thanks to Buzani Khumalo from the South African Astronomical Observatory for accompanying our visitors.”
Boys continued, “To all our participants, make a difference in your own unique way. Continue exploring, discovering, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The world needs your unique perspective, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and passion. Remember, science knows no borders, and neither does your potential. You are the future of science, and the future is bright!”
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: Jordan Boys, Grade 9 at Vredenburg High School
- Best innovation: Thiedu de Preez, Grade 11 at Vredenburg High School
- Best energy project: Tracy Schnetler, Grade 11 at Curro Langebaan
- Best development project: Edwin Williams and Rayvern Vraagom, Grade 7 at St Andrews Primary School
Other special prizes were awarded at the event, including:
Prizes | Recipients |
West Coast Fossil Park Family of four entrance voucher
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Milani Songelwa, Siqamise Gogotya, Eli Mafuto, Timina Mondile; Vredenburg High School Ethan Mahoney, Armand Potgieter, Danea von Molendorf, Yoshwin Padayachee and Steph Richter; Curro Langebaan Akeelah Titus, Rehandre Blaauw, Mecklinn Davids, Jenevia Simmery and Mache Smeda; Noordhoek Primary School Riaz Africa, Tumelo Mokwena, Tristan Farao, Courtney Bock, Skylar Williams, Rhaneyah Manuel and Kelebogile Motlogelwa; Saldanha Primary School Shaneata Jonkers; St Andrews Primary School Weoska Fortuin, Janushka Cloete, Evandro Consalves and Lee-Shane Fransman; Diazville HIGH SCHOOL John-Roux Jantjies; Diazville Primary School |
West Coast National Park Entrance and educational tour voucher for classmates and 3 teachers
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Grade 7: Rayven Vraagom and Edwin Williams; St Andrews Primary School Grade 7: Tammy Lee and Provide Siquabe; Panorama Primary School Grade 11: Sisipho Hlhlahla; Louwville High School |
Department of Water and Sanitation
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First prize (certificate; water filtration testing kit; 8GB memory/flash drive; educational material): Evandro Consalves and Lee-Shane Fransman; Diazville High School
Second prize (certificate; 8GB memory/flash drive; educational material): Timina Mondile; Vredenburg High School
Third prize (certificate; 8GB memory/flash drive; educational material): Anastacia Erasmus; Moorreesburg High School |
Kropz Elandsfontein (laptop bag)
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Azharia Gounder, Joel Mafuto and Dyllin Rose; Saldanha Primary School Thiedu de Preez, Lucian Lombard and Kristi Coetzee; Vredenburg High School Edwin Williams and Rayvern Vraagom; St Andrews Primary School Rikus van Zyl and Johan Esterhuizen; Swartland High School |
Umoya Energy
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Laptop: Jordan Boys; Vredenburg High School Tablet computers: Tristan Farao and Tumelo Mokwena; Saldanha Primary School & Duran Farmer; Vredendal High School 8GB memory/flash drive: To each participant |
A total of nine highly coveted Gold medals were awarded at the awards ceremony, along with 18 Silver medals and 24 Bronze medals.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Ms Mologadi Motshele, said, “The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists exemplifies Eskom’s dedication to develop the next generation of skilled science and engineering professionals, not only in South Africa, but across the entire continent. Developing expertise in these critical fields and closing the developmental gap between nations is a global challenge. The Eskom Expo is a flagship initiative addressing this challenge, providing learners who are in school with a unique platform to showcase their talents, innovative ideas, and scientific projects. We encourage all aspiring scientists and engineers to take part in the Eskom Expo, as it offers invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and contributing to the advancement of our society.”
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said: “STEM education in South Africa holds immense potential to address socio-economic challenges and drive sustainable development. To prepare the youth for the challenges of tomorrow, Eskom Expo provides the youth with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. This prepares them to tackle local issues such as healthcare disparities, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development. By promoting gender and racial diversity in STEM fields, the nation can foster inclusive growth and empower marginalized communities. Thanks to our title sponsor Eskom, who invests in STEM education through the Eskom Expo, to empower individuals and strengthen the nation’s capacity to harness scientific advancements for the benefit of all South Africans, ensuring a prosperous and equitable future.”
For dates and venues of upcoming regional science fairs, click here.