A total of 258 young scientists gathered at the Newcastle Show Hall in KwaZulu-Natal to exhibit their scientific brilliance at this year’s Eskom Expo Northern KZN Regional Science Fair.
Regional Science Fair Director, Manuel Govender said the resounding success of the fair on 26 July 2024 was accomplished by the hard work of District Coordinators in Ladysmith and Newcastle, who spent days and extensive hours evaluating, assisting and upgrading the projects of learners.
“I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank each and every one of our committee members and coordinators for their sterling efforts. A special thank you to Mr Moola (Ladysmith) and Mr Avesh Singh (Newcastle) for their exceptional contributions and guidance of the learners. Thank you to our Eskom Expo Provincial Coordinator, Nalini Dookie – we couldn’t have done this without your guidance and support. Our event would also not have been as exciting for our learners without the kind sponsorships of Eskom as well as our local partners: McDonalds Newcastle, ITEC Newcastle, Standard Bank, Bawa’s Furbishers, Boss Auto Repairs (Newcastle), Food Sock (Newcastle), Old Mutual (Ladysmith) and Masons Auto Styling (Ladysmith). Their generosity enabled us to reward the learners for their hard work and gift the volunteer judges with tokens to show our appreciation. We wish to encourage more schools to take part next year; and for learners who did not receive any awards, to upgrade their current projects and come back with a new desire to win,” said Govender.
This fair was the second of seven planned in the province. This year’s participants have been pre-selected after taking part in various Expo activities, including workshops, research and innovations camps, and district expos. During these events, learners received valuable feedback from a team of experts to enhance their research leading up to the regional competitions.
The Social Sciences category proved to be the most popular category, with 57 entries, followed by Engineering (44), Energy (28), Medical Sciences (27) and Agricultural Sciences (14).
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: Alouisé Van Loggerenberg, Grade 11 at Ladysmith High School
- Best innovation: Sohil Bharat, Grade 11 at Newcastle High School
- Best energy project: Sameer Rampersadh, Grade 12 at Lincoln Heights Secondary School
- Best development project: Nomvuzo Zondi, Grade 12 at Hlope Secondary School
The Best Project Award in Engineering with a specific focus on Agriculture was presented to Kriya Chowthee, a Grade 11 learner at St Dominic’s Newcastle, who received an Apple iPad sponsored by Standard Bank. Ayetheba Ndlovu and Cebo Makhanya, Grade 6 learners at Sipheni Primary School in Madadeni, were recognised as the Best Junior Scientists, while Safal Ramdharee, a Grade 11 learner at St Dominic’s Newcastle, was honoured as the Best Senior Scientist. All three learners received a cash prize and gifts sponsored by ITEC Newcastle.
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.”
For dates and venues of upcoming regional science fairs, click here.
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