Young scientists impress at Eden Karoo regional expo

The Eden Karoo regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists were held at the Outeniqua High School on 29 and 30 July, where learners had the opportunity to display their science and innovation research projects.

A total of 100 learners from the region gathered to showcase their innovative science, engineering and social investigations, while 24 judges who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 65 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 Engineering category with 20 entries. There were also a significant number of entries in Environmental studies, Physics & Social Sciences.

Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair Director in the Eden Karoo region, Leana Robinson, said: “Learners used the opportunity to showcase their innovations in science and technology. It is important to provide such opportunities that help nurture and develop young scientists so they can be equipped to solve the challenges of tomorrow”.

A total of 17 learners received bronze medals, while 18 received silver and 8 received gold. Learners from Outeniqua High School received the most number of gold medals and medals, overall.

The Eskom Special Award winners were:

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 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 Eden Karoo region, contact Leana Robinson: leanarob@gmail.com