More than a hundred aspiring young scientists gathered at the Grey Boys Primary School to showcase their science and innovation research projects for the Port Elizabeth regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
A total of 154 learners from the region showcased their innovative science, engineering and social investigations, while 48 judges who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 134 projects that were on exhibition on 4 and 5 August.
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 earth sciences category with 16 entries. There were also a significant number of entries in energy, engineering and the biomedical and medical sciences
Eskom Expo’s Eastern Cape Provincial Coordinator, Fredy Mashate said: “Seeing our learners creatively showcasing their passion through innovative scientific projects is always a highlight; it gives us hope that the future of our country and continent is in good hands.”
The Eskom Special Award winners, who were awarded Bluetooth headsets, were:
- Best Energy Project: Luke Boswell, Pearson High School
- Best Innovation Project: Logan Rieder, Grey Boys Junior School
- Best Development Project: Hamish Bardien, Paterson High School
- Best female Project: Litshawe Breakfast, Paterson High School
A total of 29 learners received bronze medals, while 42 received silver and 64 received gold. Learners from Grey Boys Junior School received the most number of gold medals and medals overall.
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 Port Elizabeth regionals, contact:
Mr Fredy Mashate: fredy@exposcience.org.za/
Dr Marilyn Gibbs: mgibbs@pearsonhighschool.com
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