The Ngaka Modiri Molema regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists were held at the Mmabatho High School Hall where learners had the opportunity to showcase their scientific and innovative brilliance.
A total of 188 learners from the region gathered on 5 August 2022 to display their projects, while 41 judges who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 160 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 49 entries. There were also a significant number of entries in Energy, Environmental Sciences and Social Sciences.
Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair Director in the Ngaka Modiri Molema region, Lerato Moseki, said: “Overall, the region managed to retain schools that participated in 2021. More than 70% of schools that participated before COVID took part in this year’s regional expo. It was pleasing to see that projects entered this year were across all the 13 categories.”
A total of 39 learners received bronze medals, while 23 received silver and 10 received gold.
The Eskom Special Award winners were: Paballo Bogosi and Regololetswe Kgomongoe from ZM Seatlholo Secondary School, William Mpe from Curro Academy Mahikeng, Keamogetswe Monnana from Ramotshere High School, along with Rebiditswe Menyatsoe and Omogolo Makgoba from Letlhakane Primary School. The winners were awarded Bluetooth headphones for their brilliant projects.
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 Ngaka Modiri Molema regional expo, contact Mmabatho Moloedi: 0784915052 | 0762572875
CreativeBox
