Enthusiastic young scientists seized the opportunity to exhibit their remarkable scientific and innovative research projects at this year’s regional final of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in the Capricorn/Sekhukhune region.
Eskom Expo’s Limpopo Provincial Coordinator, Dr Sure Mupezeni, said: “An impressive assembly of 160 learners spanning grades 4 to 12 from the region, convened to showcase their research projects during the event held at the Nirvana Civic Centre in Polokwane on 5 August 2023. A meticulous assessment of the 124 exhibited projects was orchestrated by a panel of 63 evaluators, composed of educators, specialists, scholars, and enthusiastic supporters of the Eskom Expo initiative”.
This regional exposition was one of 38 events planned across all provinces of South Africa. This year witnessed a surge in entries, particularly in the Engineering category, which boasted 42 projects. Moreover, the participation in categories such as Energy and Environmental Sciences was notably substantial, underscoring the event’s diverse and impactful nature.
Four exceptional young scientists were awarded the prestigious Eskom Special Awards at the region’s awards ceremony. The learners, who received Bluetooth speakers, were:
- Best female: Malebo Maenetja from Bokamoso Secondary School
- Best innovation: Kenneth Mphago from Klaas Mothapo
- Best energy project: Tumelo Ramokone from Northern Academy Curro
- Best development project: Mokgaetsi Riba from LEAP Maths and Science
Other special prizes included dictionaries, scientific calculators and trophies that were sponsored by Ranyaka/ Nedbank. These were awarded to:
- Makola Mabushi and Mahubedu Boiketlo from Maremola Primary School
- Moshibudi Sehoana from Badimong Primary School
- Puseletso Marotola from MP Malatjie Primary School
The Capricorn District Municipality awarded trophies and dictionaries to the best water purification project, along with the best Social Science-, Agricultural Science-, and Computer Science projects to the following learners:
- Innocent Komane from LEAP Maths and Science Schools
- Kgothatso Sekgobela from LEAP Maths and Science Schools
- Keretile Tshehla from LEAP Maths and Science Schools
- Lesego Tau from Maremele Primary School
Furthermore, a total of 38 learners received bronze medals, 18 were awarded silver, and six received the highly esteemed gold medals. Notably, learners from Northern Academy Curro secured the highest number of gold medals, and overall medals at the event.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, emphasised the need to nurture young scientists through the Eskom Expo. “The event forms a vital part of South Africa’s broader strategy to invest in skills development, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) at the school level while providing a platform for talented young scientists to present their innovations and gain exposure to exciting career opportunities in diverse scientific fields. The impressive projects showcased by learners, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and girls, highlight a promising future ahead. Congratulations to all the medal winners, and best wishes for even greater accomplishments at the upcoming Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF),” he said.
Advancing learners from the region will have the opportunity to compete against the country’s most exceptional young scientists at the ISF, scheduled for October 2023. This prestigious event offers participants the chance to win prizes, bursaries, scholarships, and various other opportunities. Moreover, learners stand a chance to be selected to present their research and innovations at international science fairs held in the United States of America, Asia, Europe, and across Africa.
For dates and venues of upcoming regional science fairs, click here.
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