GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Eden Karoo regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists were held at 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.
The 65 projects that were on exhibition were evaluated and scored by 24 judges, who are educators, specialists and scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts.
This was one of 35 regional expos planned in all provinces across South Africa. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was the first Eskom Expo science fair held physically since 2019.
This year, the biggest number of entries was seen in the engineering category (20). There were also a significant number of entries in environmental studies, physics and social sciences.
According to the director of the expo for the Eden Karoo region, Leana Robinson, 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," she said.
A total of 17 learners received bronze medals, while 18 received silver and eight received gold. Outeniqua High School learners received the biggest number of gold medals and medals, overall.
The silver prizewinners are, back from left: Nathan Mattheus (Point HS), Abukwe Xhasha (Garden Route HS), Sesethu Resha (Garden Route HS), Caelum de Lange (Outeniqua HS), Sanele Maki (Jonga HS), Chloe Parry (Bridgton SS), Pieter Roux (Outeniqua HS) and Christlin Ferreira (Outeniqua HS). Front: Mienke van der Merwe (Outeniqua HS), Bianca Fitzgerald (Point HS), Kay-Sean Henkerman (Van Reede PS), Jayden Fry (Van Reede PS), Lané Cooper (Bridgton SS), Kelsey Justus (Outeniqua HS) and Xante Potgieter
The Eskom Special Award winners were:
School Learners Grade Category Sub Category Project Title
BEST FEMALE
Outeniqua HS - Janelle Greyling, Grade 9 ENG Civil and Industrial Engineering: Passive Water Harvesting/Collecting
BEST ENERGY
Outeniqua High School - Jaco Jacobs Grade 10 ENG Electrical, Electronics and Embedded Systems: Automated Inflation and Pressure Regulation for Recreational and Professional Cyclists
BEST DEVELOPMENT
Jonga Street SS - Sisipho Skhotha, Grade 10 SOC Psychology: Sport Psychology
BEST INNOVATION
Punt High School - Abigail Marais, Grade 9 ENG Civil and Industrial Engineering: Gutter Cleaners.
Eskom Development Foundation CEO Cecil Ramonotsi said that, as funder of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, Eskom was happy 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," he added.
"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."
Group executive of government and regulatory affairs at Eskom Nthato Minyuku said Eskom is committed to nurturing South Africa's brightest young minds through regional science fairs, where they can present their innovations and are 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 can win prizes and bursaries, along with scholarships and various other opportunities. They can also 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.
The Special Award winners at the regional Eskom Expo are, from left: Best Female Project: Janelle Greyling (Outeniqua HS); Best Energy Project: Jaco Jacobs (Outeniqua HS); Best Development: Sisipho Skhotha (Jonga HS) and Best Innovation: Abigail Marais (Point HS).
Winners of bronze medals, back from left: Musa Mbolekwa (Indwe SS), Onesimo Mendu (HM Dlikidla PS), Kamvalethu Njende (Jonga HS), Dylan Johnson (Van Reede PS), Ifeoma Ubadi (Concordia HS), Mzayifani Mihlali (Indwe SS), Asive Nzimeni (Concordia HS) and Annemarie Burger (Van Reede PS). Front: Phandle Ndiyakholwa (HM Dlikidla PS), Nerimani Ashley (Indwe SS), Olwethu Mgcineni and Awonke Qabo (KwaNokuthula PS), Sixaxeni Linomtha (Indwe SS), Lucian van der Ross (Van Reede PS) and Anita Mqeka (Concord)
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