Brilliant young minds showcased extraordinary skills and knowledge at Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair. The 262 learners from Johannesburg gathered at Wits University to showcase their innovative science and engineering investigations for the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Regional Science Fair.
The fair held last week, was one of 38 regional science fairs planned in all provinces across South Africa.
The Engineering category proved to be the most popular, with 90 entries, followed by Environmental Studies with 40, Energy had 34 and Biomedical and Medical Sciences, 23.
Organisers said participating young scientists were pre-selected after taking part in various Expo activities throughout the year, including workshops, research and innovations camps, and district expos. During these events, learners received valuable feedback from a team of experts to enhance their research leading up to the regional competition.
The top young scientists were honoured with the prestigious Eskom Special Awards at the region’s awards ceremony.
The award recipients, who received Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers sponsored by Eskom, included best female, Naveera Chana, a Grade 8 pupil at Cooper College; best innovation went to Ismaail Hassen, Grade 10 pupil at Greenside High School; the best energy project came from Siphiwe Semenya, Grade 9 at Parktown High School for Girls; and the best development project award went to Liyanda Mthembu, who is in the Grade 4 at Kairos School of Inquiry
Jan Celliers Laerskool was awarded a trophy for having the most gold medal recipients among primary schools, while Parktown High School for Girls received a trophy for having the most gold medal recipients among secondary schools.
Additionally, a total of 69 highly coveted gold medals were awarded at the awards ceremony, along with 79 silver medals and 62 bronze medals.
Speaking to the Saturday Star, Semenya said her project aimed at finding an affordable solution for illumination during unscheduled power outages, load shedding or the lack of access to electricity.
She said the solution found was to utilise salt to increase the melting point of soy wax in candles and thereby increase the candle's burn time: “My project also highlighted a concerning reality: 5% of South Africans still use candles as their primary source of lighting in 2024, when there are many technologies this percentage just can't afford. The wealth gap at present is alarming and I hope this project has shed light on this issue.”
She said participating in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was empowering, “This experience reassured me that the curious minds in my generation will leave a positive impact. It was refreshing to see projects just like mine which aim to make a difference, even if the number of affected individuals are considered small by society. It only takes one person to care to initiate change.”
Hassen said his project, the Walk-Man: Visual Assistive device, aimed to redesign and repurpose the cane or guide dog that a visually impaired person used to assist them to walk into an electrical system.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the regional Expo as it was a great experience in which I made friends and received valuable feedback from the judges and other participants,” said Hassen
Chana said initially, she wanted to find out which plant absorbed the most carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Throughout the journey of her project, she encountered many challenges, and the project evolved into a system to measure the rate of photosynthesis in plants.
Chana said there were similar systems similar that were commercially available, but they cost over a million rand, which many researchers and universities couldn’t afford. Her system costs about the same as a low-end laptop.
“It's truly astonishing to learn how innovative and unique some of the projects were. My experience at the Expo was amazing! I've participated in the Expo before, but this year, it was even more fun because I reunited with the legendary friends that I had made last year at the Expo, shout out to my crew – you know who you are,” said Chana.
Gauteng Department of Education. Deputy Chief Education Specialist, Albert Bereng, said, “We witnessed the extraordinary skills and knowledge demonstrated by these brilliant young minds, who are not only the future leaders of our nation, but also the architects of a sustainable and prosperous tomorrow. The projects showcased at the fair exemplify the intricate fusion of knowledge and creativity in tackling real-world issues.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Mologadi Motshele, said the Expo served as a platform for learners to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the marvels of science.
“By igniting a passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI), the Expo broadens students’ scientific horizons, and inspires them to pursue careers in these fields. The Eskom Development Foundation remains committed to investment in STEMI through the Expo, with a particular focus on introducing previously disadvantaged individuals and girls to science and technology,” said Motshele.
She added: “By providing long-term support for the Expo, which stands as the only national initiative of its kind, the foundation aims to empower young minds and foster a diverse generation of future scientists and engineers.”
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, emphasised the need to nurture young scientists: “The Expo for Young Scientists plays an important role in inspiring young South African learners to engage in STEM activities like the regional science fairs, which expose learners to a spectrum of science-related disciplines.
“The research done in the build-up to the regional science fairs ignites curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By showcasing real-world solutions and career paths, the Expo motivates learners to pursue STEM education and careers, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical experience,” said Chetty.
Chetty said that the regional science fairs provided a platform for networking with experts, mentors, and industry leaders, fostering mentorship and collaboration.
Additionally, the Expo promoted diversity in STEM by encouraging participation from under-represented groups and empowering young women to envision themselves as future innovators and leaders.
Saturday Star
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