VUYO MKIZE
IT WAS a meeting of smart, young and creative minds. Whether the designs were grand or simple, each team had one objective in mind – to impress a panel of judges with their eco-friendly innovations.
And impress they did.
Fifteen high schools from Joburg out of 5 780 entries nationwide were listed as finalists in the 2011 Smart Young Mindz competition – aimed at stimulating interest among pupils in the fields of mathematics, science, technology and entrepreneurship.
The Rivonia Sports Club hall was transformed into a vibrant exhibition centre on Friday as cardboard, wire, electric, plastic and combinations of all four materials were turned into impressive contraptions by Grade 8 to 10 pupils.
MEC for economic development in Gauteng Qedani Mahlangu visited each of the stalls and told Katlehong Technical High School pupils – who had created what they termed “The Relevants Theme park” – that they had created a “very good project for enhancing children’s numeracy and literacy skills”.
Hoërskool Hendrik Verwoerd was named the overall winner of the competition.
The pupils created a strong substance out of recycled newspaper, silicone and clay, which they modelled into bricks. Their suggestion was that it could be used in precast walls.
The school was awarded R45 000, while each of the participating pupils walked away with an iPad 2.