Just last week, the Eskom Expo International Science Fair saw top young scientists awarded for their exhibitions in Boksburg.
The ambitious young scientists successfully exhibited their ground-breaking research projects at this year’s Science Fair and walked away with a plethora of life-changing awards.
BusinessTech Africa has received a media statement indicating that the top senior Eskom Expo ISF scientist, walked away with a R75,000 cash prize and it was Yu Tang Shan from St John’s College in Johannesburg.
Tang’s research project focused on “SMARter: Soil Moisture Artificially Intelligent”. The top junior Eskom Expo scientist who clinched a cool R50, 000 cash prize was Minje Le Roux from Durbanville Primary School in Cape Town, for the research project entitled: “Tricky Traffic”.
Meanwhile, Brandon de Greef who is enrolled at Crawford International Ruimsig in Johannesburg was awarded the prestigious University of Pretoria/Professor Derek Gray Memorial Award for the research project entitled: “Powdered insulators for high voltage applications”.
The award consists of the Derek Gray Gold Medal, attendance at the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar during Nobel Week, and a three-year study bursary in the sciences or engineering at the University of Pretoria provided he meets the required criteria.
Per the media release, a total of 253 of South Africa’s top researchers and innovators competed alongside 17 international young scientists from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mexico, Mozambique, Turkey, and Zimbabwe from 7 to 9 December at the ISF held physically for the first time in two years.
Nthato Minyuku, Eskom Group Executive: Government and Regulatory Affairs praised the exhibitors and winners, saying they are inspired by the kids.
“This was an exciting return to form for the Eskom Expo International Science Fair after a two-year physical absence,” she said.
“We are inspired to see young scientists tackle issues that affect their communities, including attempts to develop various solutions, from creating sustainable energy-efficient homes to improving infrastructure to cost-effective green solutions. Eskom is proud to be part of the Expo for more than 20 years, as the Expo provides greater exposure to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) activities from a young age, which is an important driver for the transformation of our economy and the creation of a better world for all.”
One of the sponsors, engineering and digital technology giant Siemens, awarded nine lower quintile ranking schools in South Africa each with a Samsung public address (PA) system. The learners who won this prize for their school, each received a trophy and a tablet computer. Siemens also awarded a bursary to Ndivhuwo Malada from Bokamoso Senior Secondary School in Limpopo.
Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO for Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa said they are delighted to return and be part of the Eskom Expo.
“We are happy to be back at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in-person, after a two-year separation due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Siemens is proud to be a continuous supporter of the science fair, contributing to STEMI education in Africa, where it is desperately needed,” said Dall’Omo.
“Here, STEMI-related skills will greatly benefit the continent’s growth and development by building capacity for a knowledgeable and skilled local STEMI workforce that will lead the way for Africa to reach global economic competitiveness and advance the continent in various fields including health, food production, infrastructure, environment, and manufacturing. Our continued collaboration with the Eskom Expo solidifies our commitment to progressing the skills, development, and training of Africa’s future engineers. We are proud of all our winners and to be changing the lives of young Africans.”
Meanwhile, the Meiring Naudé Award for the most inspiring project went to Dia Singh from St Dominics Newcastle High School in Kwa-Zulu Natal; while BABCOCK awarded laptops to Tumelo Ramokone (Capricorn), among others.
