- Eskom hosted the annual International Science Fair in Boksburg this week.
- The utility awarded as many as 23 bursaries valued at R450 000.
- Other bursaries were awarded by sponsors Siemens and the University of Pretoria.
This week, energy utility Eskom held the Eskom Expo International Science Fair. Each year young scientists gather to showcase their projects in hopes of earning a bursary to further their studies after high school.
The Science Fair took place at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg this week and 23 bursaries valued at R450 000 were awarded to hardworking high school learners. Eskom also awarded four special awards including Best Female, Best Development, Best Energy, and Best Innovation projects.
The winner of the award for Best Female Project was Grade 11 learner from Bryanston High School, Likitha Chundru. The project showcased a novel method to increase the germination of non-legume plants using Rhizobium spp. Bacteria.
The Best Development Project was won by Amogelang Mampane from Soshanguve Automotive School of Specialisation who’s technical knowledge about electric vehicles impressed the judges this week.
Bryanston High School learners won again in the Best Innovation Project award. Here Keerthana Nair won thanks to a project that showcased an easy and quick way to detect tuberculosis in sputum. The project could help with the early detection of TB in areas with limited medical resources.
As for the energy project award, that was won by Sithembile Hlehliso and Kabelo Sekoere from Senakangwedi High School in Bloemfontein. Their project investigated ways to make solar panels more efficient.
In addition, Siemens awarded two full bursaries including tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meal allowances and a notebook. The winners here were Kabelo Sekoere and Simthembile Hlehliso from Senakangwedi Secondary School. The bursaries they were awarded amount to nearly R1 million each.
The winner of the University of Pretoria/Dr Derek Gray Memorial Award was Lethabo Molobi from Zinniaville Secondary School. Her project “Can humans recognise text produced by AI chatbots?” won her 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 she meets the required criteria.
“Your achievements are a testament to your hard work, dedication, and boundless curiosity. We are ecstatic to see a growing number of young women scientists emerging as true change agents in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation,” acting chief executive officer at the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele remarked.
“Your accomplishments serve as an inspiration to countless others, demonstrating that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s passion and making a significant impact on society at large. As you bask in the glow of your well-deserved awards, know that you are shaping the future of STEMI and contributing to a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. This is just the beginning. The journey ahead is bound to be filled with even greater discoveries, and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions you will continue to make,” added Motshele.
Sponsors of the Science Fair include the University of Pretoria, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Department of Science and Innovation, the Department of Public Enterprises, the Department of Basic Education, Siemens, and Eskom itself.
In addition, FFS, Babcock International, Ekurhuleni Drums, Trisim Logistics, Berea Plumbers and the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NIThECS) supported learners with laptop computer sponsorships.
“I wish to thank the many partners and sponsors who share our vision of promoting STEMI education by rewarding deserving young scientists for their hard work and dedication. Whilst all finalists are already winners by making it to ISF, and some will walk away with fantastic rewards, all will leave this event more enriched with new experiences during the week, new friends from across the world, and will now be Expo ambassadors back home, executive director at Eskom Expo, Parthy Chetty said in a statement.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants in this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair. You can find the full list of all winners on the official expo website here.
