Learners who won awards for participating in the Eskom Expo Young Scientist competition. These learners are from Lekhulong High School, Eunice Primary and High School, and C&N Sekondere Meisieskool Oranje.

On 03 August 2024, Eskom Expo in partnership with the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), hosted the 2024 Regional Science Competition to embrace the innovative minds of young scientists from across the region. The event brought together 141 grades 6 to 12 learners from 28 schools to showcase their scientific talents and creativity. This event highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and promoting innovation in science and technology.

Top young scientists were honored with the esteemed Eskom Special Awards. The recipients were in the following categories: Best Female Scientist, Best Development Project, Best Energy Project, and Best Innovation were presented with a Bluetooth wireless speaker and wireless charger, generously sponsored by Eskom.

Best Female Scientist: Swanepoel Jana, a grade 8 learner from C&N Sekondere Meisieskool Oranje, received accolades for her project titled "Plantastic Pods: The Grow Stick Rooting Revolution for Seeds and Cuttings" under the Agricultural Sciences category.

Best Development Project: Maduna Realeboha, a grade 11 learner from Lekhulong Secondary School, was recognized for his project "The Preferred Light Intensity for Reading Across Different Age Groups" under the Social Sciences category.

Best Energy Project: Graham Emilie, a grade 7 learner from Eunice Primary School, impressed the judges with her project "DSE 2000 (Durable Solar Energy for 2000 years)" under the Energy category.

Best Innovation: Nwafor Nneka, a grade 9 learner from Eunice High School, stood out with her innovative project "Class Alert: A Vibrating Watch Device" under the Engineering category.

In addition to the individual awards, learners from Setjhaba se Maketse and Tlotlanang Combined School benefited from specialised training in Robotics, 3D Printing, and Laser Cutting. This training was provided by CUT, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, and Eskom Expo, and has played a pivotal role in enhancing the learners' skills and inspiring the development of their award-winning projects.

In an interview with Realeboha Maduna, a grade 11 learner from Lekhulong Secondary School and one of the award winners (Best Development award in the Social Sciences category), said that he is ecstatic to be among the stars and is proud of his hard work as it has proved that your background does not determine your future.

Uploaded: 08 August 2024