HARRISMITH: A total of 42 gold medals, 56 silver medals and 64 bronze medals were presented to outstanding budding scientists at the first leg of the provincial Eskom Expo for Young Scientists competition. The first event was held at the New Horizon College in Harrismith on 26 July.
It featured 163 projects showcased by 233 young scientists from Gr. 4 to Gr.12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) NC(V) level 2 to NC(V) level 4 students. These learners progressed in their respective expo events after taking part in various activities throughout the year.
The most popular categories at this year’s event were Engineering and Social Sciences, with 38 entries each. This was followed by a strong participation in Environmental Sciences, with 19 entries. The Energy, and Biomedical and Medical Sciences categories had 15 and 13 entries, respectively.
The participants were recognised for excellence showcased in research and innovation in the various categories of the annual competition. The winners received prizes that include Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers, and cash prizes ranging from R500 to R1 000.
The top prize winners are Eman Akram and Astrid Lwamba, Gr.11 learners of the Ladybrand Academy Combined School, in the category for best female for their innovative project titled “Curing HIV Through the Transplant of Stem Cells”.
Moliehi Mokoena and Lesedi Mthembu, Gr.11 learners of the Beacon Secondary School, received a prize for best innovation for their project called “Sonic Fire Suppressor”.
Katleho Ntsutle and Neo Khiba received the Best Energy prize for their project “Microbial Fuel Cell”.
The Gr.6 pair of Baatile Mokoena and Boikarabelo Rantsho were recognised for their difficult opening medicine container. They are learners of the Mamafubedu Public School.
A total of 557 budding scientists have been selected to compete at the three provincial events.
They were chosen from more than17 500 learners who participated in various expo activities, including workshops designed to elevate scientific skills.
