KARIEGA – Forty-two learners from 10 schools in Nelson Mandela Bay recently showcased 37 projects at this year’s Regional Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, with 19 entries progressing to the regional stage, and the learners mentored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Science & Technology Centre (NMB STC) came away with an impressive haul of medals and special awards.

The STC-supported group earned nine gold, four silver, and one bronze award, alongside three special category prizes.

Iminathi Boyce, a Grade 10 learner at Phaphani Senior Secondary School, took Best Project in Earth Science for a study on the comparative efficacy of eucalyptus and black wattle biochar for grey water purification in informal settlements.

Ayabonga Ndokweni, also in Grade 10 at Phaphani Senior Secondary School, won Best Project in Plant Science for a quantitative analysis of the xylem suction mechanism.

Nathan Benadé, a Grade 9 learner at Daniel Pienaar Technical High School, was awarded Best Junior Category Project for Mathematics for his investigation, titled “The Geometric Blueprint: Investigating the golden ratio connection between the great pyramid and the earth-moon system.”

The NMB STC, which promotes participation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) across the Bay, provided mentorship and research support to the learners throughout the process.

The Centre’s outreach and education team, Pumza Tshebe, Zingisa Gono, Zanele Monki, an intern from the Human Science Research Council, guided the learners from project conception through to the regional competition.

“We are incredibly proud of these learners and the hard work they put into their projects,” said Singathwa Poswa, Research, Innovation & Sustainability Manager at the STC. “Their success shows what’s possible when young people are given the tools, mentorship, and encouragement to explore STEMI subjects.”

The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is a national science fair that gives learners the opportunity to present their own scientific investigations. It challenges them to identify real-world problems, conduct research, analyse data, develop solutions, and communicate their findings.

As a partner of the Expo, the NMB STC is responsible for promoting participation among Bay schools, providing mentorship and research support, and hosting the district-level competition.

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