A GROUP of exceptional young scientists from South Africa were awarded after successfully showcasing their scientific research at the Grand Final of the Indonesia International Science, Technology and Engineering Competition (ISTEC) in Bali.
The four learners, who were all awarded medals, had won the opportunity to present their research projects at the ISTEC from May 10 to 14, while competing at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), held in December last year.
Luke Boswell, a Grade 9 learner at Pearson High School in Gqeberha, was awarded a gold medal for the research project titled, “Investigating the performance and output of the Savonius, Darrieus and Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines”. Boswell created his own miniature wind turbines to determine which type of wind turbine, performing at different wind speeds, produced the most power.
“It was an honour to win a gold medal at the ISTEC. When I first joined Eskom Expo, I never thought I would make it this far and winning this medal signifies more of what’s to come with the Expo in the future. The ISTEC was such an amazing experience. Other than the competition itself, I got to meet so many new people and make memories that I will never forget,” he said.
Another gold medal winner at the competition was Matthew Crouch, a Grade 10 learner at Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch.
Taking home silver was Zariah Parker, a Grade 10 learner at Star College Cape Town, and another silver medal winner was Ndzhaka Mukela Siweya, a Grade 12 learner at Khanyisa Learning Centre in Giyani, Limpopo.
CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, Sumaya Nassiep, extended her warm congratulations to the young scientists for their remarkable achievements.
“As the funder of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, we wish to recognise the dedication, passion, and hard work of the medal-winning learners. Their exceptional accomplishments at the ISTEC highlight the significance of their contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI). It also emphasises the importance of the Expo, nurturing a strong interest in STEMI among learners,” she said.
Encouraging more future young scientists to explore the STEMI fields, Nassiep emphasised the potential for future breakthroughs and advancements that could positively impact society. Her words served as an inspiring call to action, inviting young minds to embrace STEMI and pursue their scientific passions with enthusiasm and determination.
Registration to take part in Eskom Expo is open. Learners in grades 4 to 12, along with learners from TVET colleges who are in NC2 to NC4, can register their projects on myexpo.science.
