The West Coast regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists took place in Saldanha at the White City Multipurpose Centre on Wednesday 3 August.
The expo gave learners from various schools in the West Coast the opportunity to display their science and innovation research projects.
A total of 88 local learners took part and showcased their innovative science, engineering and social investigations, while 33 judges who consisted of educators, specialists, scholars in the various competition categories and Eskom Expo enthusiasts evaluated and gave scores to the 66 projects that were on exhibition.
This year the most entries were in the Social Sciences category, with 11 entries. There were also a significant number of entries in environmental studies, agricultural sciences and animal sciences.
A total of 22 learners received bronze medals, while 17 received silver and six received gold.
“As the funder of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, it has been a welcoming return to form to be able to host a physical expo in the region this year. It was impressive how learners, especially previously disadvantaged learners and girls, were able to develop such innovative projects while still at school, giving assurance that the future is in good hands,” said Cecil Ramonotsi, Eskom Development Foundation Chief Executive Officer.
Nthato Minyuku, Eskom Group Executive: Government and Regulatory Affairs, said Eskom believes the annual event is a catalyst for learners to get into STEM sectors. “Eskom is committed to nurturing South Africa’s brightest young minds through regional science fairs, where they are able to present their innovations and exposed to the diversity of career opportunities in the scientific world.”
Learners in the region who advance to the International Science Fair, which will be held virtually in October, will compete against the best performing young scientists around the country. At this prestigious event, learners may win prizes and bursaries, along with scholarships and various opportunities. Learners also stand a chance to be selected to showcase their research or innovation at an international science fair in the United States of America, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa.
